UK: After 18 years, Starwood Capital Group announced the reopening of The Grand Hotel Birmingham, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, following its restoration.
The building, first opened in 1879, has been closed since 2002, making major fixes to the building’s structure and interior necessary to maintan function as a modern hotel. The reopening marks the introduction of a major hospitality centre in the heart of Birmingham, with clear view of St Philip’s Cathedral and downtown.
The hotel’s design blends Victorian, Art Deco and French Renaissance influences, attempting to fuse the diverse heritage of the building into its new aesthetic. The design centres around the Grosvenor ballroom, a classical historic ballroom, and the new hotel’s central events space.
The hotel will also feature two new bars, a destination restaurant, gym facilities, meeting rooms, collaboration areas and additional event spaces. This alongside the hotel’s position in the city centre, giving it easy access to the culture and amenities downtown holds, gives owners hope it may become one of the city’s major destinations.
Cody Bradshaw, manging director at Starwood Capital Group’s International Hotels division said: “The restoration of this stunning grande dame building is another milestone in what an exciting period of transformation for this vibrant city is. We look forward to providing visitors to Birmingham – and locals alike with a truly one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the splendour of this landmark building but with a 21st-century luxury experience.”
Birmingham hasn’t seen a major boutique investment since June, when Hotel Indigo reopened its doors in the city. The new Grand Hotel promises to be a major benchmark for the city’s hospitality, integrating its own individual history with Birmingham’s unique, modern landscape.
