Centenary Square - A Birmingham Gem!

Centenary Square is located in a prime central position in Birmingham. It is host to many of the City's civic and cultural attractions. It first opened in 1991 and reopened in 2019.


Where is Centenary Square?

Centenary Square is (or was) on Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND.

 

In brief

Centenary Square was named in 1989 to commemorate the centenary of Birmingham achieving City Status. 

Centenary SquareSymphony Hall, The ICC and The REP in Centenary Square (April 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It opened in 1991 to a carpet brick design by the artist Tess Jaray. It looked like a Persian rug. This was changed from 2010 to 2013 when the Library of Birmingham was built, but still had a grassed area.

Centenary Square

Centenary Square from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham (September 2013) Photography by Elliott Brown

 

But the Council had a bright idea to rip this all up and it was redeveloped between 2017 and 2019. This included a reflective pool with fountains / water jets, as well as Library Tram Stop.

Centenary Square

Centenary Square from the Hyatt (August 2019). Photography by Simon Felton

 

Centenary Square as it was on the 31st July 2021.

Centenary SquareCentenary Square (July 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue was installed in Centenary Square at the end of April 2022.

Centenary SquareBoulton, Watt & Murdoch back at Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

History of the Civic Centre

There had been many plans in the 20th Century for a new Civic Centre, going back as far as 1918. One such scheme was by William Haywood  who made a model in 1941 of the proposed Civic Centre, but only the Hall of Memory and Baskerville House ended up getting built. The model represents a variety of public buildings including a Planetarium, Natural History Museum, and City Hall, as well as extensive gardens and car parks. At the centre would have been a 'Municipal Tower'. It would have had a nude male statue representing the Spirit of Birmingham. The Council approved the scheme in 1944 (for the City Council offices), and William Bloye made a maquette of the statue in 1948. But the project was abandoned in 1949 for being too expensive. Formal gardens were proposed for the site that is now the Library of Birmingham, while the wings of the Council offices behind (that never got built), later became City Centre Gardens, and the Civic Centre Estate with the 1960s tower blocks of Cambridge Tower, Crescent Tower, Norton Tower and Galton Tower. Crescent Wharf blocks north of Cambridge Street. They were by the City Architect, Alan Maudsley in 1968. Baskerville House was the only part of this scheme to be built, along with the Hall of Memory. Before the Library of Birmingham was built between 2010 to 2013, the site was used as a car park. Everything to the left of the Hall of Memory and Baskerville House was never built, due to the War, or for being too expensive. There was another proposal in 1958 by A.G. Sheppard Fidler, with a less formal layout, with water features with municpal office podium on the north side, but that too didn't get built.

Civic Centre model

Civic Centre model at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre (May 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Buildings around Centenary Square

Buildings include: Hall of Memory (opened in 1925), Municipal Bank (opened 1933, closed 2006, reopened 2021), Baskerville House (opened in 1940), The REP (opened in 1971, temporarily closed 2010-13 and 2020-21), Hyatt Regency Birmingham (opened 1990), The ICC Birmingham (opened 1991), Symphony Hall (opened in 1991, reopened 2021), Library of Birmingham (opened in 2013) and HSBC UK at One Centenary Square (opened 2018).

 

Hall of Memory

This war memorial building was built from 1922 to 1925 and designed by S. N. Cooke and W. N. Twist. It commemorates the citizens of Birmingham who died during WW1. Made of Portland stone. There is four bronze statues outside dedicated to the Air Force, Army, Navy and Women's Services. It was promoted to Grade I listed status in 2014 (from the previous Grade II). There used to be a Colonnade outside of the Hall of Memory, and a fountain as part of the Broad Street Garden of Remembrance (also opened in 1925). But the Colonnade was moved in 1990, to what is now called the Peace Garden to the grounds of St Thomas's Church which was destroyed in the Birmingham Blitz of 1940.

