very very good

From constructionenquirer.com

Multibuild wins £30m Brum hotel revamp

Stockport contractor Multibuild has won the £30m job to transform the disused Cumberland House tower in central Birmingham into a Hampton by Hilton Hotel.

The building is being given a new facia and a complete internal refit and will open in the summer of 2012.

Liverpool-based company Sanguine Hospitality will run the 285-bedroom hotel, which will become part of its fast growing portfolio of hotel and restaurant venues across the UK.

Nick Taplin, managing director of Sanguine Hospitality, said that the new Hampton by Hilton hotel was the second of three projects the company had planned for Birmingham.

Sanguine Hospitality, which is working to open a hotel in Birmingham’s Cube building, has also applied for planning permission to convert Kennedy Tower in the Snow Hill area of the city into a 224 hotel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5371413712_bf13ba72c1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5371413712/)
Cumberland House scaffolding from Broad St (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5371413712/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

Looks like there is some form of gantry system on the side of the building facing up towards five ways

great news!

Yeah I drove past today and it's going to be a cradle job which will allow us to see the change progress.

It's progressing nicely :)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5391039138_d9f415b635_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5391039138/)
Cumberland House external works from Broad St (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5391039138/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5390432667_c14c7c88f7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5390432667/)
Cumberland House external works from Granville St (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5390432667/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

The foreground building gives me the chance to shoehorn in this classic ad jingle. (http://www.tv-ark.org.uk/mivana/m.php?p=cen-leelonglands1983&spl=1) (caution, once heard cannot be unheard). Also has the outline of Granville House in the closing caption.

TV Ark doesn't like direct links - so anyone who wishes to torment themselves will need to go here (http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/adverts/regional.html), then scroll down to Midlands > Lee Longlands

Sorry if its already been mentioned and i've missed it...but what can we expect to see in regards to the frontage on broad street?? At the moment it looks very dead and dated (as could be said for many of the frontages on broad street).

I must say I'm suprised the hotel didn't incorporate one of the ground floor units as a restaurant etc, I'm sure one of the current occupiers would have jumped at the chance.

Is it just me, or is the planning app not working..

Tennant St will be closed on the 6th from 0600-2200. Anybody know what's happening? Presumably it's involving some heavy plant.

Could be bringing it down or putting something up there boilers? Chillers?

1/2/10 eastside...

http://www.jliat.com/pics/ch3.jpg

http://www.jliat.com/pics/ch1.jpg

http://www.jliat.com/pics/ch2.jpg

Great to see workers crawling over this building so soon after the New Year, appear to be Knocking out the top floor windows already

Same view as above but from ground level
Work is really getting under way for this now, will be nice to see new glazed building!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/5409269156_32319f74ef_b.jpg

When on Broad Street, I don't think about taking shots of Cumberland House.

13 months ago on Sheepcote Street - it ended up in this shot (which ended up on Wikipedia)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4232982779_ab8850effb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4232982779/)
Roundabout on Sheepcote Street with sculptures of canal locks (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4232982779/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

and this one

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4232980951_240d218c4b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4232980951/)
Brasshouse Language Centre - Sheepcote Street - formerly the South Staffordshire Waterworks Co. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4232980951/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

I wasn't taking Cumberland House back then, it was the Brasshouse Language Centre and the roundabout on Sheepcote Street.

Made in Birmingham was on it back then

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/4231361671_4c86dd649f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4231361671/)
Made In Birmingham on a disused shop front in Cumberland House on Broad Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4231361671/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

Couple of snaps from saturday

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j4oTVEZVKnM/TU4CxB3ZkZI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/tGRgSNmDrlo/s1600/5feb11Cumberland1.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j4oTVEZVKnM/TU4CwaLl3uI/AAAAAAAAC3I/uQ5qN1dr2Gk/s1600/5Feb11Cumberland3.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/02/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment.html

I don't think this building is that bad tbh, I can think of a lot worse on Broad street that needs renovating.

are there any images to show the finished exterior?

It's still being stripped. :?

Do you mean renders of the proposed finished exterior.

Not an awful lot different but smarter, if a little more dull...
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/Erebus555/Birmingham%20Development%20List/Cumberland.png

I don't fancy the room behind the sign much.

Whats the planning app for this?

2009/06271/PA (http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=395148&XSLT=/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/SiteFiles/Skins/BirminghamNew/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/SiteFiles/Skins/BirminghamNew/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING)

Top man :okay:

Not an awful lot different but smarter, if a little more dull...

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/Erebus555/Birmingham%20Development%20List/Cumberland.png

Isn't this a more updated one, in which the windows look much better..


Property Week: Sanguine Hospitality to create 285-bed Birmingham hotelhttp://www.propertyweek.com/pictures/700xAny/1/2/4/1682124_Broad%20Street.JPG]

Aah may well be, I got mine from the D&A in the planning app, I think. Shame it looks even duller in that render... :|

I don't understand how the revised, more up-to-date vision of this is 'duller?' I in fact, prefer the second render to the first. I hate the dark glass every two clear glass units down. It's seem a little archaic to me and what's pretty much already in place. Keeping it lighter, i think, will mean when the sun reflects on this it will beam quite nicely. Plus give it a more fresh feel as, in my personal opinion, it doesn't offend me as it stands right now (minus the slight derelict appearance)

Second, the sign-age on the first render surely was an oversight. Covering completely useful and chargeable space (views) by doing that? I don't think it's aesthetically pleasing, and seems 'off balance.' Hmmm.. Well the new sign-age in the second render is sensibly placed and again, i hope this is lit up at night, a bit like the Hyatt's. This then, especially if Regal and BS Tower ever come to fruition, may start to have a real Vegas strip feel to it with a neatly placed row of tall buildings. That's where the heart of broad street should lie. It's meant to be an entertainment area, then start to make it one. Don't be scared and submissive with its idea, build on - go a little over the top and make it a fantastic place to visit. Everyone consider's Vegas to be a tad tacky, BUT no one would dispute it isn't Fabulous. It's the same mix Broad Street should aim for. Then that's an area that isn't replicated anywhere else in this country. So on my last note, i propose if Broad Street Tower never goes ahead.. In that space, create a large square with fountains and out-side dining. #Controversial ?? ;)

Whilst it certainly looks smarter (well it does lose the derelict chic!), the only injection of colour the building has is from the signage. Apart from that, it's all grey. I would have liked to see some different colours and tones - but I guess I can't base everything just from a render. The finished article may look wildly different...

I like the perimeter framework but yes some extra colour would be a bonus. Just to see it lit up at night with neon and residents is 100% better than being empty for so long.

