Hockley Mills

The Project:

Hockley Mills is an exciting new mixed-use development located in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. This development features 390 residential apartments, uniquely designed landscaped courtyard spaces, and 28,000 square feet of commercial space. Additionally, it includes a new entrance to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter train station, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd enlisted The Safety Letterbox Company to supply 404 mailboxes for the main lobby area, internal lobbies, and stairwells, aiming to further enhance the functionality and appeal of the development for its residents.

The Challenge:  

The architectural design of Hockley Mills required a custom mailbox solution featuring a specially engineered support structure to integrate seamlessly within the wooden frame surrounds. This was crucial for aligning with the design specifications and contributing to the building’s overall aesthetic.

Achieving this required close collaboration with the architects to ensure that the mailbox system was seamlessly integrated, maintaining both high-quality finishes and precise colour coordination for each block. This was essential for upholding the development’s visual appeal and functional standards.

Our Solution:

In response to the brief for 404 individual mailboxes to be mounted within a wooden frame on the wall, The Safety Letterbox Company developed a bespoke support structure that fit perfectly within the architect's design specifications. The Horizontal Steel 2 Mailboxes were chosen for their affordable pricing and the high-quality Zintec steel material.

By designing and installing a unique wall-mounted support system, we provided the client with the desired architectural design feature. This solution seamlessly integrated the mailbox system while maintaining industry standards and functionality for residents, meeting the high standards of the development.

This collaborative approach ensured that the mailbox installations not only fulfilled the functional requirements but also enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of Hockley Mills.

The Benefits:

For the Client

• Enhanced Development Appeal: The bespoke mailbox solutions added a touch of elegance and functionality, increasing the overall appeal of the development.
• Architectural Integration: Seamless integration of the mailboxes with the wooden frames maintained the architectural integrity and design vision.
• Quality Assurance: High-quality materials and finishes ensured durability and longevity, reducing future maintenance costs.
• Customer Satisfaction: Meeting the project’s aesthetic and functional requirements boosted client satisfaction and reinforced trust in the collaboration.

For the Residents

• Convenience and Accessibility: Strategically placed mailboxes in the main lobby, internal lobbies, and stairwells provided easy access for all residents.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The colour-coordinated, elegantly designed mailboxes contributed to a pleasant living environment.
• Durability and Security: Robust Zintec Steel construction with engraved numbering ensured secure and reliable mail storage.
• Enhanced Living Experience: The thoughtful design and integration of the mailbox system enhanced the overall living experience, making Hockley Mills a desirable place to live.

The Hockley Mills project stands as a testament to the successful integration of innovative design and functionality in a prominent mixed-use development and highlights the importance of bespoke solutions and collaborative efforts in achieving a high-standard development that enhances both functionality and visual appeal.

The collaboration between Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd and The Safety Letterbox Company resulted in a solution that met both the client's vision and the residents’ needs. The successful integration of the mailboxes added to the development's appeal, improved the convenience for residents, and reinforced the overall quality of Hockley Mills.