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Birmingham-based The Grand Hotel’s £45m restoration and refurbishment by privately-owned contractor Graham has been shortlisted in the ‘Project of the Year category’ for the 2021 Building Awards.
The contractor finalised the project in the Autumn of 2020, following a “complex” 30-month construction programme, which has since been referred to as a “stunning transformation”.
Parts of the project included stripping out the property, renovation works, installations and defect rectifications, as well as the interior fit-out of approximately 15,254m2 of internal floor space.
The Grade II listed building, which was originally built in 1879, overlooks the city’s Colmore Row, and has previously welcomed guests including The Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill.
Its “illustrious” heritage has been “sensitively retained”, including the French Renaissance exterior, while its internal decoration pays homage to Birmingham’s rich history, but with a modern twist.
Graham constructed 185 “opulent” rooms, including a variety of grand suites with views across St Phillip’s Cathedral, a garden terrace, a Victorian style Grand Ballroom, and a grand staircase.
The renovation project also made provision for two bars and a destination restaurant, a hotel gym, and state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces.
Ronan Hughes, Graham regional director – Midlands, said: “It is a stunning transformation, and Graham is proud of our meaningful contribution in making it a reality. The attention to detail, finish and quality of work are exceptional, and reflect the ambitious vision behind the restoration of The Grand Hotel.
“This was a complex project for many reasons, with challenges throughout the programme. But the technical expertise, hard work and dedication of our team ensured that we were able to find intelligent solutions at every stage.”
He added: “We continue to expand our presence in Birmingham, and this exemplar project will be a touchpoint for us across the Midlands region. Undoubtedly, The Grand Hotel will be one of the city’s most in-demand destinations.”
Darrel Owens, development director for The Grand Hotel, said: “The Grand Hotel was five years in the making, with the added complication of Covid-19 thrown into the mix. The final product is breath-taking. My congratulations and respect go to the people who made this project happen, including all of the team at GRAHAM.”
The winners of the 2021 Building Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on the 2 November, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
