Plan lodged for 42-storey Birmingham BTR tower

Plans have been submitted to transform a derelict hospital in Birmingham into a 42-storey skyscraper with 300 flats.Planning consultancy Marrons, acting on behalf of HJB Investments, submitted the plan to redevelop the Grade II-listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in 80 Broad Street.The historic building last used as a nightclub and known as Islington Villa would be restored and a 134m tower constructed for the rental flats, 20% of which will be affordable.The plans, designed by architects at Marrons, also include 12,000 sq ft community space, a 6,000 sq ft viewing platform with café and exhibition area.Charlotte El Hakiem, planning director at Marrons, said: “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.”The mixed-use residential-led scheme is set to create 300 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase.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.