Sat. Jun 14th, 2025
Landmark Closure Halts Tours

Birmingham’s Roundhouse, a significant heritage site, has announced the immediate suspension of its city and canal tours, citing escalating operational costs as a primary factor.

The announcement was made via a Facebook post on Wednesday, informing customers that all tours were canceled and pre-booked tours would receive full refunds. The charity expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

According to the Roundhouse’s website, the Grade II* listed horseshoe-shaped building on Sheepcote Street is currently closed to the public, with only the restaurant maintaining its regular operating hours.

A spokesperson clarified that all tours and activities are temporarily paused while the organization undertakes a comprehensive review of its leisure offerings. They noted that the popular guided walks, kayak tours, and boat trips faced challenges due to uncontrollable rising costs.

The spokesperson emphasized that other areas of the building, including office spaces and those leased to local businesses—such as the Ristorante Café Arena—remain unaffected and will continue operating as normal.

Roundhouse Birmingham is an independent charity and heritage enterprise, responsible for managing the building and providing various tours and activities. Established through a collaboration between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust, the charity aims to ensure the Roundhouse’s sustainable future.

Originally constructed in the 19th century as stables and storage facilities, the building underwent a significant restoration project completed in 2013. The Canal & River Trust notes its original construction in 1874 by Birmingham architect W.H. Ward for the Public Works Department, as part of a large-scale city improvement initiative.

The BBC has reached out to the Canal & River Trust for further comment.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Landmark Closure Halts Tours

Birmingham’s Roundhouse, a significant heritage site, has announced the immediate suspension of its city and canal tours, citing escalating operational costs as a primary factor.

The announcement was made via a Facebook post on Wednesday, informing customers of the cancellation and assuring refunds for pre-booked tours.

The charity’s website currently indicates closure of the Grade II* listed horseshoe-shaped building on Sheepcote Street, with only the restaurant maintaining its regular hours.

A spokesperson clarified that all tours and activities are temporarily paused pending a comprehensive review of leisure operations, acknowledging that rising costs, beyond their control, have created financial challenges.

The spokesperson emphasized that other areas of the building, including office spaces and tenant-occupied areas, remain unaffected and will continue normal operations, including the Ristorante Café Arena.

Roundhouse Birmingham, an independent heritage charity, manages the building and utilizes it as a base for its various tours and activities. Established through a collaborative partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust, the charity aimed to secure a sustainable future for the Roundhouse.

Originally constructed in the 19th century as stables and storage facilities, the building underwent a significant restoration process starting in 2013. According to the Canal & River Trust, the structure was initially designed and built in 1874 by Birmingham architect W.H. Ward, as part of a larger city improvement plan.

The BBC has reached out to the Canal & River Trust for further comment.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

A charity that helps parents with young babies says it is itself “massively feeling the pinch”.

The BBC understands up to 100 of the brand’s 825 UK stores could close as the new owners shake up the business.

Higher prices for some items were offset by declines in other areas, such as petrol, airfares and clothing.

Spending limits for government departments are being outlined by the chancellor. This is how it affects you.

Grants of more than £13m will go to 12 UK food charities to feed people in need.