A new computer-generated image of the Grand Hotel has been created to reflect new findings in the process of façade work at the architectural gem.

The new image has been created by Blink Image showing a course of sandstone bricks over four floors which was not known about before Hortons’ Estate began work to restore the building to its former glory.

It also shows the front unit as a restaurant spilling out onto the street with an amended pavement on Colmore Row.

The image has been created as work to market the restaurant and shops along the front of the historic building begins.

Hortons’ Estate chief executive Tony Green said: “When the building was listed, it was listed as a painted building so the idea was that once we finished we painted it the same colour as it was on the pictures.

“That means that theoretically when we found the sandstone we were supposed to paint over it.

“That started a debate about what we were supposed to do with it but eventually common sense prevailed. It was agreed that it would be better as the original building with the sandstone band exposed.”

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The new CGI is the first to reflect the natural stone rather than the painted finish shown in previous images.

It comes as Hortons begin to market the retail space after £1.5 million worth of work to restore those areas begins.

Mr Green said there had already been strong interest in the space.

He said: “We have had a good initial response and we are very hopeful we will get good operators in there.”