Social media has been divided over major plans to transform a landmark Birmingham city centre building into new offices and apartments.

We reported today that developers are planning to part-demolish the building that stretches the length of Smallbrook Queensway and replace it with a tower reaching around 22 storeys.

Commercial Estates Group will also strip back another section of the complex and convert in into new offices, retail and leisure accommodation.

The long building was built in the 1960s and designed by James Roberts, the man behind the city's famous Rotunda in New Street, but has suffered from a lack of upkeep in recent years.

It has clearly become a 'Marmite' subject, with some of our readers keen to see the back of the "horrendous" building while others are convinced Birmingham is a fan of blandness.

Smallbrook Queensway as it looks today
Smallbrook Queensway as it looks today

Writing on the Birmingham Post's Facebook group, Tim Thorpe said: "This looks great and would certainly make the area more appealing.

"These developments will help get rid of the poor image we seem to have with the rest of the country since being left behind as the second city."

Floyd King said: "The current building looks horrendous whilst the new plan maintains the feel but updates it, not just aesthetically but also to current legislation including energy use and carbon footprint."

He was echoed by Scott Brierley, who said: "I've only been saying this for the last ten years! Finally!"

CGI of plans to revamp Smallbrook Queensway
CGI of plans to revamp Smallbrook Queensway

Not everyone is a fan of the new plans though, including Birmingham Post columnist and architect Joe Holyoak, while Martin Callanan asks whether Birmingham is "aiming to be the blandest city on Earth?"

"Roberts' Queensway building is a grand and elegant urban gesture. It just needs some love and a brush up," he added.

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Should Smallbrook Queensway be redeveloped?

Philip Meers said: "I remember this as a new building. It had such a modern feel to it with the clean lines and elegant curve.

"What could have been an attractive area was dominated by the car and so it became a place to get through quickly.

"Current architects and planners seem to want buildings to disappear into a sea of non-entity."

Commenting on the Post website, Billsmothers said: "I was initially in two minds about this development but I am now convinced that an application for listing and a sensitive refurbishment is the way to go.

"The proposed design leaves much to be desired with its overbearing top floor and disruption of the long sweep of Roberts' block with a tower that seems remarkably lacking in character or presence."