Hall of Memory Centenary SquareHall of Memory in Centenary Square (April 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Exchange (former Birmingham Municipal Bank)

The Birmingham Municipal Bank was originally built from 1932 until 1933. It was opened by Neville Chamberlain (at the time Chancellor of the Exchequer). It was his idea for a bank of this kind. The Council eventually ended up owning it, but sold it in 1976, and it became a Trustees Savings Bank (TSB). Later the TSB merged with Lloyds Bank, and it was Lloyds TSB when it closed for good in 2006 (selling it back to Birmingham City Council). The building remained unused for the best part of the next decade, apart from the odd event, such as the Universe of Sound (2013) and a Festival Hub for the International Dance Festival Birmingham (2016). It was opened to visitors in 2015 as part of Birmingham's Hidden Spaces, during Birmingham Heritage Week (September 2015). The University of Birmingham acquired the building in 2017, and work to restore it to transform it into The Exchange began in 2019, and it was completed by 2021.

The Exchange The Exchange (ex Municipal Bank). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Baskerville House

This was previously called the Civic Centre, it was the only building built for the proposed Civic Centre from 1938. WW2 halted construction, but after the war, Roman Imperial imagery went out of fashion, and the other proposed buildings were not built. The building was renovated from 2003 to 2007. Baskerville House was built on the site where the home of John Baskerville used to be.

Baskerville HouseBaskerville House. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Birmingham REP

The Birmingham Reperatory Theatre moved to what is now called Centenary Square in 1971. Closed during the building of the Library of Birmingham from 2010 to 2013, they reopened at the same time as the Library. Founded by Barry Jackson at what is now called The Old REP on Station Street in 1913. In 2021 work has began to renovate part of the theatre, but they will be open again for plays.

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Hyatt Regency Birmingham

The Hyatt Hotel was opened at the corner of Bridge Street and Broad Street in 1990. It is connected to a bridge that goes over Broad Street to the International Convention Centre. The hotel has hosted the G8 in 1998, and also the Conservative Party used the hotel during their Autumn Conferences every 2 years from 2010 (apart from in 2020). The hotel was refurbished in 2014, this included the opening of The Gentleman & Scholar Pub and Terrace. The hotel is now a part of Centenary Square, and it has amazing views from the top.

Hyatt Regency BirminghamHyatt Regency Birmingham. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The ICC Birmingham

The International Convention Centre was opened in 1991. It was built from 1986 to 1991. Opened by the Queen in June 1991. Host venue of the G8 in 1998.

Symphony Hall The ICCSymphony Hall and The ICC in Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Symphony Hall

It was opened in 1991, and is the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The foyer was rebuilt during 2020, and reopened in 2021.

Symphony HallSymphony Hall from Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 


Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham was built from 2010 to 2013, between The REP and Baskerville House. It opened in September 2013. There is nine levels above ground, plus a couple of basement floors (Children's Library). Only Level 0, MG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9 are accessible to the public. Levels 5, 6 and 8 are staff only. Discovery Terrace on Level 3, Secret Garden on Level 7 and the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Level 9. Brasshouse Language's moved onto Level 1 in September 2016.

Library of BirminghamLibrary of Birmingham in Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

 

One Centenary Square (HSBC UK)

This building was originally going to be called Two Arena Central. Built for HSBC UK, moving their UK HQ from Canary Wharf in London to Birmingham. Construction began in 2016 and was completed in 2018. It was built on a site formerly occupied by Central TV (and ATV before that). Before that it was the site of the Masonic Hall, built in 1933, and occupied by the Free Masons from 1939, but was acquired by the Government during the Second World War, for use by the Ministry of Food and the War Office for Army Recruitment.  ATV took over the complex in the 1970s, and it was demolished by 2006, ahead of the proposed Arena Central redevelopment. But the recession and credit crunch of 2008, meant nothing started on site again until around 2015.

One Centenary SquareOne Centenary Square at Arena Central from Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

 

Five Centenary Square

This building at the Arena Central development has still not been built. Originally called One Arena Central. Formerly the site was at 300 Broad Street. The Birmingham Register Office was built here in 1951, the first architect was Alex Steele. It was altered in 1961 to the designs of Harry Gibberd. By the 2000s, the Register Office had relocated to a new building on Holliday Street, and Birmingham City Council used the original building as the House of Sport. Demolition of this building started in late 2015 for One Arena Central. But as of 2021, the proposed Five Centenary Square has yet to be built. The Statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch was located outside from 1956 until 2017 (it was regilded in 2006). It was moved to storage ahead of the building of the Westside Metro Extension, which opened by December 2019 to Library Tram Stop.

