Ringway Center: Promise to continue the fight to keep Brutalist Brum

A group of campaigners has vowed to continue its fight to preserve a distinctive 1960s office building after the High Court refused permission for a judicial review of redevelopment plans.

Save Smallbrook wants to stop the Ringway Centre, on Smallbrook Queensway in the heart of Birmingham, from being knocked down to make way for three residential blocks of flats.

As a result of the court’s position, the coalition said it will decide whether to seek reconsideration at an oral hearing.

Birmingham councilors voted for the demolition in February and developers said the scheme would provide new public spaces to “revitalize the area” and attract new visitors.

Under the approved plans, at least 15% of the homes would be earmarked as affordable housing.

Save Smallbrook described the High Court decision as “frustrating”.

“We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the seriousness of this campaign and the importance of continuing the fight,” said Mary Keating, on behalf of the group trying to preserve an example of Birmingham’s brutalist architecture from the mid-20th century.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, hearing from people who want to take a stand for their city and for future generations.”

The curved, six-storey office block was designed by James Roberts, known for creating The Rotunda on New Street in the city.

Save Smallbrook wants the building to be preserved and also reused.

More than £6,500 was donated to his crowdfunding campaign to pay for the legal challenge.