I don't understand how the revised, more up-to-date vision of this is 'duller?' I in fact, prefer the second render to the first. I hate the dark glass every two clear glass units down. It's seem a little archaic to me and what's pretty much already in place.

I don't think the darker banding will be glass.

This was in the planning application.


Externally, only very minor elevational alterations are necessary to the tower itself (floors 3-17). It is proposed that the steel framed single glazed window units be replaced by modern aluminium double glazed units and that the black spandrel cladding panels which are becoming worn, would be replaced by modern, more lightweight black panels, of similar appearance. The only substantive visible difference between the current existing appearance of the building, and that proposed, is that the transom bars in the existing window elevations would not be replicated within the new sealed units.

Update on works from today

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykq1oUOPzIM/TVRP8YwKoAI/AAAAAAAADAI/ytPhx8yrdyg/s1600/10Feb11Cumberland1.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An1Xl0t6RQU/TVRPj8AmfAI/AAAAAAAAC_I/h3d5L7wkXlE/s1600/10Feb11Cumberland9.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgqrkemx4J0/TVRP7eAtJyI/AAAAAAAAC_w/9aOTDoE6sxA/s1600/10Feb11Cumberland4.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/02/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment_10.html

Yup, this has my approval already!

agreeds..... ok it might not change the physical form of the building, but will definately change the appearence!

Couple of snaps from last couple of days. Work moving steadily giving better clue to how smart it will look when refurbished.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvL5t2LJNb4/TVsrPI_K3YI/AAAAAAAADOo/71oqCQBxXJ4/s1600/15feb11Cumberland1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJXoGK86lsA/TVsq_yBtb7I/AAAAAAAADOQ/9iqgORiM3NQ/s1600/15feb11Cumberland4.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJR28H7w_cE/TVsrPUFhuVI/AAAAAAAADOw/V79aqYnv5GM/s1600/skyline15feb11.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/02/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment_16.html

agreeds..... ok it might not change the physical form of the building, but will definately change the appearence!
The Birmingham Mail website..Communities news..city centre section as some excellent up to date pictures on this and lots of other city centre projects

There not hanging around with this are they, that's nearly 2 floors of windows done already :D

Shinier, but that's about it.

I hope they do something a little bit creative with it. Lights or something.

From the bus on Saturday, another floor almost complete

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5462413319_943d757449_b.jpg

Well they are certainly breathing life back into it, but I have to agree it looks nothing more than a mere upgrade with shinier glass and a lick of paint.

Nothing new exactly, although to be fair If this is all its gonna be i would still be happy, still better than an abandoned rusty old building sitting there with the lights on.

How come some of the windows are white? is is protective cover or will they stay like it?

Also are they going to glaze the very top section?

I don't understand how the revised, more up-to-date vision of this is 'duller?' I in fact, prefer the second render to the first. I hate the dark glass every two clear glass units down. It's seem a little archaic to me and what's pretty much already in place. Keeping it lighter, i think, will mean when the sun reflects on this it will beam quite nicely. Plus give it a more fresh feel as, in my personal opinion, it doesn't offend me as it stands right now (minus the slight derelict appearance)

Second, the sign-age on the first render surely was an oversight. Covering completely useful and chargeable space (views) by doing that? I don't think it's aesthetically pleasing, and seems 'off balance.' Hmmm.. Well the new sign-age in the second render is sensibly placed and again, i hope this is lit up at night, a bit like the Hyatt's. This then, especially if Regal and BS Tower ever come to fruition, may start to have a real Vegas strip feel to it with a neatly placed row of tall buildings. That's where the heart of broad street should lie. It's meant to be an entertainment area, then start to make it one. Don't be scared and submissive with its idea, build on - go a little over the top and make it a fantastic place to visit. Everyone consider's Vegas to be a tad tacky, BUT no one would dispute it isn't Fabulous. It's the same mix Broad Street should aim for. Then that's an area that isn't replicated anywhere else in this country. So on my last note, i propose if Broad Street Tower never goes ahead.. In that space, create a large square with fountains and out-side dining. #Controversial ?? ;)

agree completely, they could do with someone buying brannigans old unit.

How come some of the windows are white? is is protective cover or will they stay like it?

Also are they going to glaze the very top section?

1. I was wondering this too.

2. Not according to the render they're not

who owns the 2 buildings on either side of cumberland? Is that owned by Hilton too?

They could do with a refurb

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a206/Spunk_Monkey/Cumberland%20House/IMG_0057Medium.jpg

This is a pic of the inside from 28 days later.
Seems pretty Narrow for a hotel, to say there will be rooms on either side and a corridor in between.

http://i51.tinypic.com/zvykir.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ch45c9.jpg

Top four floors on the west side now done this afternoon.

I haven't been up Broad Street for a while so me and a few freinds decided to go the cineworld yesterday. And I must say that end of Broad Street is a conplete joke, really needs sorting out. Lots of empty land, units it just looks a mess. The job centre doesent help either, its meant to be Birminghams premier entertainment district so I don't see how a job centre fits in. Come on Regal your our last hope! I'm begining to like this btw, progressing very quick arnt they?

There's a new gym in the Five Ways Complex now. Think a new club is opening down that way.

Is a lot of empty clubs down that end.

Looking good. should spruce up the area a bit :)

I haven't been up Broad Street for a while so me and a few freinds decided to go the cineworld yesterday. And I must say that end of Broad Street is a conplete joke, really needs sorting out. Lots of empty land, units it just looks a mess. The job centre doesent help either, its meant to be Birminghams premier entertainment district so I don't see how a job centre fits in. Come on Regal your our last hope! I'm begining to like this btw, progressing very quick arnt they?

I think the fact that that pub with the premier inn, the job center, and heart FM buildings are so far away from the road makes it look a bit to spaced out and empty too.. where as down the other end the buildings are close to the road so it looks much more packed..

If they widened the top of Broad Street to make it look more like a blvd it would make it look not so empty!

As for this building, the windows are looking really ood so far, at this rate it should be fully glazed by easter/start of may!

^^You make a point that the north side of Broad Street seems to have less coherence than the south side. Especially up by Broadway, where I think the buildings should not be set back at all and maintain a street line. If only those buildings had more interaction for the public at street level too...

They need to do something with the Five Ways Shopping Centre. Looks in a sorry state.

The Gym at the Five Ways Complex looks open. Is also a new Casino there as well.

Got my own shot today. When it started to rain.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5478562025_8cc32c738a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5478562025/)
Cumberland House, Broad Street, Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5478562025/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

They need to do something with the Five Ways Shopping Centre. Looks in a sorry state.

