Repair plans for 16th Century pub approved

The Golden Lion, originally constructed in the 16th Century, has been unoccupied for more than 20 years and is now in a state of disrepair

Plans for repairs to a historic pub in a Birmingham park have been approved but uncertainty remains for its future.

The Golden Lion was built in the 16th Century and originally stood on Deritend High Street but due to concerns about its condition, was dismantled and re-erected in Cannon Hill Park in 1911.

However, the Grade II-listed timber-framed building has been unoccupied for more than 20 years and is now in a state of disrepair, scaffolded, and cordoned off from the public.

The council said it hoped the works would help preserve part of the city's heritage and avoid "future costly repairs and upkeep" but a meeting earlier heard it would need more funding for its restoration.

Eddie Curry, interim head of parks, told the council's trusts and charities committee the work was "well overdue".

"It's actually costing the council money to continue to make it safe and secure," he said.

Mr Curry said the approved work wouldn't make the building useable, only secure and watertight.

"It does halt the future decline of that building any further but there will need to be a future business case and more funding needed at some point that will bring the building into some functioning use," he said.

The committee ultimately agreed to grant a licence of the Golden Lion to Birmingham Conservation Trust to bring forward the programme of repairs.

What will the work entail?

A recent council report, published ahead of the meeting, said the trust was proposing to start work this year on repairing the external structure, roof and chimneys.

It also wants to carry out internal repairs to walls, floors, windows and doors, as well as adding French doors at the rear.

The council said the repair work would allow the removal of the scaffolding.

The trust previously said it was looking to work with the council and local groups to explore options for the future of the building so it can benefit the community.

On Thursday, the government announced historic buildings and sites across England, including four in the West Midlands, would receive grants for repairs.

The Golden Lion project received £344,265.