An historic building which has stood at the heart of the Kings Norton community for over 500 years is back on the market, less than five years after being saved from sale.Â
St Nicolas Place, on The Green, was saved from sale in 2019 when the Parochial Church Council of St Nicolas Church – the building’s stewards for over 90 years – sought a new proprietor to lease or buy the property when costs became too much for the church to bear.
However, Birmingham property consultants Bruton Knowles have now re-listed the building for sale as a commercial property on RightMove, with a starting price of £550,000.
St Nicolas Place is a key part of Birmingham’s Tudor history, alongside its neighbours St Nicolas Church and the Old Grammar School. Built in the late 1400s as a merchant house, the building was a pub for many years, before being gifted to the Parish of St Nicolas Church for community use in 1930 by Mitchells and Butler Brewery.
The former ‘Saracen’s Head’ is Grade II* listed with English Heritage – in the top 10% of the most important heritage buildings in the country. The building underwent an extensive £4.3 million renovation around 20 years ago, funded by National Lottery Heritage plus over £1 million extra from the church and Friends of Historic Kings Norton fundraising efforts.
However, in spite of efforts from the church, community groups and individuals, community use of the building has dwindled over recent years. Formerly hosting weddings and community groups and events, a small part of the building is now in use – occupied by a shoe shop and two small Community Interest Companies supporting children and families.
St Nicolas Parochial Church Council and Church of England Birmingham have been approached for comment.
