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.
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.
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The feasibility formed the basis of the next phase of the project - emergency repairs. Following a successful funding bid, BCT was awarded 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, with the second phase of works estimated at £425,000. 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.
The feasibility formed the basis of the next phase of the project - emergency repairs. Following a successful funding bid, BCT was awarded 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, with the second phase of works estimated at £425,000. 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.
Image: Drawing of Elevation 1 after Repairs
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Image: Drawing of Elevation 2 after Repairs
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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.
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.