As one building designed by controversial architect John Madin is being knocked down, another is being extended.
While the demolition of Central Library marks the end of an era for the legendary designer and planner, new jobs are being created as another city building is set for a new lease of life.
Plans have been submitted to redevelop almost vacant offices at 104-106 Hagley Road into 149 student bedrooms and a ground floor retail unit which will create about 40 jobs.
Alan Clawley, secretary of the Friends of Central Library and author of a book about Madin's work, welcomed the news the building was being preserved and given a new future.
"If a good use can be found for the building, and it can be improved or converted in a sensitive way, then I will always support it," he told the Post .
"Not everyone likes the 1960s style, it can be a austere, but I would rather see it modernise than knocked down."
Mr Clawley, who campaigned to save Central Library, is holding a 'wake' with supporters from 11am on January 31 in Chamberlain Square to bid it a fond farewell.
The application site sits on the corner of Hagley Road and Vicarage Road, in Edgbaston, and has two Grade II-listed buildings nearby - 3 Vicarage Road and 94-96 Hagley Road, the home of restaurant Rose Murree.
It was originally designed as a ground floor retail operation for Barclays with offices above.
Hagley Road Properties is behind the scheme whose partners are Roger Cardin, Richard Thorndike and Christian Gallagher, a member of the well known eponymous family of developers.
It has been designed by Jewellery Quarter-based St Paul's Associates, the practice behind the regeneration of the neighbouring 100 Hagley Road which is also a Madin building.
Other applications have been lodged recently for student accommodation near to the Wholesale Markets, Gun Quarter and Bristol Road in Selly Oak.
