Tom Bloxham’s Urban Splash has emerged as the frontrunner to turn Birmingham’s landmark Rotunda building into luxury flats.
The Birmingham Alliance, which unveiled its massive Bullring retail scheme last week, is in talks with regeneration specialist Bloxham about updating the office block.
The Alliance comprises Birmingham council, which owns the freehold of the listed Rotunda, Hammerson, Henderson Global Investors and Land Securities.
The Rotunda was built in 1964, and has survived the high-profile redevelopment of the Bullring area of which it forms a part.
John Emery, director at the Birmingham Alliance, would not confirm the speculation but said: “We haven’t made a decision on a residential partner yet, but discussions are at a developed stage and we are continuing to look for a residential partner.
“We are keen to make this a new icon building for Birmingham, but there are issues to be resolved in terms of the structure of the building and the expense involved in its redevelopment.”
In 1993 the Rotunda survived the threat of demolition as part of the facelift of the Bullring markets.
The Rotunda comprises 23 floors of offices and has official landmark status.
Bloxham was unavailable for comment.
References: EGi News 08/09/03
