£65m revamp to create jobs

Hundreds of jobs are to be created in Birmingham when the site of a former museum undergoes a multi-million pound re-vamp.

The £65m scheme dubbed "Jewellery box" will see the site of the former Science Museum, in The Jewellery Quarter, turned into an entertainment complex.

A hotel, bars restaurants and shops, as well as several visitor attractions and a health and leisure club will be included in the new complex.

The 2.3 acre site in Newhall Street is to be developed by the firm St. Bernard's property and will also include affordable housing.

Important site

The former Elkington plating works on the site, which has been listed by English Heritage, will still undergo some development.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Andrew Coulson said it was an important site at the gateway of the Jewellery Quarter.

"It will greatly improve the area and the canal corridor while retaining historic buildings which are an important part of Birmingham's heritage.

"It is a classic example of a mixed use scheme creating a great place for people to live, work and play and a great opportunity to bring extra visitors into the Jewellery Quarter."