The Gym at the Five Ways Complex looks open. Is also a new Casino there as well.

Have a butcher's at this:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=496909

Thanks for the link - might have a few photos of it from more than a year ago.

They need to do something with the Five Ways Shopping Centre. Looks in a sorry state.

The Gym at the Five Ways Complex looks open. Is also a new Casino there as well.

The gym has been open for what must be three weeks now.

It was around a month or more between when I saw it before it opened, and yesterday open.

Another level of glazing.
http://i54.tinypic.com/1e5j5e.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qav76h.jpg

I'm not sure why but the light blue cladding looks strange, big improvment though!

It looks strange when only a couple of floors are done compared to the old cladding but when it's all done you will notice the real difference.

I'm struggling with this.

but will reserve judgement until completed. Hope they paint the concrete.

I'm struggling with this.

but will reserve judgement until completed. Hope they paint the concrete.

If that concrete frame that surrounds the building is cleaned or maybe painted black it would really perk it up.

Some snaps from 9th March

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaONikFeyVs/TXld2DMxffI/AAAAAAAADmE/ZW-Fh7uYODA/s1600/9March11Cumberland1.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dll0052_184/TXld1XfvstI/AAAAAAAADls/LX6DWfB1l4o/s1600/9March11Cumberland4.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/03/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment.html

^^ Cheers Feltip, CG and Ell for the pics. The refurb is going along quite quickly although I'm not a huge fan of it just yet.

If that concrete frame that surrounds the building is cleaned or maybe painted black it would really perk it up.

Oooooh nice, i like the idea of the black frame, would definitley make it look a bit more sleek

^^ Cheers Feltip, CG and Ell for the pics. The refurb is going along quite quickly although I'm not a huge fan of it just yet.

Me neither ...... ahem ...... have you copied my avatar? :nono: :baeh3:

^^ appears so, :-p

Quote:
Originally Posted by morestoreysplease
If that concrete frame that surrounds the building is cleaned or maybe painted black it would really perk it up.
Oooooh nice, i like the idea of the black frame, would definitley make it look a bit more sleek

Really have to agree with that. Or even a smooth cladding around the edges, rounding the edges off and creating a wave sort of pattern up the sides, and for theis to be continued up over onto the roof.

Got a few today, looks really nice so far, even nice from a distance believe it or not..

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5548571184_8754b52cd8_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5547989901_56ddc63398_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5548573400_15b5464c97_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5547992469_7d61db58f6_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5548575938_7fefc6ea4c_b.jpg

I'm really going to have to see this in person but I cannot warm to this at all from the photos.

Is something going to be done about the look of the concrete?

It's going to look good when they peel
the light blue panels off the windows and do something with the concrete because they are not gonna leave the concrete in that state I hope.

still looks horrible, ill hold my judgement though, it could still look good if they do some work on the concrete

so some reason, i have a thought that there is no blue screen behind the windowns and this is what we are getting......

i really hope they do think about cleaning up the concrete

just my 2 cents

Liking the concrete treatment quotes boys! Maybe if we keep repeating it the contractors might get some ESP message! The spandrels and windows are looking better though.

Some snaps i got on the 18th

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cll29X6Bnq4/TYP-RI29Y4I/AAAAAAAADqU/_AuMDAw38a4/s1600/18March11Cumberland1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jygZ5V8O4Lg/TYP-Q5Bp45I/AAAAAAAADqM/gHx_SfezZUM/s1600/18March11Cumberland2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFpap1k2wpg/TYP-Q9VmpII/AAAAAAAADqE/T8dB0Rfv7V4/s1600/18March11Cumberland3.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/03/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment_19.html

Quote:
Originally Posted by morestoreysplease
If that concrete frame that surrounds the building is cleaned or maybe painted black it would really perk it up.
Oooooh nice, i like the idea of the black frame, would definitley make it look a bit more sleek

Really have to agree with that. Or even a smooth cladding around the edges, rounding the edges off and creating a wave sort of pattern up the sides, and for theis to be continued up over onto the roof.

Yup paint it black or dark blue to compliment the windows and the building will be as good as new

Hmm.. still not keen on this. Perhaps all the of the paynes of glass should be the same colour shade? I'm just not so keen on the pattern and the shades of colour.. hmm..

The concrete is going to get sorted, they're just dealing with the windows and spandrels first.

I see this everyday from my home. I get the impression that the light blue panels are solid and that they have sadly blocked up most of the windows with them. As has been said, I think what we see is what we get.

Be that as it may, I'm finding it better to see the building refurbished rather than empty. Like I say, I see it everyday and would rather it were used.

Im thinking the blue panels could be for the bathrooms, ive seen this type of glass before used in hotels, you can see out of it, it lets light in as a normal window but you cant see in at all from outside and it looks like a solid colour panel and nothing like a window infact

Just en masse tinted glass so it is uniform.

Pile o' shite, just one up from the Travelodge

^^ :ohno:

It would of been class if they used reflective glass like on the hyatt regency.

It would of been class if they used reflective glass like on the hyatt regency.

Hmm.. I was thinking along these lines but wasn't sure how that would stand out against the base of the building - although, to behonest, it'd help if the whole bunch of units got totally refurbed to match.

Anyway, this is quite a sight when you enter Broad Street from Hagly Road as you drive past Spearmint Rhino - It looks really prominent on the skyline.

I know you can't always trust the CGIs but the refurbishment work so far doesn't indicate to me that the finished article will look anything like the below:

http://www.propertyweek.com/pictures/700xAny/1/2/4/1682124_Broad%20Street.JPG

I think the light green on the windows is just protective covering and will be removed at a later date.

^^ I could understand that if all the windows had it on, but why leave lines of them with a protective cover on but not the others, I think its to do with the design to be honest

^^ I could be wrong but they did the same to the glass at The Rotunda and Colmore Plaza and eventually it was all removed.

http://www.emporis.com/img/6/2007/01/511269.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/img/6/2007/04/526645.jpg

Maybe so then!, it just seems odd how its been left in strips like it has, unless its intentional to me. I may be wrong though guess we will have to wait and see!

^^ On the two examples above, they seem to be behind the windows, like boards.. on Cumberland, if you look closely it actually looks like its meant to be like that, and as Sefton said, its in a pattern to

The concrete is going to get sorted, they're just dealing with the windows and spandrels first.

Is the concerete clad or painted?

