
Almost half (45%) of UK dog owners say they would walk away from their dream home if it did not suit their dog, as Berkeley puts its pet-friendly Birmingham development, Glasswater Locks, to the four-legged test for World Animal Day (4th October).
To mark World Animal Day on 4th October, Berkeley invited resident Gracie the Dog to lead a tour of Glasswater Locks, filming the development from her point of view in a nod to this year's theme, 'See the World Through Their Eyes'.
The video, which can be viewed here, follows Gracie through the development, highlighting its canal-side setting, landscaped garden, 24-hour concierge service and cinema room.
The film responds to research published by Guide Dogs, which found that 82% of dog owners expecting to move home said their dog's needs and happiness would influence their choice of property, while 55% would choose a spacious garden for their dog over a walk-in wardrobe.
Glasswater Locks is one of several Berkeley developments where dogs are welcomed as part of the community. Across its portfolio in the Midlands and the South of England, Berkeley designs many landscaped gardens and communal spaces with pet owners in mind, reflecting the role pets increasingly play in people's choice of home.
At Glasswater Locks, residents have direct access to the Digbeth Branch Canal towpath and a landscaped garden, providing convenient options for everyday dog walks close to home.
The exclusive Canalside Club also gives residents space to relax after a walk, with a residents' lounge, study lounge and co-working areas. Owners can keep up their own fitness in a fully equipped HYROX gym and separate yoga studio.
Stephen Kirwan, Managing Director at Berkeley, said, "For many buyers, a pet's needs are an important part of choosing a home. Glasswater Locks combines green and blue spaces with practical amenities that fit easily into residents' daily routines, including dog-walking routes on the doorstep.
"It has been a pleasure to let Gracie lead the tour for World Animal Day and show the development from a perspective that matters to so many households. We also have residents with cats, and our aim is to create welcoming homes and shared spaces for owners and pets alike."
To watch a video of this project, please visit: Glasswater Locks - Pet-Friendly Living Video | Videos & Movies on Vimeo
Glasswater Locks offers a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments moments from Birmingham city centre and less than half a mile from the future HS2 Curzon Street station. The development sits at the heart of Birmingham's Learning Quarter, transforming a former industrial site alongside the Digbeth Branch Canal into a distinctive collection of premium apartments with great connectivity. Residents also benefit from access to the Canalside Club's hotel-style amenities, including a cinema room with adjustable armchairs and blackout curtains, games and recreation spaces with a PlayStation 5, pool table and shuffleboard, and a coffee bar and meeting room.
New homes at Glasswater Locks currently start from £190,000. For more information or to book a viewing, visit www.glasswaterlocks.co.uk or contact the sales team on 0121 314 5064.
© 2026 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.