BERMAN GUEDES STRETTON RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF BIRMINGHAM’S GRAND HOTEL

COUNCILLORS SAY “This is the best news story in Birmingham for a decade”.

After 11 years of dereliction the council and locals feared for the future of this landmark hotel until, in 2010, Hortons’ Estates commissioned Berman Guedes Stretton to design a scheme that would rescue the hotel and restore it to its former glory.

The scheme, strongly supported by English Heritage, has sailed through the planning process. Councillor Barry Henley said, "I must congratulate the architect. This is a wonderful conversion”, whilst Councillor Paula Smith, Chair of the conservation issues committee admitted, “I am the first one to criticise if the architects do not respect our heritage, but on this occasion I am impressed. The detail they have put into this is fabulous’”.

Berman Guedes Stretton, who has carried out award-winning work on Oxbridge’s historic buildings, will undertake essential restoration works on the Grand Hotel. Features include the reinstatement of the opulent Grosvenor Suite, and the recreation of the hotel’s Grand staircase, both significant aspects of the historic building.

English Heritage has stated that with this appropriate scheme going forward, the Grade II* building can be removed from their “Heritage at Risk Register”.

The scheme, which will transform the entire building, includes 2 restaurants, a bar, conference spaces, public rooms and the renovation of the street facing terrace of shops, will cost an estimated £30m. The crumbling façade will be given a facelift and the original 230 bedroom capacity will be reduced to 152 high-spec, spacious bedrooms, 8 new suites, roofs terraces and more space for facilities.

Hamish McMichael, Project Director, said “Hortons’ Estate’s planned restoration and refurbishment of the Hotel will be rescuing a building of grace and character that is an important landmark for Birmingham. The project will transform the building into a first class hotel and business destination for the city.”

Berman Guedes Stretton has set up a satellite office in Birmingham to manage its growing workload in the Midlands including projects at Birmingham, Leicester and Wolverhampton Universities.

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Notes to editor

Berman Guedes Stretton

Berman Guedes Stretton was established in 1996 and today has offices in Oxford and London.

The practice has developed a strong reputation for architectural interventions - refurbishments, new build extensions and phased, major additions - to historic and also to modern buildings.

Its expertise and in-depth knowledge of architectural history has led to it becoming particularly well regarded in the higher education sector.

Professional Team

Client: Hortons' Estate

Project Manager: Trebor Developments

Architect: Berman Guedes Stretton

Planning Consultants: Drivers Jonas Deloitte

M&E Engineers: RPS

Structures: Arup

Façade Engineers: Arup

Highways/Traffic: Peter Brett Associates

Interior Designer: rdd

Cost Consultant: PMP

For further details please contact Alice Fawke at Stratton & Reekie

Email: afawke@strattonandreekie.com

Tel: 0207 287 8456