Plans to transform a derelict hospital in Birmingham into a 42-storey skyscraper with 300 apartments have been submitted by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons on behalf of HJB Investments. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Grade II-listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, in 80 Broad Street, was last in use as a bar, restaurant and nightclub, which closed in 2020. The building, known as Islington Villa, has remained vacant ever since and fallen into a state of disrepair. HJB Investments is now looking to restore the historic building and bring the site back into use by constructing a 133.5m tower with 300 build-to-rent homes, 20% of which will be affordable. The plans – designed by architects at Marrons – also include the creation of a: 12,000 sq ft flexible community facility; 6,000 sq ft viewing platform with café and exhibition area; residential rooftop terrace; and cycle hub with 300 parking spaces. 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.” The mixed-use residential-led scheme is set to create 299 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase. 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. By 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. To supplement the planning application, Marrons also completed a heritage impact assessment and a socio economic affordable housing statement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson has launched two new phases at their Brooklands Park development in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. The stylish collection of three and four bedroom homes is ideal for homebuyers looking for a semi-rural property with easy walking distance of Bristol Parkway train station with great links to London Paddington in just over an hour. Crest Nicholson is welcoming prospective homebuyers to come and have a look at the development and get a feel for the great community. The friendly sales executives and experts are on hand to help provide potential buyers with the best information to help them make an informed decision before embarking on the purchasing journey. Buyers looking to either increase their portfolio or purchase their dream home can reap the benefits of buying off plan, allowing them to secure the plot that fits their preferences and lifestyle as well as being able to personalise their property with top amenities to make the move even more comfortable. Neil Robinson, Head of Sales and Marketing at Crest Nicholson South West, comments: “We are very excited to have launched the next phases at our Brooklands Park development, giving buyers another chance to take advantage of everything the development has to offer.   “At Brooklands Park homeowners can enjoy energy efficient homes amid peaceful surroundings and a thriving community while still being able to conveniently commute into Bristol, Gloucester, Swindon Reading, London and the surrounding areas. It really is the best of both worlds! I would encourage anyone interested to visit us or get in touch with our knowledgeable sales team to see what schemes we have on offer to help make the move.” Spread out across a 65-acre site yet just six miles from the centre of Bristol, Brooklands Park offers a restful, semi-rural environment with plenty of open green space, including a wildlife corridor to encourage and care for local wildlife. There are a range of local amenities nearby including retail parks, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, as well the Cabot Circus shopping centre and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway for all retail needs. For those looking to enjoy indoor leisure activities, Nuffield Health, DW Fitness gyms and Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre are all close by, whilst local golf, bowling and cricket clubs are available to join for those keen on getting involved in outdoor sports. For residents with children, Bradley Stoke Secondary School and Abbeywood Community School, Baileys Court, Little Stoke and St Michaels primary schools, plus St Michael’s nursery are all also a short drive away. For commuters, the development is a 12 minute walk to Bristol Parkway railway station, which provides regular services to London Paddington in just over an hour. For those with a car, the M32, M4 and M5 can all be found nearby, linking residents to the wider South West region, while Bristol Airport is just a 40 minute drive away, flying to a range of countries including Malta, Copenhagen and Vienna. Prices for a three bedroom home at Brooklands Park start at £410,000, whilst a four bedroom starts at £550,000. At Brooklands Park there are a range of schemes available on select properties to help homebuyers secure their dream home including the Deposit Unlock scheme, Family Cashback and Mortgage Contributor.  For more information call 01174546897 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/brooklands-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals