A HILTON budget hotel to be built at the foot of Constitution Hill in Birmingham has been hailed by civic leaders as a vital cog in the city’s regeneration story.
At Team Birmingham’s launch event at MIPIM, developer Harry Kenth announced that his company Great Hampton Hotels had signed a letter of intent to build a £10 million 84 bedroom hotel.
Great Hampton Hotels is a new division of the Great Hampton Group and Mr Kenth said it was hoped that the new hotel – to be called Hampton by Hilton – was the first of a number that would make the best use of inner city regeneration opportunities.
The decision to commit to the Hilton Group was welcomed by Councillor Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, who said that such schemes were a vital part of the transformation the city was currently undergoing.
Cllr Whitby said: “While we are delighted that Ballymore are building a fantastic new building for Westin Five-Star Hotels at the adjacent Snow Hill development, the city needs balance and a good supply of budget accommodation as well.
"Harry Kenth and his team are to be congratulated in their persistence over two years to bring this scheme to fruition."
Clive Dutton, city head of regeneration, said: “Harry’s innovative approach to an old building on an old site will kick start the regeneration of the Snow Hill corridor up Constitution Hill along the A41.”
Harry Kenth said: “This is the culmination of two years’ hard work and it was extremely heartening to be congratulated by Birmingham planners on what they regarded as an excellent scheme for this area."
Great Hampton Hotels has signed a Section 106 agreement to build a bridge link at the rear of the proposed hotel to help commuters to access the St Paul’s Metro stop from St Paul’s Square.
The development is particularly poignant for Harry Kenth as it was his father Sohan Lal Kenth who first bought the former clothing factory and warehouse premises in 1980.
“The Kentex factory was part of our family’s life and business but most of us have now moved on from the textile industry.
“We were keen to bring this site back to life as we are very keen on regeneration and the hotel when constructed will create many new jobs in the Hockley district.
“The hotel will have an underground car park and be very accessible both from the city centre and from the nearby national motorway network,” he said.
Great Hampton Hotels is the leisure arm of the Great Hampton Group. The residential division, Great Hampton Homes, was last year commended for a Willenhall development which was named Best Urban Renewal Project in the inaugural Variety Club Midlands Property Awards.
Harry Kenth said: “We are keen on regeneration and there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained in bringing formerly derelict areas of the West Midlands back to life.
“The signing of a letter of intent with the Hilton Group is a fantastic boost both for Great Hampton Hotels and the Hockley area of Birmingham,” he said.
Great Hampton Hotels’ innovative proposal carefully preserves the locally listed building that fronts Constitution Hill converting it into an attractive reception area with a bar and restaurant at ground floor visible from the street. The upper floors will house the hotel’s bedrooms.
The existing dilapidated rear buildings are to be demolished to make way for a contemporary four-storey wing building which will house the remainder of the bedrooms. This building will be separated from the listed building by a colourful landscaped courtyard with a large glass staircase and semi circular bay window.