I know you can't always trust the CGIs but the refurbishment work so far doesn't indicate to me that the finished article will look anything like the below:

http://www.propertyweek.com/pictures/700xAny/1/2/4/1682124_Broad%20Street.JPG

I think the light green on the windows is just protective covering and will be removed at a later date.

That looks so awsome, I hope it looks like this but the chances are low but this refurb has just started.

I've been comparing the floorplans with the images to see if these things in the windows are permanent and I still have no clue. These are not for the bathrooms as the bathrooms are set closer to the centre of the building as opposed to around the edge of the floorplates.

Given that along the wider elevation, there are 3 windows to every room, the pattern we're seeing on the exterior does seem to suggest that they could be permanent. However there is nothing on the planning app that notes these...

Purely a guess based on common sense but might these protection screens just be in place during the internal renovations to protect the glass?

I assume that the lighter panels are opaque glass to hide block work or similar and the dark ones are the actual windows. My worry is that it is an error on the choice of colour for these panels but that it would be too expensive to change them even if they are contrary to the approved planning drawings.

Hmm.. still not keen on this. Perhaps all the of the paynes of glass should be the same colour shade? I'm just not so keen on the pattern and the shades of colour.. hmm..

Doesnt look modern does it?

Still looks like a 70s building to me even with those colours, we'll see if they can pull it out the bag.

Just done a compare and the window patterns are the same so it could be like the picture above.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5576379195_ef8d349336_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5576379195/)Cumberland House hotel refurbishment progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5576379195/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

:applause:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5579406795_420e95d63f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5579406795/)
AVFC in window, Cumberland House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5579406795/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

Absolutely - they need to clear out some of the slummier and low-density housing, and maybe even vacate/demolish Trident House.

The site from the air :) (courtesy of Virtual Earth)

http://i12.tinypic.com/2hqqfx5.jpg
Slummier low density housing!! I live in one of those flats. gah

Shot from Broadway Plaza, looking nice so far from over here

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5580427292_7398b1b226_b.jpg

Couple of snaps from earlier

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V24g33yQ_U/TZZj9mv8vhI/AAAAAAAAD5U/9Gpkal6aaFA/s1600/1April11Cumberland1.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCBUqfx5ic0/TZZjgawFTfI/AAAAAAAAD5E/B4EZ36_MiEk/s1600/1April11Cumberland3.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RZJUig04vo/TZZjfcSZRlI/AAAAAAAAD4k/F2Xg6S8BxYI/s1600/1April11Cumberland7.jpg

http://birminghamcentral.blogspot.com/2011/04/cumberland-house-hotel-refurbishment.html

They say you can't polish a turd.

That's exactly what they've done (literally), and it is still a turd.

Not new news but a report on the Multibuild Contract


Multibuild to create Birmingham Hilton

Contractors have been appointed to build Birmingham’s Hampton by Hilton hotel. Multibuild will transform a disused 17-storey office block into Europe’s largest Hampton by Hilton site.

Multibuild is a Stockport-based Balfour Beatty subsidiary. The company was awarded the contract by Birmingham-based property specialist Office Villages.

Work on the site will include demolition works, asbestos removal and stripping the building’s interior back before undertaking a comprehensive fit-out.

Once complete, the hotel will comprise 285 bedrooms, a reception hub, a restaurant and fitness suite.

Lee Bailey from Chignal Consultancy, Office Village’s project manager, said: “For the Hampton by Hilton project we came to Multibuild with a budget and the brand specification to see if they could make it commercially viable. Throughout the preconstruction phase they’ve worked with us and our design team to develop a number of value engineering solutions that have helped the scheme to progress while remaining true to the Hampton brand standard.”

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/50238-multibuild-create-birmingham-hilton/

I like the last sentence. Could be a good byline used in any of our developments which haven't been finished like the renders; "develop a number of value engineering solutions that have helped the scheme to progress" :|

could look like a hospital.

:applause:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5579406795_420e95d63f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5579406795/)
AVFC in window, Cumberland House (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5579406795/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

Can I ask how on earth did you pick that out :)

It's been visible for some time; part of it has been peeled off now but it's still there ;)

Couple of snaps I got today.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reUHSPHfkQ8/TZ48K-VmqtI/AAAAAAAAECM/i9tH3VmftdI/s1600/7April11HiltonBroad1.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPRWbbG9cu8/TZ48KbRC1mI/AAAAAAAAEB0/gy17fD1zPJg/s1600/7April11HiltonBroad4.jpg

It's looking beter.

A distance shot frpm Highgate

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks%2010/Birmingham0604201180.jpg

They say you can't polish a turd.

That's exactly what they've done (literally), and it is still a turd.

lol this made me laugh

lol this made me laugh

I reserve judgemwnt until it's done. Although, it's not the tower that concerns me than the base.

I bet when this is finished like that CGI people are going to like it.

That's if it is finished like the render...

Couple of snaps from today

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8dDP1jM7gA/TaYw8C6irfI/AAAAAAAAEPM/BXQVzAWd9L4/s1600/13Apr11Cumberland3.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cEs7kBFTt8/TaYw7vR6E4I/AAAAAAAAEO8/wJmGSTJ4dCQ/s1600/13Apr11Cumberland5.jpg

Low down

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5622849872_0190189b5c_b.jpg

Nice angle and i like the contrast of those grills and the new windows behind :)

One in passing from today.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3BGCFM131I/TbX6hmZ34iI/AAAAAAAAEeE/bkzaydqsRXY/s1600/25Apr11Cumberland.jpg

Was on Broad Street so took a shot of Cumberland House

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5673567314_1076434c4c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5673567314/)
Cumberland House and Five Ways Complex, Broad Street, Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5673567314/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

Just want them to take the light blue panels off.

It really needs a render of some sort on the harsh grey concrete!

NOT BLUE-NO MORE BLUE, something like white, orange, purple, something bright perhaps, but not to much, otherwise it will start looking like the black country.

If they change the concrete to the blue on the cgi on the previous pages on this thread it will look good.

Yea i like this.It has a feel of some of the sixties built hotels in london.It has its own surface car park and hopefully will "kickstart other projects in a very grimy part of Broad st.They are tarting it up rather nicely.

It's interesting that they kept the two buildings that link up with the Fiveways entertainment development bit (don't know it's exact name but you see what I'm talking about) are they listed buildings?

I also took a shot of the Legs 11 building next door

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5673001693_63326b32a9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5673001693/)
Legs 11, Broad Street, Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/5673001693/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

The vertical frame seems a bit more prominent. Or maybe it's just me.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/5737490481_9aee9f92bf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5737490481/)
Cumberland House progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5737490481/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

deffinateley seems more prominent to me too, maybe its just because it was less noticeable with the covers on the windows, thankfully it does look like they are only temporary while its refurbed!

