The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) welcomes positive progress in discussions with Birmingham City Council regarding the future of council-owned buildings in the Jewellery Quarter, specifically the area known as the ‘Cafe Block’ on Vyse Street.
This follows concerns raised in October 2025 about the proposed sale of a number of properties in the Quarter, specifically 36 – 41 Vyse Street and 2, 4 and 6 Hylton Street. Since then, a coordinated response from across the jewellery sector has helped bring about a more constructive approach.
Action has been spearheaded by Jewellers of the Jewellery Quarter, a community group within the NAJ along with support from the JQDT and the JQBID. Together, these organisations have worked closely with Birmingham City Council to ensure the voice of the local trade is heard.
As a result of these discussions, existing tenants within the ‘Cafe Block’ are now being fully consulted and given the opportunity to renew their leases. This provides much-needed reassurance for the specialist businesses based there, many of which are integral to the Quarter’s unique ecosystem of jewellery and allied trades.
In addition, Birmingham City Council has committed to introducing further controls to prevent these buildings from being repurposed in ways that would undermine the area’s industrial and craft heritage. This is a significant step in protecting the long-term role of the Jewellery Quarter as a working district for makers.
The Council has also agreed to pause the disposal of other buildings within the Jewellery Quarter. This creates space for further dialogue and a more considered approach to the future of these assets.
All parties have committed to meeting on a regular basis to continue discussions and to address the evolving needs of the jewellery trade. This includes looking at how workspace can be protected and supported in a way that aligns with the Jewellery Quarter’s status as a World Craft City and its long-standing contribution to the UK’s jewellery industry.
Matthew Bott, Chair, JQDT said,
We are encouraged by the progress made and the willingness from all parties to work together. The Jewellery Quarter is a unique and nationally significant asset, and it is vital that its buildings continue to support the makers and businesses that define it. This outcome shows what can be achieved through collaboration, and we look forward to continuing these discussions to secure the Quarter’s future.
Rachel Morrish, Chair of the Jewellers of the JQ said,
I’m really encouraged by the stronger communication and growing sense of connection we’re seeing across the Jewellery Quarter in more recent times. More beneficial plans for jewellers are now starting to taking shape, both for the short term and the longer term, with real momentum building around place, people and skills, and business support.
Luke Crane, CEO, Jewellery Quarter BID said,
It’s really encouraging to see the progress that’s been made through genuine collaboration across the sector. From the outset, bringing partners together and ensuring a unified voice has been key, and it’s great to see that approach leading to meaningful outcomes for the Jewellery Quarter.
The ‘Cafe Block’ is home to a number of important independent businesses, and these steps provide much-needed confidence for those tenants while reinforcing the wider commitment to protecting the Quarter’s unique mix of craft, industry and heritage.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with partners and Birmingham City Council to build on this momentum and ensure the Jewellery Quarter remains a thriving, productive place for generations to come.
The JQDT remains committed to constructive engagement with Birmingham City Council and partners across the sector to ensure that the Jewellery Quarter continues to thrive as a centre of craft, industry and heritage.
