Constitution Hill Hotel

Developers overjoyed at hotel green light

Birmingham planners have given the go-ahead for the brand new 93 bedroom budget hotel close to the city centre.

Developers Great Hampton Estates are now in discussions with a number of major hotel chains to secure an operator for the site before construction starts in the autumn at the Constitution Hill site in Hockley.

Managing director Harry Kenth said he was delighted at securing full planning permission and that he was already in discussion with two internationally-renowned hotel chains.

"This is the culmination of two years' hard work and it was extremely heartening to be congratulated by Birmingham planners on what they regarded as an excellent scheme for this area," he said.

He said he particularly welcomed the cooperation and support of Centro. Great Hampton Estates has signed a Section 106 agreement to build a bridge link at the rear of the proposed hotel to help commuters to access the St Paul's Metro stop from St Paul's Square.

"We were keen to bring this site back to life as we are very keen on regeneration and the hotel when constructed will create many new jobs in the Hockley district.

"The hotel will have an underground car park and be very accessible both from the city centre and from the nearby national motorway network," he said.

Great Hampton Estates is the commercial development arm of the Great Hampton Group. The residential division. Great Hampton Homes, was last month commended for a Willenhall development which was named Best Urban Renewal Project in the inaugural Variety Club Midlands Property Awards.

Harry Kenth said: "We are keen on regeneration and there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained in bringing formerly derelict areas of the West Midlands back to life.

"The decision to give our hotel the green light is a fantastic boost both for Great Hampton Estates and the Hockley area of Birmingham," he said.

Great Hampton Estates' successful planning proposal carefully preserves the locally listed building that fronts Constitution Hill converting it into an attractive reception area with a bar and restaurant at ground floor visible from the street. The upper floors will house the hotel's bedrooms.

The existing dilapidated rear buildings are to be demolished to make way for a contemporary four-storey wing building which will house the remainder of the bedrooms. This building will be separated from the listed building by a colourful landscaped courtyard with a large glass staircase and semi circular bay window.

Mr Kenth also paid tribute to the consultants who helped him see the project through to successful approval - architects Baker Goodchild in association with quantity surveyors Elias Topping.