Plans submitted for Birmingham tower ‘attached’ to former Grade II listed pub

Proposals have been submitted for a new 14-storey tower which would be ‘attached’ to a former Grade II listed pub, if approved. The planning application seeks permission for a purpose-built student accommodation scheme which could provide 182 studios at the former White Lion site in the Horse Fair.

According to a design and access statement, James and Lister Lea were commissioned by John Davenport and Sons Brewery to update the pub towards the end of the 19th century. He added that the town center public house later became a gentlemen’s pub in the early 21st century.

If these new plans are given the green light in the future, the new tower block would be attached to the former White Lion pub, which has been listed for its architectural and historical interest. A planning statement also says the former pub is proposed to be “retained, refurbished and converted” for use as part of student accommodation.

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The ground, first and second floors will be converted with “minimal alteration” to the historic floor plan and preservation of significant architectural features wherever possible. “On the ground floor, there will be leisure spaces fronting the Horse Fair and Thorp Street, along with an outdoor courtyard, a laundry, a mail room, toilets and a cycle shop,” he continued.

“An existing basement in the preserved former public house of the White Lion will house a cinema and a factory room. On the first floor up to Leul Alb, there will be other amenity spaces for residents, toilets and storage.”

It added: “The modern extensions of the White Lion, which are specifically excluded from the list, are proposed to be demolished to accommodate the above-mentioned land plus the 13-storey building.” He also said the development would bring social, economic and environmental benefits. in Birmingham – including “high quality and spacious” student accommodation.

Meanwhile, the design statement highlighted that the site for the proposals is in a “prime location” in the city centre. “The scheme is only a short walk from the city center and is also well connected to Chinatown and is easily accessible to the wider city with numerous transport links adjacent to the site,” it said.

“The scheme proposes to develop the White Lion site using the principles set out by the city, while protecting the important cultural context of the site.” The planning application will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee at a later date.

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