Birmingham Hotels Thread

[Zabz]

£200m Belfry hotel plan unveiled

THE Belfry is to undergo a huge £200 million revamp to create the Midlands' only five-star hotel and provide a "world-class" boost to its golf facilities.

The biggest redevelopment of the world-famous site - near Sutton Coldfield - in its 50-year plus history was unveiled today by Belfry owners The Quinn Group.

A brand new Belfry hotel will be built behind the current building while other plans include a new PGA national headquarters, a training academy and a 21st century clubhouse near the 18th hole.

The five-year scheme marks the biggest single investment in a leisure project in the Midlands for many years, according to the Quinn Group. Nigel Gray, general manager of the Belfry, said: "These proposals for the Belfry mark a major step forward in our aim of providing customers with a world class experience.




Story continues

ADVERTISEMENT

"These plans to create the only five star hotel in the Midlands offer an opportunity to develop a new hotel that provides start of the art facilities, whilst retaining the charm our customers associate with the ivy clad facade of the hotel.


"This is one of the biggest single investments in leisure in the West Midlands for many, many years. This will be a world class hotel, setting new standards for the region.


"We would hope that it will give a huge boost to tourism in the region and reinvigorate what is a well established Midland icon.


"The building programme will enable the existing hotel to continue operating. The new hotel will be built behind the existing hotel."


The Quinn Group has not revealed the total cost of the scheme but industry experts say around £200 million is being allocated for a five-year project due for completion by 2012.


A planning application will go to North Warwickshire Borough Council by the end of July and an intensive consultation programme will be launched with residents.


The Belfry - the only venue in the world to host the Ryder Cup four times - was bought by the Ireland-based Quinn Group in February 2005 in a £186 million deal.


The deal triggered speculation that the Ryder Cup could return to the complex after its contract deals with other venues expire in 2020.


Evening Mail 25/06/07

[Boards]

Theres no way the Midlands have no five-star hotels?

[van heckler]

There's one in Coventry called the Coombe Abbey Hotel and another 4 in the East Midlands.

[Boards]

Thought so. The level of journalism is appalling these days.

[mahill]

Birmingham has a great range and selection of hotels, but it has lacked 3 types until now. One is 5-star at the top end, another is backpaper hostels at the other end of the scale. I've always thought there should be a hostel near Digbeth Coach Station. Another we haven't had is a "boutique" hotel.

[feltip]

Originally Posted by mahill

Birmingham has a great range and selection of hotels, but it has lacked 3 types until now. One is 5-star at the top end, another is backpaper hostels at the other end of the scale. I've always thought there should be a hostel near Digbeth Coach Station. Another we haven't had is a "boutique" hotel.

Totally agree. Its been very difficult up to now to say to any students, you can find a youth hostel or hostel anywhere convenient. Thankfully there was the planning app for one in Jewellery Quarter on Livery Street and I discovered there is a hostel in Digbeth, Birmingham Central Backpackers, on Milk Street which has got good reviews on booking website.

[Rigadon]

Originally Posted by mahill

Birmingham has a great range and selection of hotels, but it has lacked 3 types until now. One is 5-star at the top end, another is backpaper hostels at the other end of the scale. I've always thought there should be a hostel near Digbeth Coach Station. Another we haven't had is a "boutique" hotel.

Hotel du Vin and Malmaison have styled tgemselvers as boutique

[Cra1g]

... and priced themselves as such! I really want to try out the £660 a night suite the Mal has, but I only live down the road... Do you think if I ring up on the offchance of it not being used I can get a knock down price

[Brum X]

I very much like the idea of a ARMANI HOTEL in Birmingham, that would be really cool.

[Biosonic]

My guess is Sheraton will take Snow Hill. Mainly because I have heard that Hilton are looking elsewhere in the city centre

[feltip]

Originally Posted by Biosonic

My guess is Sheraton will take Snow Hill. Mainly because I have heard that Hilton are looking elsewhere in the city centre

ooh, thats cool.
Where else might Hilton go? I guess there is BST but were they aiming for 5* or avg hotel.

[smysticed]

I don't think BST has ever been planned to house a luxury hotel. But I could be wrong.

[ultraviolet]

Where else might Hilton go?

I'd love them to take over the Brittania, give it a good clean, a good refurb inside, and a nice bright entrance onto New Street. Guess parking would be a major problem for them for them though.

[Biosonic]

I heard (a while ago) that the Hilton was looking at somewhere Eastside-y.

Hiltons tend to be business hotels though so it would surprise me if they ended up somewhere like one of the New St Stn towers, Smallbrook Queensway or Gt Charles St.

Plus Hiltons are quite often 4* whereas Sheratons are 5* I think.

[Brum X]

Looks like a very good future indeed for Birminghams Hotel industry

[Mr Glide]

Local rumour has it that Travel Lodge are looking to occupy the old Maxim offices above the Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northfield...

[smysticed]

Maybe they can pick up the Broad Street Travel Lodge and move it there! Please? Just so I can avoid having to see it

[morestoreysplease]

What's Northfield done to deserve that!! lol!

[Mr Glide]

Originally Posted by morestoreysplease

What's Northfield done to deserve that!! lol!

Or rather, what have the Travel Lodge residents done to deserve staying in Northfield

[fruit&nut]

Couldn't they demolish them both?

Do everyone a favour!