Bloc, which has a 73 bedroom hotel in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, has been granted planning permission to build a vast 238 bedroom hotel on Hill Street – opposite Grand Central and New Street Station.
The building designed by Glenn Howells Architects, will be called Bloc Grand Central and will offer 194 standard rooms along with 44 apartment style rooms.
Birmingham City Council Planning Department unanimously approved plans and praised the development in their report: “The scheme is of the highest quality in terms of architectural form, detail and material. In particular, the facade and top of the building are well considered.”
Cllr Tah
ir Ali, the Cabinet Member for Development, Transport and the Economy, said: “The whole area cries out for redevelopment and I think this will act as a catalyst.” While Cllr Dr Barry Henley praised the building as a “tall, elegantly, beautiful designed building”, concluding: “It will be a welcome addition to the city.”
Glenn Howells, of Glenn Howells Architects, said: “We are delighted to be working with fellow Birmingham-based company BLOC Hotels on a bespoke building for the heart of the city. The building is situated at an important gateway site within Birmingham City Centre and offers the opportunity to define a benchmark for the future regeneration of this part of the city.”
