A listed Birmingham city centre landmark is set to be converted into a hotel and leisure complex after councillors approved plans by an Irish hospitality group.
Press Up Hospitality Group and sister company Oakmount have won planning permission to convert the Grade II* Listed Methodist Central Hall into a hospitality scheme under the Dean brand, including eight food, beverage, and leisure outlets as well as a 150-bed hotel.
The developers estimate the project could create 400 jobs.
The project has been designed by TODD Architects, who say the scheme will ensure the survival of the hall.
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It was built in 1904 and in 1989 became the Que Club, a venue that attracted artists including David Bowie, Daft Punk and Blur. But the building became disused and ended up on Heritage England's At Risk Register.
TODD's plans include the refurbishment of the Central Hall into a 1500-seat event space, while the project would also include "a traditional members' club cocktail lounge", two external terraces and a flagship rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the city.
The hotel will be first Dean hotel in the UK, following openings in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Jessica Carlyle-Clarke, head of business development and new opportunities UK at Press Up, said: "We are thrilled to have been granted planning permission for Press Up Hospitality Group’s biggest UK project to date in this iconic landmark building in Birmingham. This is the start of a very exciting time for the group."
Seamus Lennon, principal at TODD Architects, said: "We are thrilled to see our hotel-led proposals for the refurbishment of Birmingham Central Methodist Hall granted approval a mere six months on from our client having completed on the building.
"The Central Methodist Hall offers the opportunity to mix the height of Victorian grandeur with a fresh and contemporary take on the modern hospitality offer.
"Whilst it remains necessary to extend the building vertically to ensure the project is commercially viable, Birmingham City Council planners recognised our proposals will ensure this is done sensitively and allow the full restoration of the Central Hall space to be enjoyed by generations to come."
