‘It's still in mortal danger’: Fears deepen for iconic Birmingham building as 'decay worsens'

Campaigners say urgent action is needed to save the iconic building

Birmingham’s iconic Methodist Central Hall is “still in mortal danger”, heritage campaigners have warned — six months after urgent calls were made to save the Grade II* listed landmark from collapse.

The historic building was on the market earlier this year.

The Victorian Society says despite repeated assurances and years of proposed redevelopment, the once-grand terracotta building on Corporation Street continues to deteriorate.

They say rain damage, vandalism, and neglect have left the hall — crowned by its distinctive steeple and chattri-style turrets — in a perilous state.

A spokesman for the Society said: “ The Methodist Central Hall in Birmingham is very much still in mortal danger. Our group in Birmingham and West Midlands are keeping an eye on it.

“There are holes in the roof and elsewhere. It was on the market earlier this year.”

Thousands enjoyed raves at the Q Club where the biggest names in techno came to entertain the crowds wtih drum and bass. There were so many nooks and crannies to lose yourself at the iconic nights. | Google Maps

Earlier this year, the Society added the building to its most endangered list - they said: “There’s been plenty of talk, but almost no visible action. Every storm makes things worse. The roof is leaking badly, and parts of the structure are visibly failing. It’s heart-breaking.”

Built in 1903 by architects Ewen and J. Alfred Harper, Central Hall was once the beating heart of Birmingham’s Methodist community, seating 2,500 worshippers.

Later, it became a legendary nightlife venue — the Que Club — hosting the likes of David Bowie, Massive Attack, and Blur before closing in 2017.

Since then, however, the building has remained empty. Approved hotel and events plans from 2018 never materialised. Fresh proposals were lodged by new owners in 2022 for a mixed-use redevelopment, but no work has begun.