Fascinating Facts
About Rotunda
- designed in 1961 by architect James Roberts as an office block
- the original plans for the Rotunda included a rotating restaurant at the top
- Roberts wanted the building to look like a candle with a flame-like weather beacon on top, changing colour to reflect the weather. Alas, this never happened
- the architect lived on the top floor for many years. Roberts knew a good thing when he saw it
- the basement once housed bank vaults - that's why the walls are so thick
- demolition was threatened three decades later, but local opposition and the work of English Heritage saved the building and it was grated Grade-II listed status
- Urban Splash was chosen to take on the redevelopment because of its reputation as a pioneer in urban regeneration and modern design
- Urban Splash worked with Birmingham's Glenn Howells Architects on the design. From his office window, Glenn can see the Rotunda and enjoy his work
- the Rotunda is 265ft (81 metres) in height
- Staying Cool opened its doors at Rotunda on the 12th May, 2008
‘Serviced apartments with boutique hotel style. ’ The Independent on Sunday
‘...probably the UK's hippest self-catering outfit.’ Sunday Times