Hockley (Jewellery Quarter) has recently become a hive of activity since its slow transformation from manufacturing industry to urban village.

The 1920's, former Lucas factory, renamed New Hampton Lofts, is on Great Hampton Street in Hockley and has been empty for 5 years.

Its £50 million re-development is set to bring New York-inspired loft-style living to Birmingham.

The 5 acre site, bought by Mar City Developments Limited, is one of the largest residential regeneration projects in the West Midlands.

July 2000