The £125m development, known as the St Paul’s Quarter, will consist of more than 320 flats and shops and restaurants across 20 individual buildings of between two and five storeys.

The development bounded by Newhall Street, Graham Street, Brook Street, James Street and Northwood Street has been master-planned and designed by architect Glenn Howells.  

Two Grade II listed buildings at the site – 109 Northwood Street, the former Harper’s Hill Works, and a neo-Georgian factory on the corner of Newhall Street and James Street – will be preserved.

Northwood Street historic buildings will be preserved

The developers propose to retain a further two buildings considered to be of architectural merit: 123 Northwood Street, which extends to Regent Place, and 128 Northwood Street.

Plans include a new pedestrian boulevard from Newhall Street into the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Northwood Street, now a private road serving the AE Harris factory, will also be opened up to public.

A public square (above) will be incorporated, in the centre of the scheme, surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants at street level.

The development is anticipated to take five years to complete.