For over 160 years, the Rackhams building has stood as a prominent landmark in Birmingham city centre. Following the closure of House of Fraser on June 25, 2026, a new chapter is set to begin for this historic site.
Birmingham developer Sphere Group has recently submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report to Birmingham City Council, detailing its preliminary proposals for the transformation of the former department store building as well as adjacent properties at 43 Temple Row and 1 Temple Row.
These plans are part of the wider Birmingham Central Heart vision, a bold strategy aimed at revitalizing 17 hectares of underused commercial, retail, and office spaces in the city’s retail core. The initiative intends to rejuvenate a district that has experienced a decline in activity since the Bullring shopping centre opened in 2003.
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Sphere Group’s development blueprint envisions a vibrant mixed-use area featuring up to 650 new homes, 35,000 square metres of modern office space, ground-floor retail outlets, and enhanced public spaces replacing the existing Corporation Street flagship store.
Thomas Taylor, Managing Director of Sphere Group, commented: “Our ambitious development will breathe new life into this central site by delivering contemporary offices, much-needed housing, fresh retail opportunities, and inviting public open spaces. The submission of this EIA scoping report marks an important step towards refining our proposals with sustainability, feasibility, and practical delivery in mind.”
The next stages involve further refinement of these plans, culminating in a detailed public consultation scheduled for later this summer. Sphere Group, acting as Development Partner for freehold owners L&G, intends to submit formal planning applications within the year.
The EIA Scoping Report outlines the environmental factors to be assessed in detail as part of the planning process, ensuring that the impact of redevelopment is carefully considered. Multiple options for the site’s future are being evaluated prior to finalising the proposals for community feedback.
This redevelopment marks a significant moment for Birmingham’s city centre, promising to reinvigorate a key historic site and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area.