Student flats on pub site recommended for approval

A 16-storey building is being proposed for the site of a former city centre pub and music venue

Plans to build a 16-storey student accommodation block on the former site of a Birmingham city centre pub have been recommended for approval.

Permission is being sought for a 263-bed building on the site of the former Golden Eagle pub and live venue, on the corner of Swallow Street and Hill Street.

The pub hosted 1960s acts like the Spencer Davis Group before shutting in 1984, and was later demolished.

City night time economy ambassador Lyle Bignon said a new building "ought to recognise one of the city's most important 1960s-80s music venues", with the developers pledging to respect the site's history.

The "bold proposal" would transform an underused site at a prominent but sensitive location in the heart of Birmingham city centre," a planning document said.

'Contribute to regeneration'

The aim was to create "a cutting edge and sustainable building that Birmingham can be proud of, " it states.

A council officer's report said the scheme would provide economic, environmental and social benefits, such as contributing to the city's housing needs.

It could cause "less than substantial/low level harm" to heritage assets like the town hall and former General Post Office, the report added.

It concludes the proposals would provide a high-quality development in a sustainable location on brownfield land, and "contribute towards the regeneration aspirations for this part of the city centre."

As part of the scheme, developers have also suggested shared internal amenity spaces and commercial use on the ground floor.

The proposals, which are recommended for approval subject to conditions, are set to be considered by Birmingham Council's planning committee on Thursday 20 November.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.