12 pictures of The Rotunda in Birmingham from 1965 to 2023 as city centre landmark reaches another milestone

It’s one of Birmingham’s most remarkable landmarks.

Built in 1965 - a year after the old Bull Ring - the Rotunda has stood round and proud on New Street for all to admire.

The 20 storey-cylindrical tower was originally built as an office block - with its architect James Roberts living in a penthouse on the top floor. The office workers moved out and it was fully turned into apartments in 1971 .

The Rotunda has faced trials and tribulations over the years. It survived the devastation of the Birmingham Pub Bombings three years after it became a residential block, as the Mulberry Bush Pub beneath was one of two bars targeted by the IRA - with 21 people killed.

Some may remember it as the Coca Cola tower in the 80s, with its digital clock that didn’t always tell the correct time, despite the state-of-the-art technology of the day. It was threatened with demolition in 1993, but it was saved by English Heritage and given Grade II listed building status in 2000.

The Rotunda has had some competition for attention in more recent times - after the Bull Ring became the Bullring in 2003 and The Birmingham Bull took up residence, along with the eye-catching Selfridges building opening its doors.

It stood empty for a few years before pioneering developers Urban Splash and Glenn Howells Architects set about getting it a new look. Work started to restore the Rotunda to glory in 2005 in collaboration with the original architect, who has since died.

Two-and-a- half years later the building reopened with 234 re-styled apartments featuring floor-to-ceiling windows which open like French windows, Juliet balconies and more.

They were snapped up - with people sleeping out overnight to grab one. But don’t worry, you can still get a chance to enjoy the views and stay in the building as 26 of these apartments across the top five floors of the building are available to rent from Staying Cool.

It’s 15 years since the independent aparthotel provider has been providing some of the most stylish accommodation in the UK to Brum visitors. And it’s celebrating the milestone with a year-long programme of events to showcase Birmingham’s creative talent in arts, literature, food and drink

Creative Heights II is inviting locals and visitors to come to the Rotunda and take part in workshops drawing the skyline, listening to literature talks or to see new art against the stunning backdrop of the Brum cityscape.

The celebrations will begin on 18 May 2023, when a striking piece of temporary art will be revealed alongside the launch of a special edition and collectible Staying Cool-themed drink.

Food & drink pairing events will showcase local independent venues from the city’s booming dining scene and a collaboration with Flatpack Film Festival will also take place in May. Later in the year, Birmingham-based author Ruth Millington will share hidden stories about the city’s art history.

Birmingham designer Stacey Barnfield will talk about his Draw My City sketch project in a special Creative Heights II retrospective event and junior model makers will be invited to ‘bring their Rotunda to Rotunda’ – an event at which mini home-made Rotundas will be on display in the building.

A cook-a-long event hosted by ‘Murder, She Cooked’author Jenny Hammerton will add a unique twist to a Staying Cool winter’s evening as guests channel their Angela Lansbury in the heart of Birmingham, while additional Creative Heights II events include photography exhibitions and displays celebrating the heritage and architecture of the landmark Rotunda building.

The Creative Heights II programme, which will support Birmingham’s LoveBrum charity, has been curated and arranged by the Staying Cool at Rotunda team. Gavin Burns, Staying Cool at Rotunda General Manager, said: “We’re so proud of our 15 years as a Brummie destination with a difference.

“Collaborating with and promoting the best independents in the city has been part of our DNA since day one. We’re big supporters of the creative industries so it’s great to involve so many and to give people the opportunity to set foot in such a Brummie icon.

“The first Creative Heights in 2018 was a huge success and we hope our Creative Heights II events will be just as popular as a showcase for everything that’s great about local creative businesses in truly unique spaces with views like no other.”