Breathing new life into a Birmingham landmark

Oliver Architecture is proud to be leading the restoration of the Golden Lion in Cannon Hill Park with Birmingham Conservation Trust, following the successful completion of the feasibility stage and the award of major funding to carry out urgent repairs.

This long-awaited project takes a significant step forward thanks to a generous £344,265 grant from Historic England, awarded in partnership with Birmingham City Council. With funding now in place, the focus moves from planning to delivery, and vital repair work can now begin.

​The Golden Lion is a rare 16th-century timber-framed building with a fascinating story. Originally built in Deritend and relocated to Cannon Hill Park in 1911 by the Birmingham Archaeological Society, it has stood empty and at risk for decades. As architects, we were appointed to lead the feasibility study, assessing the building’s condition, identifying repair priorities, and helping create a long-term strategy for the building's repair and reuse.

The Golden Lion's condition and vulnerable setting present obvious challenges, but also exciting potential about its future. This next phase will focus on stabilising the structure, repairing historic fabric, and safeguarding the building’s future, with the ultimate goal of bringing the Golden Lion back into meaningful public use.
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This is not just about saving a building - It's focusses on continuing a legacy of care that began over a century ago and ensuring this extraordinary piece of Birmingham’s medieval past has a place in its future.