J S Wright has secured a contract valued at more than £9.5 million for the prestigious Hockley Mills development in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

The company will design and build the M&E services for all 395 apartments at the £105 million mixed-use scheme on Pitsford Street for developer Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited.

J S Wright will provide a range of services for the build to rent apartments that are being constructed in six new buildings on the former brownfield site.

The one to three-bed apartments are part of a project to build a total of eight highly distinct buildings, including retail, leisure and office space, that reflect the unique heritage and architecture of the Jewellery Quarter. 

The mechanical works will include the design and installation of apartment services including soil and waste, hot and cold water, sanitaryware and ventilation systems.

Residential sprinkler systems, external rainwater services and landlords boosted cold water distribution, along with corridor smoke ventilation and car park ventilation systems including dry risers, are all within the scope of the mechanical works.

Thermal modelling techniques will be used to reduce overheating, and SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) and SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) energy efficiency calculations made to meet Government emission targets.

The electrical works will involve the design and installation of the low voltage switch room including the switchboards for powering the apartments and landlord areas. 

The commission will also include providing apartment lighting and external lighting systems, access control and CCTV equipment, domestic fire alarms, lightning protection and electric vehicle charging points.  

An IT system for landlord property management will also be installed by the company as part of the electrical package.

Work on site is scheduled to start in September 2021 with completion due in June 2023.

Managing Director Phil Leech commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded our first mechanical and electrical contract with Sir Robert McAlpine, especially as it enables us to help turn a brownfield site in our home city into an attractive development for contemporary working and living.”  

(Caption) An artist’s impression of the the Hockley Mills development