The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) is deeply concerned by Birmingham City Council’s decision to sell a number of council-owned buildings in the Jewellery Quarter. We call on the council to halt the sale and we stand ready to participate in a consultation with the council and other partners to find an alternative approach.
It is particularly disappointing to see this proceeding so soon after the granting of World Craft City status to Birmingham because of its 250 year old jewellery trade.
These properties are home to many specialist workshops that form part of the jewellery and allied trades ecosystem. The area produces over 40% of all UK-made jewellery and generates nearly £1 billion a year for the economy.
With partners, the JQDT led the production of the Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Plan, which became part of Birmingham’s statutory development plan following a referendum of businesses and residents in July 2023. The Neighbourhood Plan was developed to protect and provide creative workspace – including for the jewellery and allied trades, safeguard the Jewellery Quarter’s heritage, and harness development to deliver improvements to the area.
We are calling on Birmingham City Council to:
- Halt the sale of these buildings
- Undertake a proper public consultation with tenants, residents and local partners.
- Work with the JQDT and other local and national stakeholders to explore alternative solutions which keep makers in place and protect the Jewellery Quarter’s ecosystem.
The JQDT remains committed to constructive dialogue with the Council and to ensuring that the long-term future of Birmingham’s world-class jewellery trade is safeguarded.
