A historic Birmingham park house is set to get a new lease on life as a community cafe run by a major local charity. Birmingham Hospice has confirmed it will take over the running of a new cafe at Rookery House in Erdington's Rookery Park, with plans to open its doors in early 2026.
A Warm and Welcoming 'Hive' for the Community
The charity announced the news online, stating it will open 'Hive In The Park', a space designed to be a warm and welcoming hub. The cafe's primary mission is to offer local people a place to enjoy affordable food and drinks, connect with others, and feel part of the community. Beyond serving as a casual meeting spot, the venue will also be available for local community groups to book outside of its standard opening hours.
This initiative directly supports the wider work of Birmingham Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Birmingham, Solihull, and Sandwell. The hospice currently supports approximately 670 patients and their families every day, through its hospice buildings, community teams, and home visits. Proceeds from the cafe will help fund this vital care.
Historic House Saved from Disrepair
The move into Rookery House marks a significant step in the building's revival. The Grade II listed building is one of Birmingham's grandest houses, with a history dating back to 1727 when it was commissioned by ironmaster Abraham Spooner. After being used as council offices, it fell into disrepair following its closure in 2008 and was later sold to a developer.
Earlier this year, local Councillors Gareth Moore and Robert Alden campaigned to bring the historic asset back into public use. A call was put out for interested cafe operators, leading to Birmingham Hospice's successful bid to run the community-focused venture.
Call for Volunteers to Bring the Vision to Life
With an opening slated for early next year, the hospice is now actively seeking volunteers to help run the cafe. The charity is looking for people who can help 'create warm moments' by serving coffee, tea, and treats, operating the till, and most importantly, being a friendly and welcoming face for visitors.
In its announcement, the hospice highlighted that volunteering offers a chance to give back, gain valuable experience, build skills, and make new friends. While an exact opening date is yet to be announced, the news has already been met with excitement from local residents on social media.
Sarah Treweeks commented that the development was 'great news' and that the cafe is 'much needed'. Rumena Aktar agreed, calling it 'much needed for the community', while Joy Whitehouse expressed relief, stating she was 'glad to see it being used'.
