Architecture practice BPN has been appointed to redesign the former Cadbury headquarters in Bournville into a host of luxury apartments.
The Jewellery Quarter-based firm is working with Birmingham developer Court Collaboration on the £16 million project to redevelop Franklin House into 79 one- and two-bedroom apartments, including four penthouse suites.
The project, which has been downsized slightly since it was unveiled last autumn, will see the 1960s commercial building, reputedly the birthplace of the Curly Wurly, rebranded as 'The Franklin'.
BPN Architects partner Richard Newman said: "By transforming a former office space, we have been presented with many design opportunities that we wouldn't have been able to factor into a new-build.
"We've been able to use the large floor plans to create a real sense of openness in each apartment while maintaining spacious bedrooms and including separate storage spaces.
"We're also retaining the high ceilings, adding a sense of opulence to the apartments, a feature unseen in new-builds due to the cost.
"We've also been able to look closely at the building to incorporate a large amount of the original features including its spectacular 'Festival of Britain' 1950s balustrade which spans the wide staircase."
Anthony McCourt, director at Court Collaboration, which purchased the building in a joint-venture with Hong Kong-based Headland Developments on behalf of its Chinese investors, said: "BPN Architects brings a huge amount of experience and vision to The Franklin.
"Richard and his team are using their experience of similar redevelopment projects to help us realise our vision to create beautiful homes in this important building."
Work on The Franklin commences in April and the project is due for completion in early 2016.
