The University of Birmingham has received planning permission to build a 172-bedroom hotel and conference facility on Edgbaston Park Road, as part of a series of exciting regeneration developments taking place on campus. The complex will add to Birmingham’s growing reputation as a conference and meeting destination.

To be known as Hornton Grange Hotel and Conference Centre, the new facility will encompass the current Conference Park, creating 40 jobs and increasing the overall provision to 220 beds.

Conference and meeting room capacity in the new complex will offer increased flexibility, from intimate rooms that seat four up to larger rooms that cater for up to 200 guests.

Stuart Richards, director of hospitality services at the University of Birmingham, was delighted with the news and said: “The location of the new facility has the architectural backdrop of Hornton Grand and Garth House in picturesque Edgbaston.  Guests can expect a country house hotel experience, offering first class, modern accommodation and facilities for a range of conferences and meetings, as well as corporate and private functions.

“With excellent transport links and its location close to Birmingham city centre, we are looking forward to welcoming guests to our new hotel where they’ll be able to seamlessly access the wide range of facilities on campus – such as the Bramall, recently refurbished Lapworth Museum, the Barber Art Gallery and Winterbourne House, as well as being able to visit and explore the city.”

Development plans include regenerating Garth House, a Grade II listed building, and Hornton Grange.

Garth House, an arts and crafts house, was built in 1900 while Hornton Grange was constructed in 1928.

Both buildings on Edgbaston Park Road form part of the University’s existing conference facilities with rooms available to hire through Venuebirmingham.

Work on the new complex is due to start imminently with the first guests expected from summer 2018

Author: Martin Fullard

Source: Conference News