House of SportThe site of One Arena Central (July 2013). The House of Sport was demolished in 2015. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

As of the summer of 2021, they haven't started building anything at One Arena Central / Five Centenary Square, so what is going on here? Just seems to be somewhere to dump materials and rubbish at the moment.

Five Centenary SquareSite of Five Centenary Square (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Library Tram Stop

This was opened in December 2019 as the first stage of the Westside Metro extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square. It was the terminus until the extension to Edgbaston Village was opened in July 2022 . This section of road was formerly part of Broad Street, but is now classed as Centenary Square. 

Library Tram Stop Centenary SquareWest Midlands Metro tram at Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Statues and Public Art past and present

There has been many statues and sculptures in Centenary Square since it opened in 1991. Some have gone into storage as the square was rebuilt.

 

Statue of Edward VII

The statue of King Edward VII was made of Carraba marble by the sculptor Albert Toft and was originally located in Victoria Square from 1913 until 1951. It was moved to Highgate Park where it remained until 2009. By then it was badly vandalised and missing parts. So the Victorian Society successfully campaigned for Birmingham City Council to restore it. It was moved to Centenary Square in November 2010. A new orb and three bronzes were made to replace the lost originals (these were installed by December 2010). The statue was officially unveiled in 2011. It remained in place as Centenary Square was rebuilt during 2017 to 2019.

Edward VII Centenary SquareStatue of Edward VII in Centenary Square (July 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Boulton, Watt & Murdoch

The statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch was sculpted by William Bloye and unveiled on Broad Street in 1956. Originally bronze, it was gilded in gold in 2006. Represents Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch. It used to be on Broad Street in front of the former Register Office (latterly the House of Sport until it was demolished in 2015), but was storage from August 2017 (due to the building of the Westside Metro extension outside of Arena Central). It returned to Centenary Square outside of Symphony Hall at the end of April 2022.

Boulton, Watt & MurdochBoulton,Watt & Murdoch in Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Forward

There used to be a fibreglass statue in Centenary Sqauare called Forward. This was made by Raymond Mason in 1991. Sadly it was destroyed by arson in April 2003. A maquette survives to this day at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

ForwardForward statue in Centenary Square (July 1991). Photography by Richard Postill

 

Spirit of Enterprise

Tom Lomax created The Spirit of Enterprise in 1991 and made of bronze. It was a fountain in front of the car park site where the Library of Birmingham is today. It went into permenant storage around 2010 (when the library was built), and is still at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

Spirit of Enterprise Centenary SquareSpirit of Enterprise in Centenary Square (April 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Industry and Genius

Outside of Baskerville House is Industry and Genius designed by David Patten, made in 1990. It spells out Virgil back-to-front in the Baskerville typeface. It was moved into storage during 2017 for the renovation works in Centenary Square, and returned in 2019.

Industry and Genius Centenary SquareIndustry and Genius in Centenary Square (November 2009). Photography by Daniel Sturley


A Real Birmingham Family

A Real Birmingham Family statue was installed in Centenary Square in 2014 outside of the Library of Birmingham. Made of bronze by Gillian Wearing. It represents the Jones sisters - Roma and Emma, and their sons Kyan and Shaye. With baby bump. It was moved into storage during the rebuilding of Centenary Square in 2017, and returned in 2019.

Real Birmingham FamilyA Real Birmingham Family in Centenary Square (April 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley



 


Events over the years in Centenary Square

There has been many events that have taken place over the years in Centenary Square, including Ice Skate Birmingham and the International Dance Festival Birmingham. The Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail has had pieces in the square, plus The Big Hoot in 2015. During the period 2017 to 2019 there wasn't any events until the Birmingham 2022 event in the summer of 2019. The Big Sleuth only got as far as Paradise Birmingham or at the canalside of The ICC in 2017.

 

Ice Skate Birmingham

This has taken place in Centenary Square until 2016-17, and then again in 2019-20 (not 2020-21 due to the pandemic) but annually again from 2021-22 onwards, usually the same time as the Christmas Craft Market and Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (although the Paradise Birmingham works meant some years the Christmas Market couldn't take place in Centenary Square especially as the square was being rebuilt). It had the name of Winter Skate Birmingham in 2013 to 2014. Usually included a big ferris wheel, sometimes called the Birmingham Big Wheel, and other rides (changes over the years).

