Hood Futures Studio to transform historic Tubeworks into creative hub at Port Loop in Birmingham
Port Loop is set to welcome a vibrant new creative hub, as joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People confirm the sale of part of the historic Tubeworks.
The Stable Block area of the building has been acquired by Hood Futures Studio – an organisation led by local artist Amahra Spence, whose YARD Art House has been a cornerstone of the Port Loop neighbourhood since 2020, providing space for artists and the local community, while receiving international acclaim for its approach to placemaking and cultural programming..
This new project ABUELOS will see 0.37 acres of the Tubeworks site, including the Stable Block and courtyard, transformed into a dynamic hub for creativity, hospitality and community life. Following the submission of a planning application in 2026, phased redevelopment is expected to run from 2027 to 2030. Plans include a reimagining of a hotel, equipped with artist studios, residency spaces, a performance theatre and a range of spaces to bring artists, city visitors and the local community together.
It marks the latest step in Tubeworks’ transformation and follows the announcement earlier this year that CIVIC SQUARE had acquired 48,000 sq ft of adjacent space within the site. Together, the two projects will complement one another, with CIVIC SQUARE’s future home set to include a café and community kitchen, microfactory, and a creative programme of events.
Speaking on behalf of the joint venture partners, Adam Willetts, Port Loop Project Director, said:
“This is fantastic news for Port Loop and the wider community, expanding the planned Tubworks offering.
“Amahra and YARD have been an important part of the Port Loop story, and it’s been a privilege to support their journey. We’re excited to see Hood Futures Studio breathe new life into this important part of Tubeworks, creating opportunities for artists and residents alike.”
Amahra Spence, founder of Hood Futures Studio, added: "Port Loop has always been about creativity, community and reimagining what a neighbourhood could be. This new exciting chapter at Tubeworks sees us building ABUELOS as world class cultural infrastructure, in ways that demonstrate a bold new vision for hospitality.
This partnership between Hood Futures Studio, Urban Splash and Places for People represents a significant shift in how places are developed. We are proud to be taking forward this vision - one that is locally led, community owned, with culture at the heart.
Adam concluded: “Port Loop is now home to hundreds of people and projects like those with ABUELOS by Hood Futures Studio and CIVIC SQUARE, ensure that the area continues to grow into a neighbourhood with culture and community at its heart.
“By working with local partners who share that vision, we can honour the site’s history while shaping a vibrant future for Birmingham.”
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