Dated Birmingham hotel set to double in size

A SCHEME to double the size of a Birmingham city centre hotel is for approval by planners.

Liverpool-based Sanguine Hospitality has had architects draft plans for a two-storey extension to the Royal Angus Hotel at St Chads Queensway.

The move would see the 1970s-built hotel transformed from a 133-bedroom facility to one with 226 rooms.

The design brief prepared by Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall also proposes improvements to the internal layout of the seven-storey building, including its reception area as well as its exterior.

A report to Thursday’s planning committee states: “It (the hotel) has a tired and dated appearance largely due to the brown brick exterior, flat roof and the style of square window set in white rendered panels.

“The existing elevational treatment has become disjointed since the refurbishment of Kennedy Tower and in recognition of the recent works to upgrade the adjoining structure it is proposed to re-clad the entrance block plus the two storey extension above in dark grey to punctuate and provide a corresponding bookend to the development. It is considered that this is an acceptable approach as it would help to tie the whole frontage including Kennedy Tower together.

“The proposed alterations to the existing lobby would provide a fully glazed frontage to St. Chads Queensway with an additional window to the side elevation facing the oncoming traffic. These alterations would positively increase the active frontage to these two elevations and is supported.”

It adds: “Furthermore the enclosure of the restaurant at third floor level would make this a more usable space increasing the activity overlooking the highway. Whilst the proposed plant would be extensive in terms of its scale it would be set back from the frontages, whilst the choice of the colour of the cladding and louvres enveloping the plant to harmonise with the elevations would assist in reducing its prominence. The proposed changes to the exterior of the building are considered to be acceptable.

“It is considered that the proposed development would improve the appearance of the existing hotel at a highly visible and busy location and therefore further enhance the city centre as a destination for business, retail and leisure opportunities.”