Winter Skate BirminghamWinter Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square (November 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ice Skate Birmingham 2019-20 was the last one to be held before the pandemic broke out.

Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary SquareIce Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square (November 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ice Skate Birmingham 2023-24 was the third ISB held in three years. With the same rides / ice rink as 2022-23.

Ice Skate BirminghamIce Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square (November 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

There has always been nice floral trails in Centenary Square during the summer. The Floral Trail pieces were in the square until 2016 (none during the redevelopment of 2017 to 2019). Some of the features were winners at the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners World Live before going on display around the City Centre.

 

The Plight of the Gorilla won Silver at the Chelsea Flower Show and Gold at Gardeners World Live in 2011. It was in Centenary Square from July to September 2011 outside the Library of Birmingham construction site.

Floral Trail Centenary SquareThe Plight of the Gorilla in Centenary Square (July 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

This was one half of a display called The Best of Birmingham, that won Gold at both Chelsea Flower Show and Gold and Best of Show at Gardeners World Live in 2012. It features a Mini, a silver spoon and the Town Hall. It was in Centenary Square from July to September 2012. The other half of this display was in St Martin's Square (with Selfridges, the Bullring Bull and the City canals).

Floral Trail Centenary SquareThe Best of Birmingham part 1 in Centenary Square (August 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

A trail of painted bears around Birmingham in the summer of 2015 for around 10 weeks before being sold at auction for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. There was 5 big owls around Centenary Square, and several small ones inside of the Library of Birmingham.

Jack by the artist Martin Band. The sponsor was JLT Specialty Limited. It was outside of the Hall of Memory. Resembles the Union Jack flag.

Big Hoot Centenary SquareJack (by artist Martin Band) in Centenary Square (July 2015) . Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Wise Old Owl by the artists Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell. The sponsor was Gateley Plc. Located outside of the Library of Birmingham and was designed to look like it.

Big Hoot Centenary SquareWise Old Owl (by artists Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell) in Centenary Square (July 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

International Dance Festival Birmingham

The IDFB has taken place in Birmingham a few times over the years. It was last held in Centenary Square during May 2016. Other years it's been in Victoria Square.

Big Hoot Centenary SquareInternational Dance Festival Birmingham in Centenary Square (May 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Be Festival

The Be Festival was held in Centenary Square during June 2016. There was street art on the ground by An Wei. With drummers called Bloco Louco, plus a market around the art installation.

Big Hoot Centenary SquareBe Festival in Centenary Square (June 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham 2022 - 3 Years to go!

This event celebrating Birmingham 2022, took place in July 2019 in Centenary Square. Was the first event to be held here since the square re-opened. Celebrating that (at the time) it was 3 years to go to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Big Hoot Centenary SquareBirmingham 2022 - 3 Years to go in Centenary Square (July 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham Festival 23

A cultural event held during July and August 2023, on the one year anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Birmingham Festival 23Birmingham Festival 23 in Centenary Square (July 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

20 Apr 2019 - On-going

Passions

Civic pride, Art; Culture & creativity, Modern Architecture
Squares and public spaces, Classic Architecture

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

Squares and public spaces
28 Feb 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Centenary Square lit up after dark with the Water Jet fountains

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Heading back into town from The BCAG, got these views of Centenary Square around 7pm on Wednesday 26th February 2020. Been wanting to see the Water Jet fountains lit up after it got dark. Was very quiet in Centenary Square. Crossing over Library Tram Stop, as roadworks on Broad Street mean you can't walk down past Symphony Hall. Westside seemed quiet for this time of the evening.

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Centenary Square lit up after dark with the Water Jet fountains





Heading back into town from The BCAG, got these views of Centenary Square around 7pm on Wednesday 26th February 2020. Been wanting to see the Water Jet fountains lit up after it got dark. Was very quiet in Centenary Square. Crossing over Library Tram Stop, as roadworks on Broad Street mean you can't walk down past Symphony Hall. Westside seemed quiet for this time of the evening.


Heading out of Brindleyplace, and back onto Broad Street. I headed to Centenary Square sometime after 7pm, after leaving a Birmingham We Are arts event at The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery. Hoardings on Broad Street, means you have to cross over to the side near Regency Wharf and the Hyatt Regency Birmingham Hotel.

