Rackhams could become shopping mall and hotel Radical project could offer new future for city centre department store
BIRMINGHAM’S famous House of Fraser store could be turned into a top-class shopping mall and 200-bed hotel as part of a major redevelopment.
Building owner Legal & General wants to turn what it calls ‘Rackhams’ – its original name – into a nine-storey complex similar to the city’s Mailbox, with shops and restaurants surrounding a central mall.
One of the most spectacular features would be a terrace on the seventh floor with magnificent views over St Philip’s Square from the city’s largest rooftop restaurant. The plans include: Offices over nine floors; Retail and leisure facilities; Restaurants, cafes and bars. Simon Wilkes, of Legal & General, said: “In addition to providing a most welcome increase in the availability of office space to help meet growing demand in the city, these proposals will create a new cluster of attractive food, drink, retail and leisure facilities right in the city’s core.
“Rackhams is one of the best situated buildings in Birmingham and we are very confident that its transformation with updated design and facilities, innovative range of uses and quality of materials will quickly attract new occupants, eager to benefit from the great potential of this wonderful space.
“This unique mix of uses and positive enhancement of what is one of the city’s most familiar properties will bring added vibrancy to the centre of Birmingham, bringing additional jobs and attracting more visitors.”
House of Fraser owner Sports Direct did not respond to the Post’s request for more information about the future of the existing store. Staff at the shop were unable to speak, even off the record.
One employee said: “We are trading on a daily basis.”
In September, it was reported that House of Fraser stores in Telford, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield had been saved after the company collapsed.
In June, it was feared the store would be closing early in the new year as the troubled group looked to close 31 of its 59 stores.
In August, House of Fraser was bought by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct for £90 million and the entire senior management team in Birmingham was axed.
The Rackhams buildings have been owned by Legal & General since 2014 when it bought the site for £71.4 mil- lion. It is now set to make a formal planning application with Birmingham City Council to redevelop the site.
A Legal & General statement said: “Sensitive refurbishment proposals have been designed by T P Bennett who, as architects of the original Rackham’s building, bring a unique insight alongside a contemporary approach to the reimagination of a durable and flexible building fit for use in the 21st century.
“The proposals retain and enhance the original character of the building and are sympathetic to its setting overlooking St Philip’s Cathedral and square.
“Plans for the newly-transformed building include nine floors of muchneeded contemporary, Grade A offices and a new ‘boutique’ hotel on the corner of Cherry Street and Temple Row.
“There will also be a range of stylish bars, restaurants, coffee houses and retail space on the ground and lower ground floors.
“The new offices will be accessed through a completely redesigned entrance and reception area on Temple Row that will also house a full height atrium and informal co-working space as well as the hotel reception lobby.”