I know its random, but i think the top of Broad Street wouldn't be so dead if the McDonalds was still open at the base of Cumberland!

As for the patterns, i really don't know, for some reason they look permanent to me guys.. We'll have to wait and see! The Planning app isn't working for me to check..

I never did fully understand why they closed such a busy Restaurant, if was because of trouble late at night then surely they should have just closed, it was busy enough during the daytime. I guess the rates may have been extortionate mind looking at the location.

well there is now a big section of them missing if you look at the picture which is why we are hopeful they are temporary.

Its always been like that if you go back afew pages

Yeah, that's the staircase.

Update from couple days ago, looking great in the sun.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/5780744877_ef7394094d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/5780746891_7876f63f79_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/5780749135_e191f992f3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/5780751435_1359b774ef_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/5781302472_237e051f7d_b.jpg

I never did fully understand why they closed such a busy Restaurant, if was because of trouble late at night then surely they should have just closed, it was busy enough during the daytime. I guess the rates may have been extortionate mind looking at the location.

Not really. At nights, especially at weekends it was rammed but during the day it was always pretty much dead. You also have to bear in mind, at the time when this was shut down, McD's was going through some serious strife in the UK so restructuring and franchise shut downs were occurring all over the place. It's not just here but surprisingly, and probably to the relief of many of the residents, the busy Harbourne branch too.

Three in the city centre and one in Dudley Road way, Hagley Road/Wolvo Road, Bristol Road seem to be enough.

If it turns out black and silver it's going to look like eleven Brindleyplace's older brother. It could scrub up really well.

Does anyone know if Brannighans, Oh Velvet and The Sugar Suite will be part of the hotel? Is there anything planned?

It's a waiting game on this one. Not much visible progress.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5861352294_a6cf7c488d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5861352294/)
Cumberland House renovation (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/5861352294/) by The Development of Birmingham (http://www.flickr.com/people/thedevelopmentofbirmingham/), on Flickr

Its all going on inside now...

Still can't work out whether they're going to remove the white film off the windows or they plan to keep the chequered effect. They have on the stairwell and I personally think it looks better.

There was NEVER that white film on the staircase....

So perhaps the white film, if that's what it is, is on the rooms where they only want 1 window per 3, perhaps for privacy, whereas the staircase needs the light. Dunno, just find it odd that they'd break the pattern. Hmmm.

^^ because the "white film" windows are bathrooms

Ah ha. There to stay then. Got it.

Ah ha. There to stay then. Got it.

that's just speculation though

Personally I like it, it is in a pattern aswell so I think its here to stay

Would seem odd to have the bathrooms against the windows though. Usually they're against the corridor when you first walk in. But yes, all speculation.

Does anyone know if Brannighans, Oh Velvet and The Sugar Suite will be part of the hotel? Is there anything planned?

Wondering this too

The bathrooms are internal, not against the windows, from what I remembered when I checked out the floorplans for this.

Do we even know if it is a film on the window? They could be boards.

Saw this the other day for the first time ... doesn't look as hideous as I'd imagined!

Yeah, I think it's a goes to show you don't always have to demolish when a building goes out of date. Maybe they should've done something similar with the now demolished tower on edgbaston galleries site.

If the these window films/ panels whatever aren't removed then I much much much preferred Cumberland House before the renovation.

My only issue with these office-to-hotel transformations is that we're seeing opportunities to vastly improve an area being lost - such as Kennedy Tower. I know any substantial redevelopment of that site was a while off but the opportunity to really create a gateway building has been lost for an even longer time. I guess opportunity cost doesn't really apply so well in property development.

When I was walking down Granville street yesterday I saw a light blue panel being removed. And when is this refurb ment to be finished 2012 ? 2013 ?

Mid 2012 I think.

Its looking better in comparison to before it started, but I don't think this will have any wow factor in it.

I hope im wrong.

Would it have the wow factor if they used reflective glass like on the hyatt??


I dont know.

Don't think so think it just needs those horrible light blue panels gone hopefully they will go at a later date.

Would it have the wow factor if they used reflective glass like on the hyatt??


I dont know.

The hyatt is nice but too many hyatt style buildings in the same vicinity could look tacky.

if cumberland had the reflective glass broad street would only have 2 buildings like that.

looking through some of the planning apps, The white strips WILL be staying just to confirm it

http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/DocumentExplorer/documentstream/documentstream.aspx?name=public:0901487a80dc94c6.pdf&unique=538262&type=eplprod_DC_PLANAPP

They have started taking down the gantry systems they have been using to refurbish the exterior. Also looks like the signs have gone up but are covered up at the moment.

They have started taking down the gantry systems they have been using to refurbish the exterior. Also looks like the signs have gone up but are covered up at the moment.
^^
That would suggest then they are not going to paint the concrete corner pillars and grid at the top, which is a shame :ohno:

Ah, the school of half arsed jobs.. honestly, I'm sure Broad Street's getting worse...

Unfortunately I have long been under the impression that they wouldn't bother to clean the concrete. Although they put a lot of time and effort into installing new windows and cladding, cleaning the concrete is not crucial to bringing this building back into use. When one considers the amount of money they must be spending on converting the building into a hotel from an office, the cost of cleaning the concrete must have seemed an unnecessary expense. A shame, but understandable

The cleaning of the exterior extends to other developments too. The one that springs to mind is Centre City. If a clean is not appropriate, then painting is! Sometimes, this is all that's needed to make it look good.

The cleaning of the exterior extends to other developments too. The one that springs to mind is Centre City. If a clean is not appropriate, then painting is! Sometimes, this is all that's needed to make it look good.

Look at the alpha tower now it looks so clean and that was just with paint.

As Ace of Base once said, I saw the sign:
http://i51.tinypic.com/2di53s3.jpg

Both signs are up. And a few of the White sheets in the windows have been removed near the base.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/martynahood/Birmingham/82968abc.jpg

I must say, hoody, that that angle of shot and the distance it is away from the building make Cumberland House look quite good. Certainly better than it does from street level, where it's difficult to see past the unattractive concrete plinth it sits on.

Speaking of which, and forgive me if it's been discussed elsewhere, but do we know what work is going to be carried out on the Broad Street frontages, if any? Some of the scruffiest bits of the entire street are in the base of Cumberland House, including two (?) empty units. Would be great to see them given a bit of love in time for the hotel to open!

