Plans move forward for building to become heritage centre
Plans for an historic building in the heart of Bournville to become a heritage centre are moving forward thanks to a grant.
Bournville Village Trust has been awarded funding from Arts Council England, through Museum Development Midlands, to carry out work that will create a clear vision for the future of the Rest House.
The Rest House sits in the centre of Bournville Green in Birmingham and was gifted to George and Elizabeth Cadbury by Cadbury workers to mark the couples’ silver wedding anniversary.
Until March 2025, it was managed as a visitor centre and craft shop by the Friends of Bournville Carillon. They took the difficult decision to dissolve following an increase in operational and financial demands.
The Rest House, which dates back to 1913, is now managed Bournville Village Trust which wants the building to continue to benefit the community as a public heritage centre to celebrate Bournville.
Daniel Callicott, Heritage Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “Since it came back into our care, the Rest House has hosted a number of events and exhibitions including the Museum of Us exhibition which welcomed over 2,000 visitors.
“These events have given us the opportunity to start consulting the community on what the building could offer as a heritage centre. The funding from Arts Council England will allow us to carry out further consultation and then create a clear vision for the Rest House’s future.”
Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at Bournville Village Trust, added: “The Rest House has a wonderful heritage, and we know it’s treasured and loved by so many people, which is why we are committed to making sure it continues to benefit the community as a public heritage centre. This funding will help us take the next step to making that happen.”
Throughout 2026, the Rest House will host a number of exciting stand-alone events as well as support community-wide celebrations and activities.
These will include a Women’s History exhibition, public screenings of archival films of Bournville and a Bournville Through Time exhibition. The Rest House will also support this year’s Bournville Heritage Open Day, a celebration of the garden village as historic sites open their doors for free.
Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts.
It works within more than a dozen diverse communities in south and central Birmingham and Telford and aims to create and sustain communities where people can thrive.
It was founded by social reformer and chocolate maker George Cadbury in 1900 and provides services to 8,000 homes and 25,000 people.
