User:Joelson98/sandbox/Port Loop

Port Loop is a neighbourhood of Birmingham, England, located one mile north west of the city centre. Once a heavily industrial area, it was redeveloped into a mainly residential neighbourhood in the early 21st century.

History
The construction of the Icknield Port Loop canal completed in 1772, having been designed by James Brindley. The area adjacent to the canal would develop into an industrial hub, including a saw mill, a charcoal mill, glass works and a chemical factory by the late nineteenth century. The industrial use of the area persisted in the 20th cenutry, although much of the industry had disappeared and many of the buildings became underused or unoccupied.

Initial plans to develop Port Loop were approved in October 2012. Detailed planning for the first phase of homes was submitted in 2017.

Construction of the first homes at Port Loop began in 2018.

Geography
Port Loop is located north west of Birmingham city centre in the Ladywood area. The area borders Edgbaston Reservoir to the west and includes many canals.

Architecture
Port Loop features a mixture of buildings, including redeveloping of existing buildings and the erection of new townhouses and apartments. A section of townhouses, known as Brickhouse, designed by Glenn Howells won an award in 2018. Other architectural firms to have designed buildings here include shedkm.