Clarendon Suites Site in Edgbaston to be Brought Forward by Wavensmere Homes
Development proposals for the landmark former Clarendon Suites in Edgbaston, Birmingham, are being brought forward by regeneration specialist Wavensmere Homes. The 1.39 Ha (3.43-acre) site has lain vacant for over a decade. Feedback from local residents is being sought for the emerging plans for 165 new houses and apartments.
The prime development opportunity is located off Clarendon Road and the arterial A456 Hagley Road, which spans from the Black Country and M5 motorway, through Birmingham’s leafy western suburbs and into the heart of the city centre. Opened to great fanfare in 1971, the largely windowless John Madin-designed structure functioned as Clarendon Suites by the Warwickshire Masonic Brethren until its closure in February 2014. It staged conferences, exhibitions and banquets, in addition to use as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire Masons.
A significant fire broke out in February 2019 and demolition and site clearance followed in 2022. Wavensmere Homes was chosen as the preferred developer following recent marketing of the development land by JLL’s Birmingham residential team.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to be selected to reanimate this landmark site, which holds so many memories for those who grew up and socialised in Edgbaston. We are consulting with stakeholders and welcome comments and feedback from local people to ensure this prime site is redeveloped in the most sustainable way.”
Glancy Nicholls Architects and planning consultancy RPS Tetra Tech have been appointed by Wavensmere to design the residential scheme, which reflects the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. 75 three-bedroom townhouses and 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments are proposed, complimented by 0.55Ha of public open space and 0.18Ha of private communal space for residents’ use, which will be equipped as a children’s play area.
Vehicular access to the site is proposed from Stirling Road. Mature category A trees will be retained along Hagley Road, with additional planting and biodiversity net gains. The latest Future Homes Standard green energy features will be incorporated into the proposals for the new homes, with the highest EPC rating of A targeted.
William Cox, lead director – Residential for JLL Birmingham, said: “Surrounded by the grand period residences of Edgbaston, yet only a mile from Birmingham city centre, there are few vacant sites that have the scope and potential of Clarendon Suites.
“With a handful of the best schools in the Midlands in walking distance, together with attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston Priory Club, a plethora of fine heritage assets, and the upmarket eateries and amenities of Edgbaston village, this is a highly established residential location that appeals to all ages.
“Wavensmere Homes has become one of the region’s most prominent residential developers and we are looking forward to seeing their vision for this site come to life. We are confident that their dynamic approach to different housing typologies will bring about an outstanding new community.”
Headquartered in nearby Calthorpe Road, Wavensmere Homes has 3,500 homes on site, or currently in planning. The 10-year old company is in the final phase of the £175m redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary – Nightingale Quarter has brought 925 energy-efficient houses, apartments, and commercial space to the previously vacant 18.5-acre site in Derby city centre. The multi-award winning national urban regeneration specialist is constructing six additional major brownfield regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham, Cheltenham, Derbyshire, Ipswich and Wolverhampton, and has further projects in the immediate pipeline.
Feedback from local residents can be submitted by completing the online form on www.B16clarendon.co.uk, via email to feedback@B16clarendon.co.uk, or via a Freepost comments form distributed locally