Photo off flickr.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6237828967_604eeccc6b_z.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/geography_southwest/6237828967/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Good photo above, it looks good there. :)

Cant wait to see the signage at night.

Bump.

Some news from the latest Sanguine Hospitality Newsletter (http://www.sanguinehospitality.com/dec11news.pdf)

Hampton by Hilton Birmingham The product looks fantastic and our contractors Multibuild are on track to achieve practical completion for 16 March. If we avoid delays we will be open at the beginning of May. We’ve recently secured a pre-opening office a few hundred metres down the road on Broad Street so the team have a base once they start.

And here is a render of one of the rooms.

http://www.sanguinehospitality.com/construction/images/hbh-broad-st2.jpg

They have started to take the last of the scaffolding down now. Though there is still hoarding at street level.

Photo off flickr.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6237828967_604eeccc6b_z.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/geography_southwest/6237828967/sizes/z/in/photostream/


Definite improvement.

But also serves to emphasize what a terrible blot on the landscape the Travelodge is! It really is a dreadfully drab & depressing building, which needs some TLC with the help of a wrecking ball or two.

im looking at the middle bit where there are no white glazed bits and thinking how it would look if the whole building was like it! I suppose the white gives a bit of a difference and breaks it up I guess

sorry but this is a refurb that to me will always look incomplete. They haven't even painted up the corners. As for Travelodge, demolition is the answer but at the very least a refurb with a Carrs Lane look wouldn't go amiss.

I'm actually disappointed by this also. Yeah it's a building back in use but it didn't look bad at all before, the panels in the windows have ruined it. It looks like Good Hope Hospital now, and like Typhoon says, they didn't even do the corners (which I am sure they stated in the planning app as something they would do). One step forward, two steps back.

to be honest, i agree. whilst its good it has a used, aesthetically i much preferred how it looked before the refurb!

would be alright if the blue windows had a point but as someone said on here, they aren't even bathrooms.

Of all the developments in Birmingham lately this has to be my least favourite. It's just so disappointing! If it had looked anything like either of the renders it wouldn't have been so bad, if a bit dull, but it just doesn't. The colours in the renders really didn't give any indication of what we have now & the pale blue strips are just terrible. IMO it would have looked better if they hadn't put in the sections without those stripes as the dark glazing just emphasizes how awful they look. Not even cleaning the concrete corners, let alone re-cladding or painting them just tops off how shoddy a job this looks. I'm another one who preferred the original, even if it was a bit scrappy & dated. :(

im scared that kennedy tower will suffer the same fate. different hotel operator but same developer :O(

well not that much is changing with that tower, the addition we saw wasn't an improvement to kenedy

They have started to take the last of the scaffolding down now. Though there is still hoarding at street level.
^^
I don't think the cladding is too bad, I am concerned however that there would appear to be very little happening at street level to enhance the drab exterior. I was looking for some major remodelling to make the entrance a welcoming feature...maybe there will be a sudden purge and we will be surprised, but its not looking good so far..:ohno:

Almost complete now, this.

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3342/imag31031.jpg

Cheers for the pic reiss, looks to me like they've covered the corners?

^^ No worries, I'm not actually sure, I'll have to take another look in the week.

Nothing new to the tower, but the entrance is now being fitted out, the concrete hasn't been touched in reply to Sefton

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5471/imag0110pg.jpg

Excuse the bus bar! Didn't notice it until I got in!

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5833/imag0112mr.jpg

Cheers Reiss,

the corners not being clad or at least painted does let it down a bit, what are the plans for the front/street level? Is it just a small reception lobby or are their ground floor restaurant/bar as part of it?

No problem mate, I think its just a reception area

How can they say "Opening in spring 2012" this doesn't even look a quarter finished. Another job done on the cheap.

How can they say "Opening in spring 2012" this doesn't even look a quarter finished. Another job done on the cheap.
^^
I haven't got any problem with the body of the hotel, but the frontage to Broad street so far is indeed massively dissappointing, can't equate £30 million to what we're seeing.:ohno:

I'm glad the thread title told me it's a refurb, or else I might never have known.

What an utterly pointless exercise.

a clear example of how planning in this city has gone to pot, or am I going to be told the council couldn't have done anything about this again? lol Why, just for once, could this have turned out to be an improvement on what was there before? Why... and how... can this look worse than the 60s/70s bhuilding which was there before? Why can Birmingham not get simple bread and butter stuff like this right?

a clear example of how planning in this city has gone to pot, or am I going to be told the council couldn't have done anything about this again? lol Why, just for once, could this have turned out to be an improvement on what was there before? Why... and how... can this look worse than the 60s/70s bhuilding which was there before? Why can Birmingham not get simple bread and butter stuff like this right?



I personaly think peoples expectations for stuff like this are far too high. everyone expects quality like Selfridges and The Library all the time.

So we can all agree LoB, Selfridges and Cube are the only buildings to take note of, Birmingham have many buildings that aren't so commercial and look amazing, Peat House for example

I personaly think peoples expectations for stuff like this are far too high. everyone expects quality like Selfridges and The Library all the time.

Completely agree, not every building can be an icon and world class. This was always going to be a straight for straight materials swap with upgraded spec to the glazing etc. The design before wasn't an eyesore or ugly so I don't get why people are moaning as if a complete overhaul and change was proposed? It could have been better but I still think its an improvement overall and it bring a huge building back into use. I remember on nights before the refurb when it would have 2 lights on lol atleast now it will have some life in

The only buildings id say that have gone up in the last 10 or so years that id class as being "below average" would be Etap, its just bog standard boring design. Some of the student brick buildings look bland and cheap aswel.

Apart from that I don't really think we've got many below average buildings.

Morrisons Five Ways is just located on the wrong site before someone mentions that lol

I think some of you are misinterpreting people's expectations. We should be looking at buildings that can stand the test of time, not necessarily icons. A timeless design is, in many ways, a successful design. With every proposal, we should be looking to the future and what it gives to the city. A lot of the time we get "it's better than what was there before" - that's looking to the past.

You're right, we shouldn't be expecting every building to be world class and iconic - but who genuinely expects that from every proposal that goes through? It's not too much to expect good and interesting design at the very least - the Ronald McDonald House by the Children's Hospital shows that for example.

What's been done to Cumberland House hardly stands the test of time right now, so god knows what it'll look like after considerable use!

Let's face it, these old "skyscrapers" are more impressive than the new library some of the new low rise stuff Birmingham gets landed with. I was looking at some old skyline photos of Birmingham the other day and it all looked more impressive 30/40 years ago.

