'We don't want another catastrophe' - What's next for fire ravaged site on Soho Hill?

-Credit: (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
-Credit: (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)


Locals are fearful of another 'catastrophe' at a fire ravaged site in Soho Hill. There have been multiple huge blazes at derelict Bill House and surrounding buildings, culminating in the death of an unidentified man in December.

The sprawling grounds were secured to prevent rough sleepers gaining access. But nothing has been heard since regarding any potential development leaving residents fearful of another tragedy.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar sought to reassure residents by saying informal talks have been going on behind-the-scenes which could include houses, a care home and commercial units constructed from the ashes. He also stressed it is a designated conservation area and no plans have been submitted yet.

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Local activist Suranjeet Singh said: "After the awful fire earlier this year, the site has been fenced off and the businesses were moved out, but that’s the bare minimum. I receive frequent complaints from residents and the local community about the debris accumulating in the back of the site and that no plan has been publicised for future use.

"Residents are fearful of another catastrophe happening — we want action and we want action now."

Firefighters remain at the scene on Soho Hill after the fire.
Firefighters remain at the scene on Soho Hill after the fire -Credit:Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live

Councillor Zaffar said: "I'm working with the local community, council and the owner of the site to bring forward plans that allow a development. The developer has had proposals forward to the council informally.

"The plans are for homes, apartments, care homes and a few commercial units. It's a conservation site. It's not moving as fast as we want it to be but we have had progress in six months. I'm very clear that whatever development takes places benefits the community."