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Rotunda                       

Rotunda (Birmingham)

The Rotunda is a landmark cylindrical tower block in Birmingham which is 81 metres ( 254 ft ) in height. It has been part of the Birmingham skyline since 1965. It is probably the most well known structure in the city with the possible exception of Spaghetti Junction.

The Rotunda was originally built as an office block of 25 storeys. Its cylindrical shape was not received well initially. It has been described as an ugly building and awkward in its design. However, plans to demolish the building during the early 1980's resulted in a public outcry and objections by city residents.

Plans for a revolving restaurant on the top floor never materialised as construction had already been started. The building never really maintained full occupancy for any length of time and was often regarded as an integral part of the old Bull Ring shopping centre.

The urban sprawl that was the Bull Ring prior to its complete rebuild suffered from inner city vandalism and general urban decay. The area around it was often referred to as a concrete jungle so the Rotunda was associated with the Bull Ring purely by its close proximity and was not a popular or prestigious enough location to attract permanent and long term tenants in sufficient numbers. 

In 2000 the Rotunda was listed as a Grade II building. As a result it became an integral part of the massive redevelopment of the Bull Ring Shopping Centre. 

It was decided that the future of the Rotunda would no longer lie in its status as a business tower block. Plans were put forward to build 230 modern stylish apartments of various sizes which would include six top floor penthouse suites. With 14 apartments on each floor the design would be that of a wedge shape leading outwards from the centre of the building.

Innovative use of balconies and modern building practices have produced attractive living space which has made the apartments desirable for investment purposes or for those accoustomed to city living. 

Spectacular balcony views of the city and a communal garden at the base of the building, coupled with underground parking and a unique state of the art reception area now make the Rotunda a prestigious address to own or live in.

Refurbishment was carried out by The Birmingham Alliance at a cost of £25 million. The project has turned an old and outdated building into a modern functional example of what can be done with a little imagination and creativity. The building benefits from a more energy efficient electrical system and insulation and is therefore more environmentally friendly as a result. 

The Birmingham Alliance worked with the original architect Jim Roberts, along with Urban Splash and Glenn Howells artchitects and the project was completed in 2008.

Upon completion the development was so popular that all the apartments were sold out within hours of being released for sale.

The new glass skin gives the building a much more modern and refreshing look and the redeveloped Rotunda now benefits from a more pleasing environment within the revitalised Bull Ring Shopping Centre.

At the heart of the city of Birmingham, this iconic landmarks future seems more certain than it has been at any stage of its forty year history to date.

Birmingham Alliance:http://www.birminghamalliance.co.uk 


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