...From a distance. :troll:

I think what EK is trying to say is why couldn't have this been something like Quayside Tower's revamp - you know, an improvement that really impressed. I do like the re-glazing but they could have at least painted or clad the concrete frame just to make the building look like it was worth refurbishing. Now I'm a little concerned about Kennedy Tower.

well I wasn't expecting a Quayside revamp. I understood the simplistic nature of what was to happen but this looks ridiculously unfinished, and even messed up with those lighter shades in those windows - this is the bit that really ruins the building.

1) the corners should have been painted a suitable colour and shade.. Not even necessarily re-clad.

2) the windows should have had a uniform look throught the building, either kept clear or by the correct type of colour shade.

I'm sorry but this building is simply a mess now, it's clean lines now messed with by faffing around with those windows. Terrible refurb that could have looked so much better and for little more money! It sucks.

I think anybody that thinks we were all expecting a new library/Cube/Selfridges standard building here is deluded. Never going to happen & none of us thought it would. What we did expect was that this might have looked slightly like either of the renders that were put to the council as part of the planning application for this. It doesn't. The slightly dull greyer version would have been vastly preferable to this. It looked finished. Who in their right mind thinks that this is a good renovation?! It's absurd. You can easily improve a building like Cumberland house just by putting some new windows on it, using the same metalic vertical stripes as have been used & using the same treatment on the corners & giving it a reasonable standard of ground floor makeover. We wern't expecting a Ritz style entrance hall but something comparable to the Jurys Inn wouldn't have gone amiss. What we have instead, and why everybody is unhappy, is that the job hasn't been completed to the standards we were led to believe by the application that it would be, that many of the problems with the original building haven't been resolved & that it looks less coherent as an overall design than the original, which again, we were led to believe from the application wouldn't be the case.

This isn't in any way about expecting every single building in Birmingham to be some sort of landmark. It's about expecting that when a developer sets out to develop a project further from the original design, woos us with pretty pictures that show how they will achieve the previous point & then fails massively to deliver on this, that we have every right to be massively disappointed. I can't see any reasons why we should be happy with this finished product. It isn't what we were told & shown we were getting & surely that is the whole point of the planning process?

I think what EK is trying to say is why couldn't have this been something like Quayside Tower's revamp - you know, an improvement that really impressed. I do like the re-glazing but they could have at least painted or clad the concrete frame just to make the building look like it was worth refurbishing. Now I'm a little concerned about Kennedy Tower.


Don't expect any changes to Kennedy....

They're just upgrading the glazing and keeping the cladding the same, they are creating a new entrance though and tidying up the street level

I think anybody that thinks we were all expecting a new library/Cube/Selfridges standard building here is deluded. Never going to happen & none of us thought it would. What we did expect was that this might have looked slightly like either of the renders that were put to the council as part of the planning application for this. It doesn't. The slightly dull greyer version would have been vastly preferable to this. It looked finished. Who in their right mind thinks that this is a good renovation?! It's absurd. You can easily improve a building like Cumberland house just by putting some new windows on it, using the same metalic vertical stripes as have been used & using the same treatment on the corners & giving it a reasonable standard of ground floor makeover. We wern't expecting a Ritz style entrance hall but something comparable to the Jurys Inn wouldn't have gone amiss. What we have instead, and why everybody is unhappy, is that the job hasn't been completed to the standards we were led to believe by the application that it would be, that many of the problems with the original building haven't been resolved & that it looks less coherent as an overall design than the original, which again, we were led to believe from the application wouldn't be the case.

This isn't in any way about expecting every single building in Birmingham to be some sort of landmark. It's about expecting that when a developer sets out to develop a project further from the original design, woos us with pretty pictures that show how they will achieve the previous point & then fails massively to deliver on this, that we have every right to be massively disappointed. I can't see any reasons why we should be happy with this finished product. It isn't what we were told & shown we were getting & surely that is the whole point of the planning process?

Pretty much sums up my feelings too.

Misleading renders, messy facade, not even an ounce of tlc given to the existing concrete, Sanguine have mucked this up big time in my opinion.

Look at the render on page 12, it looks modern and clean lined.

Sanguine should be made aware of this website....

^^ They done a good job at The Cube though

^^ They done a good job at The Cube though

It's not terrible & the final result is ok, but the cladding on The Cube is hardly the top notch stuff we thought we were going to get either [and don't mention the vents!!!].

Weren't Sanguire just behind the hotel, marco pierre and health and spa not the actual build of the cube?

Indeed they are. My mistake. Although my point about the quality of the cladding still stands.

Driving past today, just looking up at it, thinking how could it would have looked if the concrete was clad in black..

Here is the frontage to Broad Street though

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5352/imag3376.jpg

Driving past today, just looking up at it, thinking how could it would have looked if the concrete was clad in black..

That's a pretty good idea IMO. Materials similar to the black cladding on La Tour. It could have potentially contrasted against the opaque sections of glazing nicely. It'd look more like a new build too.

That's a pretty good idea IMO. Materials similar to the black cladding on La Tour. It could have potentially contrasted against the opaque sections of glazing nicely. It'd look more like a new build too.

Exactly! Great opportunity missed there, it would have complemented the windows if you ask me

It looks like another seedy Broad Street bar. I saw it yesterday & thought that, out of the two, Risa had a more appealing & welcoming frontage. What a useless effort.

Oh yeah, Grosvenor Casino is behind hoardings at the moment.

No news on the bars ie Brannighans?

No news on the bars ie Brannighans?

Thats been closed for ages. Im surprised no one has taken that on.

I would at least of thought that Brannighans could have been linked to the Cumberland House development somehow? And what about Oh Velvet, is that still open?

I would at least of thought that Brannighans could have been linked to the Cumberland House development somehow? And what about Oh Velvet, is that still open?

Sadly, yes - christ knows how they're going to deal with the noise from the Sugar Suite. Interestingly, I remember being there a few years ago and they used what looked like a multi-storey car park for their smoking area :ohno:.

Will this place be a 4 or 5 star hotel ?

4* as far as I know,

it's the largest hampton by Hilton in Europe,
4th largest Hampton by Hilton overall

Although they missed out with the concrete, from what I can see, the inside looks top quality.

whichn makes this even more gutting lol!

Largest in Europe:lol: you would think they would have done better with the outside BUT this isn't finished so i keep my hopes up. I was thinking at the start of this project that this would give the Hyatt a run for it's money.

Well I still think that Brannighans should re-open as a brand new venue, it just seems a shame to leave it empty. At least venues - Brannighans and Oh Velvet could be refurbished and updated, and what about Georgy Porgies over the road? Sorry to go on about it...

