Ruskin Mill Land Trust

In 2014, Ruskin Mill Land Trust purchased Standard Works with a vision of creating a vibrant mixed-use development centred around a specialist education provider for young people aged 16-25, run by Argent College as their Birmingham base. The development of 9 Regent Place represents phase 3 of the project and provides much-needed space for this rapidly expanding cultural centre and college. The ground floor will be rented out to “Cornerstone”, a jewellery enterprise that trains young people as commercial jewellery workers, continuing the traditional skills of the Quarter, while the upper floors will be used by the College to help young people with complex needs to overcome learning barriers and achieve their potential through learning practical skills. The first and second floors will be used for class rooms and offices for College staff, and the fourth floor is likely to be used for life-skills training in a fully fitted-out flat. 

This project demonstrates how former industrial buildings can provide ideal opportunities for adaptation as flexible, mixed-use spaces. Additionally, the partnership between the Ruskin Mill  Land Trust and Argent College showcases the exemplary potential of early-stage partnerships between organisations with a shared goal of crafting usable spaces from historic structures.

The project was awarded an AHF Viability grant of £7,500 in 2018, which particularly explored options for resolving the different levels between the main college and 9 Regent Place in a way that maintained the historic integrity of both buildings. Further funding is being raised to take the project forward and Ruskin Mill Land Trust will start on site as soon as funds allow. Until that time roof repairs are being carried out to allow the building to have a meanwhile use.