Crossing over Library Tram Stop.

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The water jets in the Reflective Pool were lit up red at this point while the Library of Birmingham was blue.

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The blue lights were making nice reflections here.

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The water jets going up giving off an unique blue tint.

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Between the Library of Birmingham and HSBC UK. Looks quite complete from here.

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View to HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square with the Municipal Bank and 3 Arena Central.

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Tram 23 was heading into Library Tram Stop. Passing the Municipal Bank, future home of a University of Birmingham venue.

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Tram 23 comes to a stop at Library Tram Stop. Making a nice reflection from this side.

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View towards the Symphony Hall foyer and the Hyatt Regency Birmingham.

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Further down as you have the tram on the left and the Library to the right.

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Might as well get Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory again while I passed through.

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Tram 23 passed the Alpha Tower and HSBC UK as I headed towards Centenary Way, Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

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60 passion points
Landscape architecture
05 Jul 2019 - Your Place Your Space
Gallery

Opening of Centenary Square in Birmingham - One of the week's highlights!

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Earlier this week, the new and totally re-developed Centenary Square was opened in a wonderful ceremony on a beautiful summer's day, quite fitting given the stunning design unveiled and great example of modern architecture with community at its heart.  Great work all involved, in particular Graeme Massie Architects.

Take our post for some stunning photography.

Related

Opening of Centenary Square in Birmingham - One of the week's highlights!





Earlier this week, the new and totally re-developed Centenary Square was opened in a wonderful ceremony on a beautiful summer's day, quite fitting given the stunning design unveiled and great example of modern architecture with community at its heart.  Great work all involved, in particular Graeme Massie Architects.

Take our post for some stunning photography.


We would like to thank all the photographers involved - Karl Newton, Daniel Sturley, Kate Fulcher and Positively Birmingham. Thank you all for allowing us to share your great work.

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40 passion points
Construction & regeneration
03 Jun 2019 - Tom Grunt
News & Updates

“Unity, coherence and uniqueness” - that's Birmingham's new Centenary Square!

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Work is nearing completion at Birmingham’s Centenary Square. Take this post by Tom Grunt for a latest update, with a gallery of artists impressions from Graeme Massie.

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“Unity, coherence and uniqueness” - that's Birmingham's new Centenary Square!





Work is nearing completion at Birmingham’s Centenary Square. Take this post by Tom Grunt for a latest update, with a gallery of artists impressions from Graeme Massie.


Introduction and Background

In 2014, Birmingham City Council announced, with the help of RIBA, an international competition to find a new design for the tired and, soke would say, unattractive Centenary Square.

An overwhelming 200 entries from across the world were received, of which 5 were shortlisted. The five designs were presented to the public, and to the jury panel.

Graeme Massie Architects were announced to have won in June 2015.

History

The area has been a major public space since the 1920s, but was hit hard, like many parts of Birmingham by the maniacal destruction (read redevelopment) of the post war years.

The creation of the inner ring road in the sixties cut the square off from the rest of the city centre. This was partially corrected in 1989 when the square was given a new lease of life, with a footbridge linking Paradise Forum being built.

The square has been the subject of several different proposals since 1918. The first of which was refused by the government as being ‘too ambitious for a provincial town’, as it included a formal garden, new cathedral, municipal offices and exhibition halls among others.

This wasn’t the last time the government stepped in when we were apparently ‘too ambitious’.

A more modest proposal was later adopted, and even that had only a fraction of it already built including Baskerville House and Hall of Memory, both listed buildings standing there to this day.

The square was given the name Centenary in 1989 to commemorate 100 years since Birmingham was granted city status.

Brand new paving was created by Tess Jaray made to look like a brick carpet and a new fountain called ‘The Spirit Of Enterprise’ was created by Tom Lomax, both of which have now been removed.

Ironically, it wasn’t until the completion of the new Library of Birmingham in 2013 when the ‘brick carpet’ by Tess Jaray could be properly appreciated from the Library’s terrace.

2019 - The New Design

Hall of Columns

The design of the square is unlike any other. The most distinctive and radical feature is the ‘Hall of Columns’, which is a grid of 43 slender columns, each 25 metres tall and poke above the Library terrace level.

