Brummies have demanded a giant housing development next to the Bullring is suitable for families.

Apartments planned as part of a major Birmingham city centre development should be large and within the price range of Brummie families.

That’s the view of Birmingham Mail readers following the unveiling of plans for 940 apartments on the derelict Connaught Square site in Digbeth .

Many welcomed developer Seven Capital’s fresh plans which include uncovering and celebrating the River Rea weaving through a public plaza at the heart of the development.

The development ranges from an 18-storey tower on the northern corner down to the historic White Swan pub, preserved at the opposite corner of the development.

Reader Daniel King said: “Great plan, about time something was done with all the derelict buildings and wasteland around Digbeth.”

Birmingham’s famous most tattooed man, King Of Ink Land King Body Art, said: “So pleased the city has a long term economy plan jobs housing and quality of life all very high on the list. Our city keeps on getting better and better no wonder people from down south are relocating here.”

While Wayne Goodman added: “The area around Digbeth couch station definitely needs sprucing up, it’s the first thing visitors see when arriving in Birmingham and derelict graffiti ridden buildings isn’t a good first impression.”

Connaught Square

There were also support for larger family sized apartments.

David Hassell said: “I like this continental idea of bringing living into the city. As long as the apartments are a modern take on those in European cities, i.e. Suitable for families.”

Several readers want to see properties made available for those on average incomes.

John Hurlston said: “Not everyone wants high rise buildings dominating the city. And how many of these apartments will be affordable for working class people who built this city.”

Reader Maria Cusack summed this up: “I think it is all very exciting. As long as development caters for everyone. For the lower paid workers of the city, just imagine if they could get a property on this development and work in the city saving on transport costs, great. Young couples starting out in a new affordable home. Families also. Places become run down looking in any area in any city if the homeowners/tenants/landlords do not look after the property and its upkeep. People have to have pride in their home.”

There were a handful of negative views with some not convinced at the design including Howard Davis who wrote: “It will look a right eye saw in 30 years time like most of the developments in the city centre drab and dirty like the old Bullring went.”

Connaught Square