The future of Birmingham's gay quarter looks a rosy shade of pink, according to city property experts.

Developers and property speculators are lining up proposals which should see millions invested in the area over the next five years.

The relatively unsung - and unexploited - "gay village", five minutes from the Bullring and next to the Chinese Quarter, is in line for some upgrading.

There is new determination to up its kerb appeal and raise the profile of the area, in line with other cities.

Mark Evans, partner at Knight Frank's Birmingham office, said: "With £170 million being invested into Birmingham's gay village, the whole area is likely to be transformed.

"Already it has a vibrant atmosphere and character of its own, yet when compared to Manchester's Canal Street of The Calls in Leeds, Birmingham is distinctly lagging behind.

"Currently popular bars and restaurants and hindered due to the fact that they are pepper-potted throughout the area and punctuated by derelict industrial units and tired old facades.

"It seems the district is just in need of some investment to encourage a 24/7 footfall and culture along with further businesses and bars to the district."

Crosby's Southside scheme drew attention to the area in 2001, opening up new possibilities in this regenerating area and sparking further residential provision.

At the same time, the city's historic, surviving back to back houses were put properly on the map as a new museum attraction.

There was more apartment building, another 77 units on Dean Street and a further Crosby scheme.

Part of the new wave of investment includes Latitude by George Wimpey City, a prominent scheme on the corner of Bromsgrove and Hurst Street, more than a third already sold here.

The scheme has been designed by Glenn Howells Architects and will provide 189 apartments with commercial units on the ground floor, aimed at attracting more businesses to the area.

There will be studios as well as one and two bedroom layouts, underground parking, landscaped courtyard gardens and a double height entrance lobby with concierge.

To the back of the development will be glazed balconies to some of the apartments.

Joanne Clarke, of Knight Frank, said: "Many people already consider Birmngham's gay village to be the pulse of the city's nightlife, with Hurst Street having some of the liveliest bars and clubs in the region as well as the acclaimed Hippodrome.

"Merging with the Chinese quarter which boasts The Arcadian Centre, the area also has a lot of popular restaurants and then the Bullring is just up the road."

She added: "With unrivalled transport links less than five minutes away in the form of New Street station, it is the perfect location for city professionals and it is surprising that development has taken this long to gather pace.

"The whole area already buzzes with energy and it can only improve as more exclusive residential properties are built."

The Gay Village, bounded by Pershore Street, Wrentham Street and Bristol Street, is in line for eight new schemes, some already under way.

As well as Latitude, there are new schemes planned for Kent Street, Bromsgrove Street and on the old ice rink site on Pershore Street - 300 apartments as part of a mixed-use project.