Broke city may sell historic HQ

BIRMINGHAM’S Victorian-era City Council House could be turned into a hotel, as the authority attempts to pay off debts of more than £760 million.

- Jonathan Walker

The mammoth building, so large it has its own postcode, was constructed from 1874, with the first stone laid by mayor Joseph Chamberlain.

It could now be included in a fire sale of council assets to save taxpayers footing the bill for liabilities built up by the Labour-run authority.

A Conservative source said: “Birmingham council actually has a huge property bank, which could raise more than enough money to pay off all its debts.

“The Council House is in a prime location at the heart of the city centre, close to the International Convention Centre, bars, restaurants, and shops including Selfridges.