The Birmingham Grand Hotel - Page 7

soapbox · October 13th, 2011, 12:08 PM

Birmingham Post dedicates 3 pages to this. Worth buying a copy (the Post needs all the help it can get!).

Highlights are:

Hortons has spent £1.5 million on restoring a segment of the facade on Church Street. New techniques required, and they have discovered just how badly the building was put together in the first place. Hortons very pleased with the quality of the refurbished section, but...

Ongoing discussions with all interest parties (Hortons, English Heritage, BCC, The Victorian Society) about what kind of refurbishment is acceptable to a Grade II* listed building. Inevitable potential conflict between what the owners and occupiers (and man and woman on the street) would want and perhaps what a conservationist would want. But everyone sounds like they are discussing in a spirit of cooperation, so probably a sensible agreement an be reached.

There is interest from operators for the hotel - but no deal yet, not surprisingly.

No final idea of price of full refurbishment, partly because of still having to resolve quite what form the facade refurbishment must take - but they expect to have a clearer idea by Christmas.

Threat of demolition has not completely gone. Hortons say (and all other bodies seem to agree) that they have gone into this process whole-heartedly and very openly. But if, eventually, it seems that the building cannot be restored for technical or ultimately financial reasons, then they may have to apply to demolish.

That last para is not the dominant feel of the articles, and I don't think it's what anyone wants to see. But it remains a possibility - so we should all remain vigilant.

NeilM · October 13th, 2011, 02:41 PM

Here is the online article:

Quote:

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/n...5233-29589977/

greatmoseley! · October 13th, 2011, 06:19 PM

Radisson edwardian would be a perfect hotelier for the grand......

Sandblast · October 13th, 2011, 08:08 PM

Yes it would

bart335 · October 14th, 2011, 02:25 PM

I have just walked past the back of the Grand and there are loads of workmen removing airducting from inside and coming out of the 'Grand Hotel Deliveries' door near Church Street. They have a huge skip which looks more likely to be for the hotel than any of the smaller shops on Colmore Row. Interesting !

fruit&nut · October 14th, 2011, 05:04 PM

Probably metal theft....

PSS1980 · October 14th, 2011, 05:54 PM

This is a massive massive opportunity for Birmingham to have a real gem of an iconic building and high quality hotel, fingers crossed, so far its going in the right direction.....

Erebus555 · October 14th, 2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bart335

I have just walked past the back of the Grand and there are loads of workmen removing airducting from inside and coming out of the 'Grand Hotel Deliveries' door near Church Street. They have a huge skip which looks more likely to be for the hotel than any of the smaller shops on Colmore Row. Interesting !

That does remind me of when I walked past that entrance during summer and there were workmen carrying a load of wooden planks inside. I thought nothing of it at the time...

djay · October 14th, 2011, 08:54 PM

I not be surprised if all of a sudden there was a fire in this building. Although they are working at on it Hortons don't sound that committed and a builder leaving a cigarette end would be a very good for them.

Erebus555 · October 15th, 2011, 12:22 AM

To me, Hortons do sound very committed. It's clearly a very complex site and situation, the issue is finding the line whereby restoring the building becomes economically infeasible.

Spread · November 7th, 2011, 10:10 AM

From EGI, there is also a very small image showing it in grey, presumably restored using the new technique:

Duo reveal grand plans for two Birmingham landmarks
Lisa Pilkington 07/11/2011 07:00

Birmingham-based Trebor Developments and Hortons' Estate have unveiled two major projects in the city.

The pair are working up a revised scheme for the redevelopment of the 1890s-built Grand Hotel in the Colmore Row area. The proposals include a new flagship three- to four-star hotel.

Plans by Hortons' to transform it into a 200,000 sq ft office block in 2004 collapsed after its partner Richardson Barberry pulled out due to frustrations over delays caused by the building's listed status.

Elsewhere in the city, Hortons' and Trebor have revealed their vision for the new 40,000 sq ft Birmingham Assay Office, which is to be rehoused at St Georges Partnership's Kettleworks site in the Jewellery Quarter. The prelet, announced last month, will kick-start development at the scheme. Subject to planning, work on site will begin in spring 2012, with completion due in mid-2013.

***woodhousen*** · November 7th, 2011, 11:51 AM

amazing news...

fruit&nut · November 7th, 2011, 01:44 PM

Indeed. I know this is the wrong thread, but is the Assay Office listed?

soapbox · November 7th, 2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fruit&nut

Indeed. I know this is the wrong thread, but is the Assay Office listed?

Grade II listed according to Wikipedia

fruit&nut · November 7th, 2011, 05:05 PM

That's good. Thanks soapbox.

