Birmingham’s hotel market continues to show its strength, with the 105-bed BLOC Hotel in Birmingham being acquired, off-market, by New World Hospitality. 

The deal, involving the freehold and purpose-built property in the Jewellery Quarter district of the second city, reflects continued investor confidence in well-located UK hotel assets – even in a tough trading climate. 

A strong performer in a prime location 

Opened in 2011, BLOC Birmingham has delivered consistently solid trading results. The design-led concept includes compact windowless rooms as small as 9.5 sqm through to 21 sqm luxury apartments, offering a blend of efficiency and comfort that has helped the brand carve out a loyal audience. 

For New World Hospitality, the acquisition represents a strategic expansion. Principal Vijay Sharma highlighted the hotel’s “robust fundamentals” and confirmed plans to invest further in the asset and strengthen its position in the Birmingham market. 

Why the Jewellery Quarter matters 

The Jewellery Quarter remains one of Birmingham’s most distinctive neighbourhoods – home to: 

  • Over 150 independent retailers 
  • Around 80 bars and restaurants 
  • Three museums 
  • And more than 40% of the UK’s jewellery output 

For hotel operators and owners, that ecosystem translates to strong leisure demand and year-round footfall. It’s a location that appeals to both investors and guests seeking a stay with character. 

A deal that signals ongoing confidence 

Gavin Wright, founder of Enterprise Hotels & Hospitality, noted the strength of the asset and its performance as key drivers behind the acquisition.
Meanwhile, Arora Group, the seller, described the hotel as a strong performer but no longer aligned with its long-term plans. 

This kind of off-market transaction — involving a well-run property, a focused buyer, and experienced intermediaries — highlights two important trends: 

  • Investor appetite for well-located UK hotels remains healthy 
  • Operational performance still matters as much as location 

Even in a challenging environment, strong assets continue to attract buyers. 

What it means for operators and talent 

For Birmingham’s hospitality landscape, the deal is another sign of confidence in the city’s growth.
For hospitality professionals, it reinforces a simple truth we see daily in recruitment: 

Hotels built on strong operations, clear identity and good people perform — and they attract investment. 

We’ll be watching closely to see how New World Hospitality shapes the next chapter of this well-loved Birmingham hotel.