Thanks to the columns the square has a three-dimensional feel, to sit within a defined area with a light granite surface and have point lights at the very tip, creating a fantastic ‘constellation of lights’ at night.

They extend to the other side of Broad Street, with one row being located on the pavement right outside HSBC and Municipal Bank, while another row is right in the middle of soon-to-be Broad Street tram corridor.

“Unity, coherence and uniqueness”

This gives the whole area a sense of unity, coherence and uniqueness, a sense of it being one great civic space for everyone to enjoy, and one that sets Birmingham apart from every other city in Britain.

Water Features and Greenery

Next to the Symphony Hall and opposite The Rep theatre, there is a large reflection pool, with three rows of water jets for children, animals and adults alike to play with in the summer.

The pool can be drained when large scale events take place on the square.  With a number of places to sit, formally or informally,  and benches acting as a security barrier, the area will become a destination in itself.

What I really love about the new square is the trees. There are lot of them!

They are arranged in groves, and these form a series of pocket parks across the square, with benches placed in or around them. Each grove is formed of a single species, bringing a unique atmosphere and colour to its part of the square.

These species include Birch, Maple, Gingko and Flowering Cherry, Plane.

The birches form a screen along the western side of the square, acting as a visual and acoustic barrier to Paradise Circus Queensway. 21 of these extend all the way towards Baskerville House.

Below, tall grasses and herbaceous perennials will be planted, creating a sort of an urban meadow, which will be illuminated at night.

A grove of fourteen Maple trees are being planted adjacent to Broad Street and the Hall of Memory. These will turn bright red in Autumn, fantastically contrasting with the twelve yellow coloured leaves of Ginkgo trees located outside The Rep Theatre, together giving the square a beautifully autumnal feel.

Perennial plants such as ferns and seasonal flowering plants will be planted beneath the maples as well as the Ginkgo trees. The Ginkgo grove will have a long continuous bench all around it and clearings inside with informal benches.

Outside of Symphony Hall will be a cherry orchard, a group of twelve mature Yoshino trees arranged within a formal grid, with a beautiful white blossom in early Spring, and green to yellow in Autumn, brilliantly contrasting with the red Maples and yellow Gingko trees.

The canopies of these Cherries will be lit during the night and three granite benches are placed beneath them.

Public Art

All the public artwork taken away and put into storage before the revamp of the square began, are set to return to the square, although some will be located elsewhere.

The ‘Golden Boys’ statue of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, will be placed against the backdrop of the Cherry Orchard, near Symphony Hall.

The statue of King Edward VII will remain in its place, while the ‘Industry and Genius’ sculpture is going to be moved closer to the Baskerville House and made symmetrical to its entrance.

A ‘Real Birmingham Family’ statue will be relocated next to the Ginkgo trees grove.

CONCLUSION 

The number of alterations to the square, and its vicinity over the years have fragmented the square, making it tired, unattractive and illegible.

This development is a vital cog in the ongoing regeneration and resurrection of Birmingham as a major international centre of culture, which fits with the Big City Plan.

The square will become the centrepiece of the Westside district of the city centre and become a public space of international significance, capable of hosting large events.

But not only that, people will come to the square and be attracted with the cultural offerings within the area. It’ll become a place to meet, socialise and stay, rather than merely pass through.

Tomas Grunt

 

All the following artist impressions are courtesy of Graeme Massie Architects

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Graeme Massie Architects

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Graeme Massie Architects

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Graeme Massie Architects

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Graeme Massie Architects

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Graeme Massie Architects

 

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100 passion points
History & heritage
23 Apr 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Objects that used to be at Centenary Square

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Here we will look at some sculptures that used to be in Centenary Square, and also a strucuture that was removed before it opened in 1991! The Colonnade was moved to the Peace Garden in 1990. The Flame of Hope and the Spirit of Enterprise fountain were removed in 2009 before the Library of Birmingham was built. The Forward sculpture burnt in an arson attack during 2003.

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Objects that used to be at Centenary Square





Here we will look at some sculptures that used to be in Centenary Square, and also a strucuture that was removed before it opened in 1991! The Colonnade was moved to the Peace Garden in 1990. The Flame of Hope and the Spirit of Enterprise fountain were removed in 2009 before the Library of Birmingham was built. The Forward sculpture burnt in an arson attack during 2003.


