West Midlands Mayor on future of Black Sabbath pub
Mayor 'committed to ensuring restoration of vacant Black Sabbath pub'
The Mayor of the West Midlands says he is committed to helping ensure the restoration of Birmingham’s historic Black Sabbath pub.
Fans of the iconic Brummie band descended on the city centre on Wednesday to mark Ozzy Day, a celebration of the Prince of Darkness’ life.
But one particularly important site in Black Sabbath’s history – The Crown pub in Station Street – remains vacant after closing more than 10 years ago.
The venue is known as the place where the band performed their first ever gig and has been a key focus for campaigners fighting to ‘save’ the pub and nearby venues.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker was asked whether he still wants to see the pub restored in the future.
“I’ve been really explicit about it,” the Labour Mayor said. “I’ve met the owners of that location with the city council previously and my understanding was that plans are being put forward for the redevelopment of that … so it can be restored and maintained in a sustainable way.”
“It’s a wonderful heritage asset that’s such an important part of our musical heritage in the city and region.”
Asked if the new leadership at the city council – a coalition of Lib Dems, Greens and various independents – could represent a fresh opportunity for The Crown, Mr Parker said: “I always have hope.
“The owners had been in discussions with the previous leadership of the council.
“When I meet the new council leader Cllr Roger Harmer in the next couple of weeks, I’ll be raising the issue of the future of The Crown.
“I know from previous discussions with him, he’s equally committed – as I am – to ensuring The Crown is restored, refurbished and then managed sustainably for decades ahead.”
Toyoko Inn, the owners of The Crown, has previously insisted that it has long term plans to not only restore the pub but build a hotel too.
But their ownership of the historic pub has attracted controversy an d sparked criticism from campaigners who argue there’s been a lack of progress at the site.
Cllr Deborah Harries – the new cabinet member for culture and heritage at the city council – said “constructive” discussions around The Crown were “positively moving forwards”.
She continued the council’s new administration were looking at the future of Station Street more widely, saying they preparing five new local listing nominations, including The Electric Cinema.
Cllr Harries added that they were also open to seeing whether the public realm on the street could be more “pedestrian friendly”.
“I welcome the fact council officers are still having conversations with Toyoko Inn and other stakeholders,” she said. “I think those discussions are positively moving forwards.
“If we can do something at The Crown with partners and Toyoko Inn, however we can make that work, that was remembering Ozzy and the birthplace of Black Sabbath but tied into new bands so it can have a life beyond.”
Ladywood Cllr Raheem Humphreys, the deputy cabinet member for culture and heritage, added that concerns had been raised over Station Street feeling unsafe and was open to looking at making it more pedestrian friendly.
“It’s so close to the centre of the city,” Cllr Humphreys said. “It’s such an important walking route between Southside and the Central Heart and it’s got all of these important cultural resources.
“So many people in that area feel like it’s not a safe place or welcoming for them. It’s not what I want for my area.”
In a statement, Cllr Harries said: “Birmingham has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect some of the buildings and places that tell the story of our great city whilst creating a vibrant future for Station Street and Southside.
“Our ambition is to see historic buildings protected, celebrated and placed at the heart of a thriving cultural quarter that residents can be proud of.”
On Toyoko Inn’s long-term plans to restore The Crown, a document last year said: “At the time of writing Toyoko Inn are finalising their plans of the wider site.
“It is the intention that the scope of the future project will deliver two connected and coherent elements.”
It continued that they included a new hotel with around 300 beds on the existing car park at the rear of the site and the restoration of The Crown.
“The pub is a historically important site and its new vision will reflect and celebrate this heritage,” it added.