GAZING handsomely over Colmore Row, the Grand Hotel is a fine old building.
The sort of building that this city needs: elegant, historic, imposing, a repository for the memories of countless Brummies who have worked or attended functions there.
Yet today it stands neglected and, according to the Victorian Society, one of the country's most endangered buildings.
You might have thought that we would have learned from the savage demolition programmes of the mid and late 20th century that, if we want this city to retain its character, we must protect its best structures.
The proof that this is not the case lies in the Grand's crumbling, scaffold-clad facade and its largely unused interior.
Yet it should not be beyond the capability of architects, engineers and conservationists to find a way to bring this landmark back into use.
Its owner, Horton's Estates, has prevaricated too long.
They must realise they are custodians of an important slice of Birmingham heritage.
No more delays. Sort it out.
We want the Grand to flourish once more.