The Rotunda is set to become Birmingham's most desirable des res, with luxury flats and penthouses expected to sell for up to £500,000.
 The city's most famous landmark is due to be transformed into more than 230 apartments --and buyers are already queuing up to snap them up months before development work even begins. Property firm Urban Splash, which is behind regeneration plans at Fort Dunlop, is working with Bullring developer Birmingham Alliance to convert office space inside the city's best-known landmark. Now the scheme has taken a major step forward with an application for planning permission submitted to Birmingham City Council. "The Rotunda has been used for commercial offices but we want to convert it for residential use. It's new and it's really exciting for Birmingham," said Urban Splash spokeswoman Lisa Ashurst.
"We have picked up on the vibe that the Rotunda is really loved in Birmingham and having that as your address would be fantastic." No prices have yet been set for the 128 studio flats, 68 one-bed and 38-two bed apartments which are due to be installed. Urban Splash was unwilling to speculate about costs but admitted development work could start before the end of the year, subject to planning permission being granted. But Colin Johnson, chairman of the National Association of Estate Agents in the Midlands, said: "Because of the Rotunda's unique position and its well-known status worldwide, we are talking £500,000 for the top apartments. And Warwickshirebased developer Kings Oak South Midlands is offering a similar range of homes at Centenary Plaza, next to the Mailbox shopping centre, at an average price of around £275,000. Around 30 potential purchasers seduced by the Rotunda's panoramic views and location next to the new Bullring have already lodged expressions of interest with Urban Splash. The iconic building opened in 1964 and survived the IRA's bombing of Birmingham 10 years later. It was threatened with the bulldozer during the 1980s but its future was secured when it was declared a listed building four years ago. Birmingham Alliance development director Jon Emery said the Rotunda was "tired" and in need of refurbishment. | 