Well I still think that Brannighans should re-open as a brand new venue, it just seems a shame to leave it empty. At least venues - Brannighans and Oh Velvet could be refurbished and updated, and what about Georgy Porgies over the road? Sorry to go on about it...

Aren't the signs now down? Looks like they may have abandoned that project..

Aren't the signs now down? Looks like they may have abandoned that project..
^^
The site as been back up For Sale for several weeks now!

http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/90595a4e801411e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg

^^ Looks absolutely bloody awful :ohno:

Probably just the effect on it

The bin liners have come off the sign now, and it adds a bit of colour to it at night.

Are they going to clad the corners? The renders suggest they are - I think that would smarten it up. At the moment they look as if they have a rough concrete finish?

I think anybody that thinks we were all expecting a new library/Cube/Selfridges standard building here is deluded. Never going to happen & none of us thought it would. What we did expect was that this might have looked slightly like either of the renders that were put to the council as part of the planning application for this. It doesn't. The slightly dull greyer version would have been vastly preferable to this. It looked finished. Who in their right mind thinks that this is a good renovation?! It's absurd. You can easily improve a building like Cumberland house just by putting some new windows on it, using the same metalic vertical stripes as have been used & using the same treatment on the corners & giving it a reasonable standard of ground floor makeover. We wern't expecting a Ritz style entrance hall but something comparable to the Jurys Inn wouldn't have gone amiss. What we have instead, and why everybody is unhappy, is that the job hasn't been completed to the standards we were led to believe by the application that it would be, that many of the problems with the original building haven't been resolved & that it looks less coherent as an overall design than the original, which again, we were led to believe from the application wouldn't be the case.

This isn't in any way about expecting every single building in Birmingham to be some sort of landmark. It's about expecting that when a developer sets out to develop a project further from the original design, woos us with pretty pictures that show how they will achieve the previous point & then fails massively to deliver on this, that we have every right to be massively disappointed. I can't see any reasons why we should be happy with this finished product. It isn't what we were told & shown we were getting & surely that is the whole point of the planning process?

no no.. The expectation is not one of a crazy icon.. Please understand this. :ohno:

My point is that it could have looked tidier.. It's a plain and simple concept.. Just tidier. There were very few things that need to be done to this building as in itself I feel that the clean lines were just right for the age we are in now.. All we needed was a tidy up. A uniform look to the glass colour and a simple clad or repaint of the corners- not the mess we have over the glass, and the half arsed look that the refurb has left behind now. A 'icon' would have been wrong here anyway but often the best 'facelifts' are the simple, but well thought out ones..

heres one of ells pics with this in the background now the sign has been uncovered

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/6950343360_f3094135b9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6950343360/)
City Tavern - Tennant Street / Bishopgate Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/6950343360/) by ell brown (http://www.flickr.com/people/ell-r-brown/), on Flickr

I saw that sign today from Five Ways (in the car) - how pitiful and illegible!

Hilton should be ashamed of this effort: the windows, the concrete corners, the sign, the sauna-esque blue tiles at the ground floor entrance. It's such a let-down and one of the worst refurbs (externally) that I've seen.

The worst thing, though, is that it's such a shame !!

^^ Sanguine should be! And it's the largest Hampton in Europe!

It's Hilton's name though!

That sign is small and crappy.

Yep, I think that sign should at least be three times bigger.

That sign is small and crappy.

It suits the building perfectly then.

From today

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/466/imag3632.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4586/imag3633.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2080/imag3634.jpg

From Business Desk:

New Birmingham hotel secures £300,000 of advance bookings

A NEW Birmingham hotel has attracted £300,000 of bookings ahead of its opening next month.

The £30m, 285-room Hampton by Hilton Birmingham in Broad Street opens to guests on May 1.

The hotel, one of the largest Hampton by Hilton hotels outside the United States, is based in the refurbished Cumberland House.

Operator Sanguine Hospitality Ltd said the level of interest had surpassed its expectations and it pinpointed the strength of the Hilton name coupled with a high-specification upgrade, as key factors in the huge demand.

Elaine Grahame, general manager of the hotel, said: “Hilton is such a trusted international name, while the Hampton brand is still relatively new to the UK, it plays perfectly to people’s aspirations to taste something fresh and contemporary.

“There is a palpable buzz in Birmingham at the moment and this, coupled with confidence in the quality of the Hampton by Hilton product, means that occupancy is already looking buoyant, several weeks before we open.”

Robin Wicks, chief executive of Sanguine Hospitality, said: “We were always confident that this flagship Hampton by Hilton would generate tremendous interest, and our strong pipeline of bookings demonstrates the impact we are going to have on the Birmingham market.”

Work on the refurbishment of Cumberland House has been on-going since November 2010.

Further proof the need for more hotels in Birmingham is there, hotel la tour had 500k of advance bookings for its room and conference suites.

Gee that hotel is a real beast then!!

If anyone goes in can they get some interior photos?

[QUOTE=SuttonBaggie;68920533]Property Week: Sanguine Hospitality to create 285-bed Birmingham hotel

http://www.propertyweek.com/pictures/700xAny/1/2/4/1682124_Broad%20Street.JPG

compare signs!

Also back in 2009 on this thread Foxtrot and Woody joked about my Nostradamus-like vision of this becoming a hotel and then I mentioned Auchinleck becoming one to Woody's "never!"

That render is ace and the sign is the perfect size.

Also back in 2009 on this thread Foxtrot and Woody joked about my Nostradamus-like vision of this becoming a hotel and then I mentioned Auchinleck becoming one to Woody's "never!"

ok Nostradamus what will 2015 bring ;)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4586/imag3633.jpg

http://www.propertyweek.com/pictures/700xAny/1/2/4/1682124_Broad%20Street.JPG

almost indistinguishable from the visual

The sign is almost exactly twice as big in the render than in the actual finished project. In the render it spreads across 15 windows, whereas the finished building, just 7 (and a bit).

If I was Hilton and someone built me a hotel that bore absolutely no resemblence to what had been promised I would tell them to f*** off and try again...

so would I

If you think that render & the real thing are almost indistinguishable then you really need you eyes checking. The differences individually may not be huge but they all add up to a whole that looks so much more shoddy than the proposal.

I agree that the sign is way too small. It's difficult to read even if you know what it says, let alone if you don't. And there was me thinking that Hilton would be pushing the advertising on this as one of their flagship Hampton's. Maybe it's just that they think it looks so awful that they don't want their name to be too visible. I know I wouldn't...