The last time any of us went to the former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital on Broad Street, it was probably to grab a drink. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Grade II-listed building, was last in use as a bar-cum-restaurant-cum-nightclub. Zara’s closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, however, and the building has remained vacant ever since.
Known as Islington Villa, HJB Investments now looking to restore the historic building and bring it back from disrepair. How? Well, by building a 133.5m tower – fit with 300 build-to-rent homes, 20% of which it says will be affordable – on top of it of course. Birmingham’s skyline is already pretty iconic, but is there room for one more towering building?
Designed by architects at Marrons, the plans also include the creation of a 12,000 sq ft flexible community facility; a 6,000 sq ft viewing platform with a café and exhibition area; a residential rooftop terrace; and a cycle hub with 300 parking spaces. Once complete, the neighbourhood is expected to contribute £12.2 million and £8.8 million to the UK and West Midlands economy each year, respectively.
Charlotte El Hakiem, planning director at Marrons, who led the application, said: “Broad Street is undergoing a period of intense regeneration, with the overriding vision of creating a vibrant residential neighbourhood, so we are extremely pleased to unveil plans to transform a beautiful Georgian-style building on under-utilised brownfield land.
“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.
“Beyond the tangible housing benefits, the proposal promises to significantly enhance the city’s public realm, improve connectivity, and invigorate the local economy through the creation of flexible community spaces and onsite amenities – delivering extensive community and public benefits to the area.”
In 1815, Islington Villa was owned by Rice Harris who, along with Owen Johnson and John Berry, established the Islington Glassworks in 1816. From 1842, 80 Broad Street became the new premises of the Birmingham Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary for the Diseases of Women and Children for Birmingham and the West Midlands Counties. By 1955, the building had been renamed the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.