The Colonnade at the Peace Garden

Seen at the Peace Garden in 2009, it is now near Ridley Street and Washington Street. Originally built near Broad Street in 1925, it was a Doric Loggia designed by S.N. Cooke and W.N. Twist. It was originally part of the Hall of Memory scheme. It was moved stone by stone to the site of the ruined St Thomas's Church in 1990. The Peace Garden opened in 1992. Work to layout the original Centenary Square started in 1989 and was completed by 1991.

dndimg alt="Colonnade at the Peace Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace Garden Colonnade 2009 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside the Colonnade a plaques with messages from peace from different communities and faiths from around the world.

dndimg alt="Colonnade at the Peace Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace Garden Colonnade 2009 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The leaders of the G8 came here during 1998, and a plaque commemorating them planting 8 trees to represent each of the 8 nations. The Birmingham Summit was held between the 15th to 17th May 1998.

dndimg alt="Colonnade at the Peace Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace Garden Colonnade 2009 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Peace Garden is somewhere to sit for a bit of peace and relaxation, to get away from the stresses of life. Is also flowers planted around.

dndimg alt="Colonnade at the Peace Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace Garden Colonnade 2009 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This plaque on the ground recalls when it was built in Broad Street in 1925, and moved here in 1990.

dndimg alt="Colonnade at the Peace Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace Garden Colonnade 2009 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Forward statue

This maquette of Raymond Mason's lost Forward statue was seen during a September 2018 open day at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre. The original statue was installed around 1991, but was destroyed by a arson attack in 2003 (it's remains were removed).

dndimg alt="Forward maquette" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forward maquette BMCC (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The maquette is probably the only survival of the statue also known as the Lurpac statue. The full sized statue was made of fibreglass. I don't really recall seeing it myself.

dndimg alt="Forward maquette" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forward maquette BMCC (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Centenary Square in April 2009, with the Symphony Hall, The ICC and The REP. At this point the raised area of the square was still there, where once the Forward statue stood. But by 2010 the area in the middle was hoarded off for the construction of the Library of Birmingham. And when that opened, the paving was flattened, with grass around the new library amphitheatre (that grass is now gone with the new 2019 Centenary Square, still to be finished).

dndimg alt="Centenary Square April 2009" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary Square April 2009.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Flame of Hope

Around the start of the new Millennium in 2000, Cliff Richard turned on the Flame of Hope. It was lit for about 2 years before it was turned off. It was still there in April 2009, before the Library of Birmingham was built. I would assume it went to storage where it probably remains today.

dndimg alt="Flame of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flame of Hope site of Library of Birmingham 2013 (April 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Spirit of Enterprise Fountain

This was by the artist Tom Lomax, made in 1991. Seen here in April 2009. I went all the way around having a look at the Spirit of Enterprise fountain. What a sight to see!

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise Centenary Square 2009 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was three different sides with water coming out of the mouths. This side towards Symphony Hall. There used to be benches around this area too!

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise Centenary Square 2009 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The fountain was removed to storage later in 2009, before construction started on the new Library of Birmingham, which opened in 2013. It remains in storage to this day!

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise Centenary Square 2009 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The first time I saw it again, was during a May 2012 free open day at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre and this was the condition that it was in!

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise at BMCC 2012 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The only water in it now was rain water! Looking a bit unloved left outside near the shipping containers and old statue plinths with graffiti nearby.

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise at BMCC 2012 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Doesn't seem likely that it will be returning to Centenary Square any time soon. While Industry & Genius and A Real Birmingham Family recently returned, it's doesn't look like this fountain will be coming back! Even the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue should be coming back soon!

dndimg alt="Spirit of Enterprise" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spirit of Enterprise at BMCC 2012 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lighting grille

Seen in February 2018 was one of the lighting grilles installed in 1991. This one was outside of The REP. It was on of the items designed by Tess Jaray, with the City Architects Design Team and Tom Lomax. Similar items such as benches and railings have all now been removed. This Centenary Square lasted just over 25 years before the City Council decided to change it all over again!

dndimg alt="Lighting grille outside the REP" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary Square REP lighting column 2018.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

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Construction & regeneration
20 Apr 2019 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The Centenary Square we never got in the 1940s

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Long before the 1991 Centenary Square, or the 2019 version coming to completion now, the City Council previously had plans for another Civic Square! During World War 2, William Haywood made a model of a proposed Civic Centre that was never to be. Only Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory were built, but the War intervened! The model is now at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

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The Centenary Square we never got in the 1940s





Long before the 1991 Centenary Square, or the 2019 version coming to completion now, the City Council previously had plans for another Civic Square! During World War 2, William Haywood made a model of a proposed Civic Centre that was never to be. Only Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory were built, but the War intervened! The model is now at the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.


