Grand designs for the future of historic Great Barr Hall

A 30-point masterplan is now being drawn up for the future of the derelict hall, which could become a boutique hotel, wedding conference centre or restaurant.

It comes after a questionnaire completed by hundreds of people showed they wanted to see the hall restored rather than demolished and replaced.

Around 70 per cent of people who responded to the questionnaire said they wanted to see it restored.

The Great Barr Hall owner, which can today be revealed as BCG Lakes, has taken that on board.

A spokesperson said: "On behalf of the owners, I would like to thank everyone who completed the questionnaire and submitted responses to Lapworth Architects website.

"It's been a very positive exercise and has given us a real insight to what local people think about Great Barr Hall and the ideas they have for its future.

"We've taken all the responses, comments and views on board."

More than 4,000 leaflets have now been drawn up and will be sent out in the surrounding areas to inform residents of the questionnaire results. Two public meetings will be held next month to further outline the plans before they are submitted for planning permission.

Questionnaires revealed more than 75 per cent of people rejected the idea of demolishing the hall and replacing it with a modern glass building. Instead, the majority of people said they wanted to see the existing elevations, which are structurally safe, kept and used as the basis for its restoration.

They also wanted to see the hall's trees protected and new ones planted. Great Barr Hall has stood empty since 1978 but was once known as a meeting place of the Lunar Society. Included in the 30-point masterplan for its future is looking at initial options for Great Barr Hall as a commercial enterprise with a boutique hotel, wedding centre and restaurant. It also sets out to restore the hall's pavilion building in the French gardens and create a new gatehouse lodge next to the gates on Sutton Drive.