Eden transformed the Grade II Listed Cold Store in Digbeth into a vibrant hub for The King’s Trust, blending heritage preservation with modern, inclusive design in 31 weeks.
Official partner of the 
Internal adaptations that respect the building’s heritage listing
Following successful projects for The Prince’s Trust in London, Newcastle and Bristol, Eden was appointed to transform a historically significant site in Birmingham.
The Cold Store, a 19th-century Grade II Listed Building, had long been disused. Originally built in 1899 to serve Birmingham’s market district, it was designed to maintain low temperatures and had suffered extensive wear over time. The building’s condition, combined with its listed status, presented a complex challenge.
The goal was to deliver a fully modern, inclusive and functional centre for The Prince’s Trust – all within the constraints of a heritage building.
Preserving heritage with care
Eden use specialist craftspeople
Inspiring and inclusive spaces
Eden carried out a complete refurbishment and fit out, delivering a contemporary facility while preserving the character of the original structure.
Sensitive structural works
Our team carried out essential structural repairs, including the installation of new steel beams and timber scarf joints. We replaced the existing roof with new slate tiling and integrated roof lights, while maintaining the building’s listed status. Extensive window repair and reglazing was also undertaken to bring natural light back into the space.
Full internal refurbishment
We installed all electrical and mechanical systems, including above and below-ground drainage, to accommodate new kitchens, tea points, breakout spaces and accessible WCs.
Accessibility and movement
New bespoke steel staircases were fabricated and installed throughout, alongside both passenger and service lifts to ensure full accessibility. Glazed sliding doors were added to create a professional and welcoming entrance.
Flexible, future-proof spaces
New partition walls were used to form agile work areas, meeting rooms, storage spaces, print and comms rooms. Movable walls were installed in training areas to offer flexibility. Fire strategy was carefully considered and implemented without compromising the building’s design integrity.
Finishing touches
The refurbishment was completed with a vibrant colour palette and high-quality finishes to ensure the space felt positive, modern and full of energy – in keeping with the spirit of The Prince’s Trust.
We have worked with Eden on numerous projects over the past 10 years. Their understanding of our needs, alongside their exceptional standard of finish and motivation to achieve amazing built environments, makes each project effortless. Eden continues to put The Trust’s needs first and I would not hesitate in recommending them.”
Ben Roman, Chief Executive, The Lighthouse Project
The new Birmingham centre has breathed life back into a historic building, offering a high-quality space for the Trust to support young people across the region. The project exemplifies Eden’s ability to deliver complex refurbishments that balance compliance, design and impact.
Eden London UK Ltd
Unit 33, Woodside Industrial Estate,
Woodside, Thornwood, Epping,
Essex, CM16 6LJ