UK: Plans to convert vacant offices above the 02 Academy in Birmingham into an aparthotel have received planning consent.
Prosperity Capital’s plans for St James’ House in Horse Fair include 156 aparthotel rooms and an additional four storeys added to the building.
The proposal will create an estimated 40 jobs onsite once operational.
A document submitted on behalf of the applicant with Birmingham City Council – whose planning committee met on 27 May – said: “The loss of office has been accepted through previous change of use consents and this proposal would bring a long-time vacant city centre site back into viable use, while providing much-needed overnight accommodation for business and leisure tourists to Birmingham.”
A council document published ahead of the meeting added: “The proposal would repurpose an existing vacant building on a strategic route within the city centre and have a positive impact by introducing additional activity and natural surveillance to the area. The loss of the building has been justified and a suitably designed replacement is proposed.”
