New retirement complex in Birmingham gets the go ahead

A FORMER Birmingham pub is set to be redeveloped into a new retirement complex after the proposals were approved by planners.

Churchill Retirement Living plans to demolish the Punchbowl, on the corner of Ridgacre Road and Wolverhampton Road South, Quinton and build 43 retirement apartments on the site.

The development will consist of 30 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom flats. The ground floor will include communal facilities, such as a lounge, management suite (reception and office), guest flat and coffee bar.

The pub ceased trading in 2010 and while the building is weatherproof, it is no longer considered fit for purpose.

Councillors on Birmingham’s planning committee said the development could progress subject to a contribution being made by the developer towards local affordable housing provision.

A financial appraisal, submitted with the application, had been reviewed by Lambert Smith Hampton. It originally stated that a planning contribution would make the scheme unviable but discussions between the various parties resulted in a compromise.

A sum of £68,500 will now be set aside without making the scheme financially unviable.

The committee has also given the go-ahead for a change of use of a Grade II listed canalside building in Birmingham.

The Canal & River Trust, together with the National Trust put forward the plans for the building known as The Roundhouse, based on the corner of Sheepcote Street and St Vincent Street.

The application sought permission for a variety of schemes including an urban discovery and enterprise hub such as an exhibition hall, museum or some kind of education and training facility.

Alternatively, an indoor or outdoor sports or recreation use could be an option.

Any permission could also include the erection of link building and works to the courtyard to enhance the appeal.

The two gatehouses could be used for offices and would operate independently from the Roundhouse building and provide commercial floor space over their two floors.

The Roundhouse itself would provide activity over three floors, the arches on the lower ground floor that face the outer courtyard could be utilised form businesses such as cycle hire for exploring the canal zone.

The Roundhouse itself would offer a flexible mix of uses, The upper ground floor could incorporate an exhibition or welcome space, meeting and event space, restaurant/café and hot food takeaway, retail and workshop space to provide activities such and bike shop and repair business.

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