HJB Investments’ plans to transform a derelict Grade II-listed former hospital site in Birmingham into a 42-storey residential scheme have been unanimously rejected by Birmingham City Council, with one councillor reportedly describing the proposals as “utterly bonkers”.
The developer submitted a planning application to restore the former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital at 80 Broad Street and construct a 133.5m tower above it providing 300 build-to-rent (BTR) homes – 20% of which would have been affordable.
The plans for the site, which were drawn up by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons on behalf of HJB, also included the creation of a 12,000 sq ft flexible community facility, a 6,000 sq ft viewing platform with café and exhibition area, a residential rooftop terrace and a cycle hub with 300 parking spaces.
The site was last used as a bar, restaurant and nightclub, which closed in 2020, and the building has fallen into a state of disrepair.
On submitting the application, Charlotte El Hakiem, planning director at Marrons, said: “The proposal takes a distinctive and innovative approach that allows for the retention and careful repurposing of a Grade II-listed building to bring it back into public use, while simultaneously creating a striking 42-storey landmark tower that contains much-needed housing to accommodate the city’s ever-growing population.”
