The Orchard
Birmingham
Birmingham YMCA, Mercian HA, Zenith
BBLB’s proposals for the flagship redevelopment of YMCA Birmingham’s Erdington site at Reservoir Road comprise innovative residential accommodation which will be located to the rear of the existing building, followed by a second phase of development to replace the existing building with new Youth and Community facilities with public frontage to Reservoir Road.
“A key reason for the impressive quality of the design and the functionality of the building has been our relationship with BBLB who have shared our vision and our goals for the scheme right from the moment when we issued the invitation to tender papers”.
Alan Fraser, Chief Executive, Birmingham YMCA
The 3-4 storey residential scheme accommodates 83 self-contained flats set around the Orangery – a semi internal / external communal courtyard for residents which acts as a central meeting place to promote social interaction.
The Orangery links the residential units to associated communal and staff management facilities in addition to a variety of external amenity areas including pocket gardens, allotments and orchard where residents are encouraged to grow and tend to fruit and vegetables, providing a sense of responsibility, achievement and promoting the YMCA’s Healthy Living Agenda.
“I really feel that we found a true partner in BBLB architects who brought a passion and commitment to the goals of our project. The quality of their work, their professionalism, flexibility and high design standards have added real value to our project.”
Alan Fraser, Chief Executive, Birmingham YMCA
The residential aspect of the scheme will achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and the sustainability features embedded within the scheme will be carried throughout the development as a whole.
