Plans for 42-storey skyscraper at ex-hospital site

A development consultancy said plans allowed for keeping the Grade II-listed building and creating a tower (artist impression image above)

A 42-storey skyscraper with 300 apartments has been planned at the site of a Grade II-listed former hospital in Birmingham.

The derelict Islington Villa building on Broad Street dates back to the early 19th Century and later became the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

It was last used as a bar, restaurant and nightclub, which closed in 2020.

A planning application has been submitted by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons on behalf of HJB Investments.

That organisation is looking to restore the building at 80 Broad Street and bring the site back into use by constructing a 133.5m (438ft) tower, with the 300 rented homes.

By 1815, Islington Villa was owned by Rice Harris, who was involved with establishing the Islington Glassworks the following year.

From 1842, 80 Broad Street became the new premises of a hospital and by 1955 the building had been renamed the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

Marrons said it was "extremely pleased" to unveil plans to transform a "beautiful Georgian-style building" on under-utilised brownfield land.

Planning director Charlotte El Hakiem stated the proposal allowed for keeping the Grade II-listed building, while creating a "striking 42-storey landmark tower that contains much-needed housing".