Birmingham’s Grand Central redevelopment has led the way for a revitalisation of the city centre. This latest investment will allow the industrial heritage which made Birmingham great to play as much of a role in the regeneration going on across the city as the 21st century architecture and on-going commercial development.

“The concentration of jewellery and metalworking craftsmanship to be found in the Jewellery Quarter is unequalled anywhere in the world. It has been a hub of expertise for more than two and a half centuries,” said Anne Jenkins, Deputy Director of Operations at HLF. “Thanks to National Lottery players we are able to support three superb projects that will help to restore and re-energise this area to safeguard its special heritage, strengthen its future potential, and contribute to the city’s prosperity.”

[quote=Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood]"These projects will put the heritage and history of Birmingham at the heart of the city’s on-going regeneration." [/quote]

The cumulative impact of these three projects, on top of HLF’s previous investment in the area with awards to Newman Coffinworks restoration, the Birmingham Pen Museum, and the Birmingham Assay Office, will provide a huge boost for the area.

Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said: “This is fantastic news for the Jewellery Quarter, and for Birmingham. These three projects will put the heritage and history of Birmingham at the heart of the city’s on-going regeneration, and I’m delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is continuing to invest in the area”.

Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage Initiative

The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust will be able to restore five listed, derelict or partly vacant properties in the ‘industrial middle’ of the Quarter’s Conservation Area. Three of the properties – all Grade II listed structures - at 46, Frederick Street; 6, Legge Lane; and 36-46 Vittoria Street are currently too dangerous to enter, and the project will restore them for people to use.

Volunteers will also research the history of buildings and the lives of those who lived or worked in them, as well as working with artists and actors to create street plays to bring the uncovered stories to life.

Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries

Birmingham City Council will restore Key Hill Cemetery, created by Nonconformists in 1836, and nearby Warstone Lane Cemetery, laid out by Anglicans in 1848. These two burial grounds made use of spectacular former quarry sites to create a dramatic series of catacombs in the redundant quarried faces. The cemeteries have long since ceased to be used for burials but provide a haven for wildlife in the midst of the urban area.

The New Standard Works

Ruskin Mill Land Trust has been awarded an initial £39,800 to develop a detailed plan to restore the Grade II listed former industrial building whose curved façade graces Vittoria Street and Regent Place.

The Trust will now prepare a plan for a full grant of nearly £890,000 to restore the building and create a Heritage Gallery that would act as a visitor centre for the Jewellery Quarter plus a community workshop, a cafe and makers’ studios available to craftspeople.