Birmingham residents have reacted in fury claiming it would be a “tragedy” for a skyscraper to be built above a Grade 2 listed building in the city centre.
Planning, design and development consultancy Marrons, on behalf of HJB Investments, has submitted blueprints that would see the construction of a 133.5-metre tower with 300 build-to-rent homes above a listed property.
CGI of the design released by the consultancy show support beams holding the property above the former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital on Broad Street.
Those behind the plans say the current building, also known as Islington Villa, would be restored to create “a flexible community facility” and a viewing platform with a café and exhibition area, bringing the protected building back into public use.
Birmingham residents have branded the plans to build a skyscraper on top of the listed building as a ‘tragedy’
Marrons/HJB Investments
Reacting to the proposed development, residents in the city are unsure of the dramatic architectural plans.
One lady told GB News: “I think it’s very sad because it’s a beautiful building, it’s a listed building and I think it’s a tragedy to interfere with it really.
“It could be used for other purposes rather than be spoilt in that way.”
A man who lives near the site said: “I don’t think they look visually appealing.
“Personally, I’ve walked past this building a few times and I think it should be repurposed just as it is because it looks like a much more aesthetically pleasing design.”
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CGI model of skyscraper plans to be built on top of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Marrons/HJB Investments
Another man said: “It just seems a bit ridiculous, there’s plenty of other uses they could use it for.
“Apparently, it used to be an NHS doctor's place, they could use it for that again, that’d be nice.”
The 19th-century building was most recently used as a bar, restaurant and nightclub and has been left falling into disrepair since that business closed in 2020.
If the 42-storey tower is given the green light, Birmingham could soon see itself with as many as 20 skyscrapers on its skyline, second only to Greater London.
The model includes a viewing platform with a café and exhibition area
Marrons/HJB Investments
A decision is expected to be made within weeks
Marrons/HJB Investments
The plans for this plot of land in the city are striking and Ashley Gill, who has a wealth of experience in developing grade-listed buildings, says it’s a positive move to get the building back into use if developers can work around current regulations.
He told GB News: “Some of the hoops we’ve got to jump through are becoming a little bit ridiculous and there’s cheaper methods of renovating these places.
“So, if they relax some of these rules, then I’m sure a lot of these old buildings would get snapped up and renovated.
“The fact that you’re preserving the listed building, it’s got to be a plus, and it’s just a new one for me, I’ve never seen anything like it and I’m sure it will be impressive when they get it done.”
To supplement the planning application, a heritage impact assessment has been completed, and the chance for public comments on these plans ends today (29th March).
A decision is expected to be made by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee within weeks.