Two and a half years after the three-hour sales frenzy in which every one of its 234 apartments were sold, we can reveal the first glimpse inside the new-look Rotunda.
Five days before the iconic building is officially revealed to the world, here is the Grade II listed building in all its new glory.
Opened in 1965 by original architect James Roberts, the cylindrical tower has been given a radical transformation by award-winning developers Urban Splash and Birmingham Alliance, owners of the Bullring Estate.
Glen Howells Architects, who were commissioned to give the 265 feet tall Rotunda its new look, have created a variety of city pads, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on 16 of the building's 21 stories, while Level 20 houses six penthouse suites, each with their own breathtaking private terrace.
One of the penthouses is owned by serviced apartment provider Staying Cool, allowing a taste of Rotunda living to anyone who missed out on the original sales.
Arriving at Rotunda's nine-metre high double height lobby, visitors are greeted by a stunning LED light chandelier wave; levels two and three are home to three new duplex apartments, or 'townhouses in the sky' as dubbed by Urban Splash; not part of the original design but now available to buy, each has access to the communal lawned garden on Level 2.
The apartments on Levels 4-19 all enjoy fabulous and varied views through the floor to ceiling tilt and slide windows; a high specification throughout includes Poggenpohl kitchens and seamless hardwood flooring running from the building's spine into the apartments. Parking is available to purchasers in the car park beneath the building.
Nathan Cornish, managing director of Urban Splash Midlands said: "Rotunda has featured in the city centre skyline for more than 40 years. Some felt the building should be knocked down, but we fell in love with its unusual character and form.
"Its cylindrical form has been areal challenge. The design exploits every one of the 360 degrees - I have walked the building a hundred times and Istill don'tknow which view is best."
To coincide with Rotunda's official opening this month, a specially commissioned project entitled 21 Stories will be released. The new film, coffee table book and photographic exhibition tell the story of 21 people whose lives have been shaped by the building; following its premiere this month, the film and exhibition will go on tour; visit www.newrotunda.co.uk www.urbansplash.co.uk www.stayingcool.com
