On 16th October 2025, Freehold Managers (Nominees) Limited, the company responsible for Centenary Plaza on Holliday Street, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

Birmingham City Council pursued legal action under the Housing Act 2004 after Freehold Managers (Nominees) Limited failed to undertake the necessary improvement works required to make the building safe, as detailed in the Improvement Notice issued by the council on 5th September 2023.

This was only the second time the Housing Act had been used by a local authority to prosecute, and the first in the West Midlands.

The notice mandated the repair of fire doors, improvements to emergency lighting, and the provision of suitable means of escape from the building in the event of a fire.

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During sentencing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, a fine of £50,000 was imposed on the business, taking into account its early guilty plea, the company’s financial position and the council’s legal costs.

Birmingham City Councillor Nicky Brennan, who is also Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: "We have zero tolerance for owners of buildings delaying essential life-saving fire safety work.

“Delaying urgent safety measures is unacceptable. Lives are at risk. Where needed, we will use our full powers to protect residents.

“This sentence sends a clear warning to all building owners operating in Birmingham that they must act swiftly in the interest of our residents’ safety first and always, otherwise we will take decisive action against you.”