The Borough Buildings

On John Bright Street, one of Birmingham's earliest purpose-built motor trade buildings — a 1909 car showroom that later housed the Ikon Gallery — could become a 179-room hotel under plans from developer Nacropolis. The scheme pairs a rooftop extension with co-working space and a ground-floor terrace, aimed at both business and leisure stays in the city centre. Planning consent isn't secured yet and no operator has been named, so this remains an early-stage project to track rather than a confirmed opening.

The place

The Borough Buildings sit at 58-72 John Bright Street, a short walk from Birmingham New Street station and wedged between the Arcadian, the Chinese Quarter and the Hippodrome theatre district — a dense, mixed commercial strip rather than a polished hotel row.

The concept

The building dates to around 1909, when it was constructed as one of Birmingham's earliest purpose-built motor trade premises — a car showroom and garage. It later became a carpet warehouse, then home to the Ikon Gallery, before a spell as offices; the four-storey block now stands vacant. Nacropolis's application proposes partial demolition and refurbishment of the existing structure, topped with a new three-storey roof extension, to create 179 hotel bedrooms.

Dining & wellness

The submitted plans list ancillary guest facilities rather than a full restaurant programme: a reception, a kitchen/breakfast bar, co-working space, cycle storage and a ground-floor external terrace. There is no mention of a spa, bar or destination restaurant in the application as filed, and none should be assumed until an operator is confirmed.