An historic Birmingham hotel has been named as one of the 10 most endangered buildings in Britain, prompting renewed calls for its restoration.
The Grand Hotel, in Colmore Row, has been crumbling since its closure five years ago and left wrapped in scaffolding to protect passers-by from falling masonry.
Only the ground floor, which has been converted into shops, is currently in use.
Now the Victorian Society has named the 1875 hotel as one of Britain's 10 most endangered buildings.
Birmingham's conservation champion, Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Con, Weoley), welcomed the move, saying it should spur the owners into action.
"The Grand is part of the fabric of Birmingham and well done to the Victorian Society for highlighting this.
"It is certainly Birmingham's most endangered building. Owners and developers are thinking in the short term when a longer term view is needed."
An English Heritage Grade II listing order, secured in 2004, was intended to preserve the facade, Louis XIV-style ballroom and staircase. But owner Horton's Estates claims this has made the building difficult to renovate and bring back into use.
Horton's says the listing prevents the development of light and airy open-plan offices with modern amenities such as air conditioning. But chief executive Rob Blyth said there may some light at the end of the tunnel.
"We are trying hard to come up with a solution but are in a Catch 22 with the demands of conservationists.
"English Heritage and Birmingham City Council accept that there are fundamental problems with the fabric of the building and we are talking with them about the best way to bring it back into use. We hope to be able to announce something later this year."
* The Victorian Society has suggested a top ten most endangered buildings, but is looking for people to nominate further examples of neglected heritage for a definitive list to be published in November.
The suggested list also includes public baths at Ashton-under-Lyne, near Manchester and St Marie's Church, in Hindhead, Surrey.
For full details and nominations visit the website www.victoriansociety.org.uk