Demolition Dan · November 8th, 2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djay

I not be surprised if all of a sudden there was a fire in this building. Although they are working at on it Hortons don't sound that committed and a builder leaving a cigarette end would be a very good for them.

The Grand is an epitomy of all thats wrong with Bham. A beautiful landmark building and the accountants and idiots that "plan" this city would LOVE to trash it and build some crappy concrete box. It would be another nail in BHam's coffin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spread

From EGI, there is also a very small image showing it in grey, presumably restored using the new technique:

Duo reveal grand plans for two Birmingham landmarks
Lisa Pilkington 07/11/2011 07:00

Birmingham-based Trebor Developments and Hortons' Estate have unveiled two major projects in the city.

The pair are working up a revised scheme for the redevelopment of the 1890s-built Grand Hotel in the Colmore Row area. The proposals include a new flagship three- to four-star hotel.
Plans by Hortons' to transform it into a 200,000 sq ft office block in 2004 collapsed after its partner Richardson Barberry pulled out due to frustrations over delays caused by the building's listed status.

Elsewhere in the city, Hortons' and Trebor have revealed their vision for the new 40,000 sq ft Birmingham Assay Office, which is to be rehoused at St Georges Partnership's Kettleworks site in the Jewellery Quarter. The prelet, announced last month, will kick-start development at the scheme. Subject to planning, work on site will begin in spring 2012, with completion due in mid-2013.

Did anyone actually notice that? A FLAGSHIP 3 STAR HOTEL?
What next? Bham Town Hall becomes a "flagship youth hostel"?

THIS is why Bham gets slaughtered in Tripadvisor!

***woodhousen*** · November 8th, 2011, 12:50 PM

thats a little bit harsh fella...

yes ok 3 star is barely flagship, but 4 star will be. and we almost certainly cant expect 5 star from this building, firstly because there is very little market for 5 star in birmingham, but also the fact that the listing of the building means the changes needed to accommodate 5 star requirements cant be made... where would you put the swimming pool and and on-site parking for example?!?!

sefton66 · November 8th, 2011, 01:29 PM

The difference between a 3* and 4* is nothing I've stopped in far worse 4* hotels than 3*s

Erebus555 · November 8th, 2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demolition Dan

The Grand is an epitomy of all thats wrong with Bham. A beautiful landmark building and the accountants and idiots that "plan" this city would LOVE to trash it and build some crappy concrete box. It would be another nail in BHam's coffin.

Based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever. Cool. OK people, keep moving, nothing to see here.

Elizabeth Kinoke · November 8th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demolition Dan

The Grand is an epitomy of all thats wrong with Bham. A beautiful landmark building and the accountants and idiots that "plan" this city would LOVE to trash it and build some crappy concrete box. It would be another nail in BHam's coffin.

Did anyone actually notice that? A FLAGSHIP 3 STAR HOTEL?
What next? Bham Town Hall becomes a "flagship youth hostel"?

THIS is why Bham gets slaughtered in Tripadvisor!

totally agree, a buildimng of this beauty and setting should be something special. However, I'm just happy it's being renovated and put back to use.

News of the BBC leaving the city in a big way is the kind of news which will leave developers with less confidence in investing in Brum, and I'm not sure 5 star would geberate enough income, however, Manchester indeed.

October 14th, 2011, 08:54 PM	#129
djay Just Incredible Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 2,944 Likes (Received): 3	I not be surprised if all of a sudden there was a fire in this building. Although they are working at on it Hortons don't sound that committed and a builder leaving a cigarette end would be a very good for them. __________________ Visit the blog for my group, Taylor Made - http://taylormademusic.tumblr.com What's your name? Where're you from? You got a dream? I'll sell you one.

October 15th, 2011, 12:22 AM	#130
Erebus555 It's Sting. So What? Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 31,246 Likes (Received): 4	To me, Hortons do sound very committed. It's clearly a very complex site and situation, the issue is finding the line whereby restoring the building becomes economically infeasible. __________________ The UK Housing Wiki - Attempting to document every tower block, council estate, private estate, housing association, tower block construction/ demolition method, tower block architect, tower block construction company... etc etc, in the UK. Everything to do with postwar residences! - Please join and help! EREBUS - OFFICIAL MOD CANDIDATE 2011 - BRITISH MODS FOR BRITISH PEOPLE!

