The Golden Lion, Cannon Hill Park
Client: Birmingham Conservation Trust
Project: Feasibility study for repair and reuse
Location: Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Status: Feasibility study completed 2025
A conservation-led feasibility study to secure the future of a medieval building
The Golden Lion, a Grade II-listed timber-framed building dating from the 16th century, is a remarkable survival of Birmingham’s medieval past. Originally built in Deritend, the structure was relocated to Canon Hill Park in 1911 by the Birmingham Archaeological Society to save it from demolition, an early and influential act of architectural conservation.
Having stood empty for over two decades, the building is now in a perilous state, vulnerable to structural failure, decay, and arson. In response, Birmingham City Council and Historic England approached Birmingham Conservation Trust (BCT) to lead a project to assess its condition and identify a viable route to repair and reuse.
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Appointed as Architect and Lead Consultant, Oliver Architecture led a multidisciplinary team to deliver a full feasibility study in 2025. Our work included a comprehensive assessment of the building’s condition, identification of essential and urgent repairs, and the development of outline costs for phased fabric repairs and future re-use options.
Key outcomes included a clear repair strategy to arrest further decline and an informed framework for engaging with potential funders and stakeholders. The study explored a range of potential end uses and assessed their compatibility with the building’s historic significance and constraints.
The feasibility study now forms the basis of the next phase of the project. BCT has submitted an initial funding bid of £300,000 for emergency repairs, with a second phase of works estimated at £425,000 to complete essential stabilisation and conservation.
This project marks the beginning of a long-term effort to bring the Golden Lion back into active use and public life. It demonstrates how early-stage, conservation-led planning can unlock new possibilities for vulnerable heritage and chart a sustainable future for buildings at risk.
Key outcomes included a clear repair strategy to arrest further decline and an informed framework for engaging with potential funders and stakeholders. The study explored a range of potential end uses and assessed their compatibility with the building’s historic significance and constraints.
The feasibility study now forms the basis of the next phase of the project. BCT has submitted an initial funding bid of £300,000 for emergency repairs, with a second phase of works estimated at £425,000 to complete essential stabilisation and conservation.
This project marks the beginning of a long-term effort to bring the Golden Lion back into active use and public life. It demonstrates how early-stage, conservation-led planning can unlock new possibilities for vulnerable heritage and chart a sustainable future for buildings at risk.