Sama Investment Group has been granted planning permission to construct an 85-unit canalside residential block on a brownfield site in the heart of Birmingham. The multi-million pound project, next to one of the West Midland’s main waterways and within walking distance of major transport hubs, is expected to be completed in 2026.
The “Brickworks Canalside” development, fronting onto Watery Lane Middleway and Bolton Street, comprises a new eight-story building with 7 three-bed, 33 two-bed, and 45 one-bed units. Sama’s new residential complex includes multiple communal features, such as a communal social space, a communal gym, and cycle storage for 144 bicycles onsite. There are also provisions for communal office space, with 38 square meters of hot-desking included in the plans.
Sama’s “Brickworks Canalside” scheme gives a nod to Birmingham’s industrial heritage, creating an open vista over the Grand Union Canal, while the development is named after a brick factory that historically existed opposite the site. The plans also incorporate biodiversity and clean air features, such as a ‘living wall’ on the southern edge that will break up the view of the building, and 311 sq. m of roof terraces spread over two rooftops.
“We are seeking to breathe life into one of the most underused sites in Birmingham City Centre. Our approved “Brickworks Canalside” scheme on Watery Lane Middleway means we can resurrect this derelict plot of land with much-needed new homes in a modern, communally friendly building. We hope it will also encourage more activity along this historic section of the Grand Union Canal,” said Bilal Ahmed, the co-founder and chairman of Sama Investment Group.
The Watery Lane development is in line with Birmingham City Council’s “Big City Plan”, which aims to create over 5,000 new homes, while also improving connectivity across the city centre. Sama’s Watery Lane site is a 13-minute walk to the HS2 on Curzon Street, and a 15-minute walk to the forthcoming Birmingham Eastside Metro extension.
The 0.4-acre “Brickworks Canalside” site, located in Birmingham’s historic Digbeth quarter between Middleway, Bolton Street, and the Grand Union Canal, is currently used for car sales. The area, popularised in the television drama Peaky Blinders, was historically once home to Birmingham’s street gangs.
