Five city sites approved for Birmingham’s Local Heritage List

Until its closure in February 2024, the Station Street landmark was the oldest working cinema, having first opened in 1909

While inclusion does not offer any site the same statutory protection as the National Heritage List for England, it means ‘material consideration’ must be given in any planning decisions that would affect the site.

The four other heritage sites approved for inclusion in the city’s own established listing scheme - which has more than 440 entries – are:

• Cherry Reds, John Bright Street
• The Gazette Buildings, Corporation Street
• The medieval moat and Yardley Ridge and Furrow Earthworks, Old Yardley Park
• The Windmill Pub, Dudley Road

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “It’s great to see such a variety of sites being added to Birmingham’s Local Heritage List, which reflect the city’s architectural, cultural, social and industrial history.

“I’m especially pleased to see The Electric cinema being added to that list as, until it closed in 2024, it was the oldest working cinema in the UK so played a vital role in our city’s cultural heritage.

“Today’s decision further underlines the council’s commitment to recognising the significance of our city’s heritage."

Birmingham’s Local Heritage List complements the national designation system – the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) - which is run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, with advice from Historic England.

It recognises buildings and places of particular importance to the city’s history, character and identity that do not meet the national scheme’s criteria. 

Although inclusion on the Local Heritage List does not provide the same statutory protection as that afforded under the NHLE – it does not prevent alteration, redevelopment or demolition – it means an asset’s heritage significance becomes a material consideration in planning decisions affecting the site.

Nominations for new sites to the Local Heritage List can be made by individuals, community groups, amenity societies (such as ‘Friends of’ groups) and council officers – which will be assessed by the council’s conservation team, in consultation with nominators and other interested parties.

Conservation officers and the Birmingham Conservation and Heritage Panel then review the findings before a final report is considered by Planning Committee.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Information on the process can be found in the HESPD (Historic environment supplementary planning document | Birmingham City Council)

Birmingham’s Local Heritage List can be found here:  What a locally listed building is | Locally listed buildings | Birmingham City Council.