A new seven-storey hotel with 180 rooms is set to potentially revitalise John Bright Street in Birmingham city centre, following two years of discussions. Property developer Nacropolis has put forward detailed proposals to Birmingham City Council to redevelop the historic Borough Buildings, a three-storey structure with a basement, located on this bustling street.
The submitted plans include an extension both on the rooftop and to the rear of the building, aiming to create a modern and lively destination. The envisioned hotel will feature a reception area, a variety of room sizes, a publicly accessible café, co-working spaces, a kitchen, and a breakfast bar, enhancing the area’s hospitality offerings.
The Borough Buildings currently stand vacant next to the former Futurist Cinema, which received listed status in spring last year. This building has a rich history, having served as the original home of the Ikon Gallery from 1978 before the gallery relocated to Brindleyplace. Originally constructed in 1909 as a purpose-built car showroom, the building has also functioned as office space and was earmarked for residential conversion in 2021. However, that planning permission lapsed before construction began.
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Strategically situated between New Street Station and key attractions like the Alexandra Theatre, John Bright Street runs parallel to Suffolk Street Queensway, making the hotel’s location prime for capturing visitor traffic.
A planning statement submitted by Nacropolis emphasizes the building’s historical significance, noting its transition from a motor trade hub to diverse commercial and cultural uses such as a carpet warehouse and the Ikon Gallery. It highlights that the building has been vacant for some time, contributing to an inactive street frontage.
The proposal is positioned as a positive development to contribute to the ongoing renaissance of John Bright Street. It is expected to bolster the emerging cultural quarter in this part of Birmingham’s city centre and enhance the visitor economy.
Additionally, construction is anticipated to begin on another city centre hotel on Corporation Street – the former Pitman Vegetarian Hotel – which was first proposed in 2019 and aims for completion by the end of next year, signalling wider growth in Birmingham’s hospitality sector.