I read with dismay on the BBC news site that Persimmon Home will be developing the site of the former hospital, this in my opinion is bad news for Birmingham heritage.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-31606850
The news article mentions that they will 'Retain historic buildings' however I have experience of this particular developer riding roughshod over the District Council in Lichfield and the section 106 agreement that clearly stated that Persimmon Homes were to retain and maintain a Grad II* listed building. This significant historically interesting building was sold to Persimmon Homes in 2005 in a pristine condition, unfortunately through factors solely and directly influenced by Persimmon Homes, it is now a piece of heritage at risk.
It is easy for this developer to dress this development up by saying "We are investing £100 million in this iconic site and look forward to beginning work on what will be a six to seven-year long project that will breathe new life into Selly Oak and create up to 1,560 jobs.
"It is an exciting opportunity for us as developers to build homes which meet local needs and reflect the history and unique situation of the site, integrating into Bournville and the surrounding areas."
In reality they will be spending £100 million as the cost to build 650 houses in a prime location, looking to walk away with a profit in the region of £500 million.
While I believe that we should have new homes built, I also think it goes without saying that Birmingham has in the past lost for too much of its heritage in the past for lessons not to be learned, and that the protection of our heritage is a key part of Birmingham's identity and its community cohesiveness.
I have written to the council and the local MP, and would urge anyone with a love of Birmingham's history and heritage to do the same. I would also ask everyone who can, get out there with a camera and record and photograph what ever they can, before its gone forever.