Latest Birmingham hotel plan set for approval

A multi-million-pound plan to save one of Birmingham’s landmark buildings by converting it into a new boutique hotel are set to receive the go ahead.

Proposals put together by developers Ciel Capital and architecture firm ICA involve restoring the Grade II* listed Methodist Central Hall, in Corporation Street into the new facility.

The plan would see the red-brick and terracotta building restored and renovated to provide a 147-room hotel and 75-room apart-hotel units, with new units on the ground floor for food, beverage and retail uses. The proposed hotel also includes plans for a rooftop bar, live music venue and meeting space.

The scheme would also see the restoration and opening up of the main auditorium into a new ‘Gastro Hall’, complete with a show kitchen.

The improvements, recommended for approval at Thursday’s planning committee, would see the careful restoration of the central organ, which has suffered damage over time, to become a focal point of a new mezzanine bar overlooking the Hall.

The building was originally designed by Birmingham architects Ewan Harper and James A. Harper. In recent years it has fallen into disrepair and is now on listed on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

Substantial investment and restoration is needed to secure a viable long-term future for the building.

Prior to Ciel’s acquisition of the building, it was subject to several planning applications made by previous owners, which proposed uses such as apartments and offices.

The new plan would afford an opportunity to appreciate the building’s unique history and design features.

The proposed hotel element will be operated by Dream Hotel Group. It will be one of the first in the UK to use the group’s ‘Unscripted’ brand. The apart-hotel will be operated by Stow-Away.

Combined, the new operation is expected to create around 100 jobs.

There has already by strong public support for the proposals.

Vedrana Bilanovic Riley, chief executive of Ciel Capital, said: “We are very excited to be bringing forward our plans for the former Methodist Central Hall. The project team has been working hard over the past few months to ensure that our plans deliver a sensitive restoration of the iconic building, all the while bringing the site back to life to provide new retail and leisure options for locals, plus employment and training opportunities.

“Our vision from the outset of this project was to deliver a sensitive restoration of the Hall which is respectful to its features, all the while guaranteeing it can be enjoyed by the public and securing its future.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support for the plans and hope we will be able to deliver our ambitious vision for the Hall.”

Ciel is also working with local community groups, including the Birmingham music community and heritage groups, to explore ways to commemorate the building’s past uses, including as a renowned music venue. This would ensure a rich part of the Central Hall’s history is preserved.