Update on future of Birmingham city centre site left untouched for years as developer says 'difficult'

The firm behind plans for a 22-storey hotel in Birmingham city centre say they remain 'committed' to the project, despite the site being left untouched for five years. Boutique hotel operator Bloc began demolition work on the Hill Street in 2019 with the completed Bloc Grand Central Hotel expected to be completed in 2020, according to the firm's website.

Four years later, the site - just a stone's throw away from the Spanish Steps entrance to New Street Station and Grand Central shopping precinct - remains empty. In 2021, Bloc said construction on the 227-bedroom Grand Central development was 'underway' at the site with plans for more properties 'in the pipeline.'

Bloc's first hotel opened in the Jewellery Quarter in 2011 with 105 bedrooms and a second venue was launched at Gatwick Airport in 2014. In 2019, Bloc said: "BLOC Grand Central’s high tech design and fit-out will help realise the City Council's vision of making the district around New Street Station a vibrant and attractive destination for visitors."

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Bloc first received planning permission for the construction of the hotel in 2016. When approached for an update on the future of the site, a spokesperson for Bloc said: "We remain committed to the development of Bloc Grand Central, in spite of difficult market conditions, and continue to work on bringing the scheme to fruition."

When completed BLOC Grand Central will tower over Station Street, where campaigners are fighting to preserve some of our city's most prized cultural assets. Developers Glenbrook, leaseholders of much of Station Street have revealed aspirations - with backing from key partners such as Birmingham City Council - to see Station Street radically transformed into a lively neighbourhood and public realm closed to traffic.