HUGE NEWS arrived on Friday that Step One of Saving Station Street could be ticked off - Historic England have granted Grade II listing to The Crown.

This is a huge step forward and means there are now a whole host of protections in place that stop any developer turning the site to rubble.

All congratulations on this need to go to Jez Collins at Birmingham Music Archive - who has spent 14 years of his life chipping away at this (!!) - and Birmingham Open Media who have put in huge amounts of time and effort to get The Crown listed status. We sincerely hope that this is the start of a process of bringing The Crown back into the hands of Birmingham based ownership that can revive The Crown as a forward thinking, thrilling pub with live music that excites and challenges. Much like the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath. We are in awe of their incredible work on The Crown.

We also hope with The Old Rep and The Crown on Station Street both having listed status that Historic England now see The Electric as a vital part of the streetscape, and it enhances our chances of seeing The Electric listed. That will be Step Two.

We firmly believe that a refurbished vibrant Station Street, owned by the city and its population would be a thrilling small venue artistic, musical, cultural, heritage showcase for the best Birmingham can offer the world (importantly also one that could operate at a profit for the city long-term - I know profit can feel a dirty word but one needs a dose of realism to our dream).

Monday Task: We're at 19,197 signatures. Can you take a moment to re-share our petition? 20,000 gets us a full council debate on Station Streets future.

Have a great week all, especially the Historic England Listing Person who signed off The Crown.

Darren