During my first visit to the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre on Dollman Street in Nechells, Birmingham, in May 2012, I saw this model of the Proposed Civic Centre in what I called the garage area of the collection (full of vintage cars, fire engines etc). Official website here Birmingham Museum Collection Centre. I've been on two free open days so far, mostly the same collection, from what I saw on both visits.

This is what Centenary Square could have looked like, had the design of this model have been built after the end of the War, but it was eventually shelved due to cost and other reasons.

It was made by William Haywood, at the Baker Studios in Erdington in 1941 (while World War 2 was on). The scale is 1" to 12ft. He was a special lecturer in town planning at the University of Birmingham, and it took him 12 months to complete. The model represents a variety of public buildings including a Planetarium, Natural History Museum, and City Hall, as well as extensive gardens and car parks.

According to Pevsner Architectural Guides Birmingham, William Haywood was involved in schemes for the site since at least 1918!

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the left on what is now the site of Symphony Hall and The ICC (completed 1991), it was proposed to have the West Wing of a City Hall, but only Baskerville House on the East Wing was completed in 1938. The circular building in front of it would have been the Planetarium. We only ended up getting one of those in Millennium Point in Eastside by 2001, within Thinktank. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (aka The REP) was built in 1971, on the left hand side of this model, probably where those formal laid gardens could have been.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the centre would have been a 'Municipal Tower'. It would have had a nude male statue representing the Spirit of Birmingham. The Council approved the scheme in 1944 (for the City Council offices), and William Bloye made a maquette of the statue in 1948. But the project was abandoned in 1949 for being too expensive.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Formal gardens were proposed for the site that is now the Library of Birmingham, while the wings of the Council offices behind (that never got built), later became City Centre Gardens, and the Civic Centre Estate with the 1960s tower blocks of Cambridge Tower, Crescent Tower, Norton Tower and Galton Tower. Crescent Wharf blocks north of Cambridge Street. They were by the City Architect, Alan Maudsley in 1968. Baskerville House was the only part of this scheme to be built, along with the Hall of Memory. Before the Library of Birmingham was built between 2010 to 2013, the site was used as a car park.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Everything to the left of the Hall of Memory and Baskerville House was never built, due to the War, or for being too expensive. There was another proposal in 1958 by A.G. Sheppard Fidler, with a less formal layout, with water features with municpal office podium on the north side, but that too didn't get built.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the Planetarium and the west wing of the City Council offices. It would have looked identical to Baskerville House. There was a Colonnade in the square for many years, which later got moved to the Peace Garden, and there used to be a fountain in the middle too (before my time).

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of the west side of the unbuilt City Council Offices. Had it been built, somewhere in this building could have been a Natural History Museum, War Museum and an Opera House. This is the site of The ICC and Symphony Hall. Until 1984, it was the site of Bingley Hall, a bit like an exhibition hall, but it burnt down in a fire.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the model at the Museum Collection Centre. The classical look may have been favoured in Victorian times, and in the Inter War period, but after the War architectural styles changed, and by the 1960s and '70s we got brutalist concrete buildings like Birmingham Central Library (1974-2013, demolished 2016). And now we have a mix of classical and modern buildings. The Municipal Bank was built on Broad Street in 1933, and that is now being converted for use by the Library of Birmingham. While HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square, stands on the site of Central TV / ATV, which was formerly a Masonic Hall in classical style (also now demolished).

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model of proposed Civic Centre 1941 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In 2015, for a time the model was on display at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, a long with drawings on the walls of proposed Birmingham buildings, and those that got built. It was about Birmingham's past redevelopments. This was the last time I saw the model in the museum, but I think I may have seen it in there once before. So the last time I saw it again was at the Museum Collection Centre in 2018.

dndimg alt="Civic Centre model at BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Civic Centre model BMAG.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

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