Corner Block Of The Midland Hotel

The Corner Block of The Midland Hotel, built in 1878, is a notable terminus hotel designed by the Midland Railway Company's architect. This prominent building, which holds considerable townscape value, is constructed of polished sandstone ashlar with a grooved ground floor. It features four tall storeys and a steeply mansarded attic, topped by a five-storey octagonal corner tower at the former station forecourt end. The design is inspired by French architecture with some Beaux Arts classical details.

The corner facing Cheapside showcases a lofty canted bay with gables, while the main entrance is located in a canted bay projection beneath the mansard roof. The building has coupled windows with carved rinceaux panels above their heads. A French scrolled iron balcony on fluted stone brackets encircles the first floor level of the octagonal tower, with similar balconettes for the upper floor windows. The building features sill bands and a moulded eaves cornice. The tower is capped with a dome that was originally copper but is now covered with felt. At the base of the tower, there is a Pompeian Doric column doorway with a lunette above an entablature, all within an ornately carved surround that includes a female head keystone. The main entrance to Cheapside has been modernised.