26-storey city centre hotel expected to get green light from planners
PLANS for a 26-storey hotel next to the revamped New Street Station and Grand Central shopping centre are set to be approved next week.
The proposed Bloc hotel, in Hill Street – across the road from the new John Lewis store – has been earmarked for approval when the city’s planning committee meets on September 1.
It is expected to be among a series of new developments to the south of New Street, which have been kick-started by the railway station’s redevelopment.
The hotel group plans to demolish the 1960s-built Gallan House and construct a slender, black 270 ft tower, designed by Birmingham firm Glenn Howells Architect.
It will be called Bloc Grand Central and offer 238 rooms. A café will be included in the double-height ground-floor lobby area and 40 full-time jobs will be created.
Planning officer David Wells said: “Overall, I consider that the scheme is of the highest quality in terms of architectural form, detail and material.
“In particular, the façade and top of the building are well considered. Moreover, the double-height entrance lobby and café restaurant would enliven the base of the building and be an attractive destination.”
The design has also been “commended” by national architectural watchdog CABE.
There had been concern that the development of an office block or flats next door could impact on the building.
But Bloc has responded that those rooms directly affected could be “retro-fitted to become windowless sleep rooms” which is a feature used by the company in other hotels.
The firm says it is securing a deal with a nearby car park to provide spaces for guests.
Bloc has been operating a 73-bedroom hotel in Caroline Street in the Jewellery Quarter since 2011.