Methodist Hall's Crowning Glory

In my earlier post in July, Crowning plan to turn Methodist hall to apartments , I noted the plans revealed in the Birmingham Mail for Leicester firm The Developments Factory to develop the grade II* listed Edwardian Methodist Central Hall on Corporation Street into an open-plan office complex and housing scheme.

The scheme relies on an extra storey being added to the building which can now be seen in planning documents from the planning applications listed below.

2009/03741/PA
2009/03740/PA
212 Corporation Street Central Hall City Alterations and extensions and change of use from night club to 47 residential apartments, office, restaurant/bar and retail use.

The following details on the scheme are cited from the planning application.

Layout
The development is structured so that the different uses do not cause conflict. The residential accommodation is to be located at the Ryder Street elevation in order that it is functionally separate to the office use and away from the Organ, which forms the centrepiece of the office
accommodation, and any disruption the use of the Organ may cause.

The residential accommodation will have its own entrance from Dalton Street, stairwell and lift although emergency access will be available through the office accommodation if required.

The office accommodation is set around the existing organ and existing auditoria space enabling the conservation and preservation of the organ and adding to the unique character of the office accommodation. The office accommodation will be accessed from the main entrance on Corporation Street contributing to its sense of place.

Open Space
A small area of open space is set out as a pocket park at the Ryder Street elevation to the proposed development. The residential accommodation will overlook this public amenity space providing additional security. The area will also be available for the use of those working and living in the building.

Appearance
Minor alterations will take place to the roof area but these will not affect the red brick and terracotta structure. The alterations are designed to sympathise with the existing structure and will not be visible from street level. The materials to be used for alterations to the roof area for the dwellings will be agreed with the Council’s conservation officer prior to their use. Discussions with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer have already taken place and there is support for the development on the roof.