Friday Photo- The Round House

I really don’t know how I hadn’t heard of this building until about 18 months ago. Maybe it’s because it’s slightly off the beaten track, away from the madding crowds, or maybe it’s because Birmingham is a city deeply modest about its history and heritage. Whatever the reason, I’ve now rectified the problem because last week, I visited the Roundhouse. The building built in 1873,  is designed in a horse-shoe shape  and was once stables and storage for the many horses working along the city’s canals. After being placed on English Heritage’s At Risk Register a couple of years ago, a new lease of life is being given to this incredible Grade II* listed building. The National Trust and Canal and River Trust are working together to transform the derelict building into a base to explore Birmingham’s canals. The plans are to make this a central hub to explore the city with a cycle hire venue, and part of the building will be converted into offices, available to rent for start-ups and small companies. This project actually makes me really excited about what the future holds for this part of Birmingham, and with a great team of people behind the project, it’s sure to be a success.