November 7th, 2011, 11:51 AM	#132
*woodhousen* Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Leeds/Birmingham, UK Posts: 10,842 Likes (Received): 2	amazing news... __________________ Simply BIRMINGHAM

November 8th, 2011, 12:50 PM	#137
*woodhousen* Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Leeds/Birmingham, UK Posts: 10,842 Likes (Received): 2	thats a little bit harsh fella... yes ok 3 star is barely flagship, but 4 star will be. and we almost certainly cant expect 5 star from this building, firstly because there is very little market for 5 star in birmingham, but also the fact that the listing of the building means the changes needed to accommodate 5 star requirements cant be made... where would you put the swimming pool and and on-site parking for example?!?! __________________ Simply BIRMINGHAM

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October 13th, 2011, 12:08 PM	#121
soapbox Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Birmingham Posts: 161 Likes (Received): 0	Birmingham Post dedicates 3 pages to this. Worth buying a copy (the Post needs all the help it can get!). Highlights are: Hortons has spent £1.5 million on restoring a segment of the facade on Church Street. New techniques required, and they have discovered just how badly the building was put together in the first place. Hortons very pleased with the quality of the refurbished section, but... Ongoing discussions with all interest parties (Hortons, English Heritage, BCC, The Victorian Society) about what kind of refurbishment is acceptable to a Grade II* listed building. Inevitable potential conflict between what the owners and occupiers (and man and woman on the street) would want and perhaps what a conservationist would want. But everyone sounds like they are discussing in a spirit of cooperation, so probably a sensible agreement an be reached. There is interest from operators for the hotel - but no deal yet, not surprisingly. No final idea of price of full refurbishment, partly because of still having to resolve quite what form the facade refurbishment must take - but they expect to have a clearer idea by Christmas. Threat of demolition has not completely gone. Hortons say (and all other bodies seem to agree) that they have gone into this process whole-heartedly and very openly. But if, eventually, it seems that the building cannot be restored for technical or ultimately financial reasons, then they may have to apply to demolish. That last para is not the dominant feel of the articles, and I don't think it's what anyone wants to see. But it remains a possibility - so we should all remain vigilant.

October 13th, 2011, 06:19 PM	#123
greatmoseley! Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 101 Likes (Received): 0	Radisson edwardian would be a perfect hotelier for the grand......

October 13th, 2011, 08:08 PM	#124
Sandblast Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: BIRMINGHAM ... in exile in the wilderness of rural Gloucestershire Posts: 2,863 Likes (Received): 2	Yes it would

October 14th, 2011, 02:25 PM	#125
bart335 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 7 Likes (Received): 0	I have just walked past the back of the Grand and there are loads of workmen removing airducting from inside and coming out of the 'Grand Hotel Deliveries' door near Church Street. They have a huge skip which looks more likely to be for the hotel than any of the smaller shops on Colmore Row. Interesting !

October 14th, 2011, 05:04 PM	#126
fruit&nut A glass and a half... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,581 Likes (Received): 3	Probably metal theft....

October 14th, 2011, 05:54 PM	#127
PSS1980 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: BIRMINGHAM Posts: 468 Likes (Received): 5	This is a massive massive opportunity for Birmingham to have a real gem of an iconic building and high quality hotel, fingers crossed, so far its going in the right direction.....

November 7th, 2011, 10:10 AM	#131
Spread Brummie & Proud Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Birmingham Posts: 1,644 Likes (Received): 33	From EGI, there is also a very small image showing it in grey, presumably restored using the new technique: Duo reveal grand plans for two Birmingham landmarks Lisa Pilkington 07/11/2011 07:00 Birmingham-based Trebor Developments and Hortons' Estate have unveiled two major projects in the city. The pair are working up a revised scheme for the redevelopment of the 1890s-built Grand Hotel in the Colmore Row area. The proposals include a new flagship three- to four-star hotel. Plans by Hortons' to transform it into a 200,000 sq ft office block in 2004 collapsed after its partner Richardson Barberry pulled out due to frustrations over delays caused by the building's listed status. Elsewhere in the city, Hortons' and Trebor have revealed their vision for the new 40,000 sq ft Birmingham Assay Office, which is to be rehoused at St Georges Partnership's Kettleworks site in the Jewellery Quarter. The prelet, announced last month, will kick-start development at the scheme. Subject to planning, work on site will begin in spring 2012, with completion due in mid-2013.

November 7th, 2011, 01:44 PM	#133
fruit&nut A glass and a half... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,581 Likes (Received): 3	Indeed. I know this is the wrong thread, but is the Assay Office listed?

November 7th, 2011, 05:05 PM	#135
fruit&nut A glass and a half... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,581 Likes (Received): 3	That's good. Thanks soapbox.

November 8th, 2011, 01:29 PM	#138
sefton66 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6,488 Likes (Received): 60	The difference between a 3* and 4* is nothing I've stopped in far worse 4* hotels than 3*s