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

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20 Apr 2019 - On-going

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

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Art; Culture & creativity
31 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown 		Gallery

Lion dance for the Lunar New Year outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square

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On Thursday 26th January 2023, the lion dance from the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham (James Wong) started their Westside Tour at 2pm outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. Elliott caught them going past The REP to The ICC. While Daniel spotted them outside Caffe Nero in Brindleyplace.

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Lion dance for the Lunar New Year outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square





On Thursday 26th January 2023, the lion dance from the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham (James Wong) started their Westside Tour at 2pm outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. Elliott caught them going past The REP to The ICC. While Daniel spotted them outside Caffe Nero in Brindleyplace.


The Lunar New Year lion dance tour in late January 2023, continued at Westside, on Thursday afternoon, on the 26th, after 2pm.

After setting up outside of the Library of Birmingham, they went past The REP, towards The ICC.

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dndimg alt="Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CLD%20LoB%20Cent%20Sq%2026012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
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07 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown 		Gallery

Wondrous Stories for the Birmingham 2022 Festival in Centenary Square

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Rehearsals were taking place on Saturday afternoon, around 4pm on the 5th March 2022. For the Birmingham 2022 Festival. An event called Wondrous Stories will take place on the evenings between 17th and 20th March 2022 in Centenary Square. Saw four people abseiling in different directions. They have taken over the Reflective Pool.

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Wondrous Stories for the Birmingham 2022 Festival in Centenary Square





Rehearsals were taking place on Saturday afternoon, around 4pm on the 5th March 2022. For the Birmingham 2022 Festival. An event called Wondrous Stories will take place on the evenings between 17th and 20th March 2022 in Centenary Square. Saw four people abseiling in different directions. They have taken over the Reflective Pool.


Wondrous Stories is part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, in the months leading up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Free and unticketed event is scheduled to take place on the evenings of: 17th March 2022 at 7pm. Then from the 18th to 20th March 2022 at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

A spectacular open air show featuring Motionhouse's professionally trained dance-circus company, alongside a mass cast of hundreds from Critical Mass, Freewheelin Dance Company, Motionhouse Youth, Sampad and DanceXchange.  Led by Artistic Director Kevin Finnan MBE. 

The show features additional choreography by Jamaal Burkmar (Extended Play, Phoenix Dance) and Sonia Sabri (Sonia Sabri Dance Company), live spoken word performance from Coventry and Birmingham-based artists Raza Hussain and Sebbie Mudhai, and digital projections by Logela Multimedia. Birmingham’s Choir With No Name sing to an uplifting soundtrack by Sophy Smith and Tim Dickinson, and designer Sophie Donaldson leads Birmingham City University students in costume creation, making this a magical collaboration of talent.

Produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces.

 

Rehearsals were taking place on stages installed on the Reflective Pool in Centenary Square on Saturday afteroon, around 4pm, 5th March 2022.

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Views below taken from the Discovery Terrace, Level 3 at the Library of Birmingham.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown. Some words above taken from Motionhouse.

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50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
23 May 2021 - Elliott Brown 		Gallery

Centenary Square - places to visit mapped for you

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Here we have mapped a selection of places that we would recommend you visit in Centenary Square.

This includes: 

The Library of Birmingham, The Hall of Memory, Symphony Hall, The Birmingham Rep, and many other places of interest.

 

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Centenary Square - places to visit mapped for you





Here we have mapped a selection of places that we would recommend you visit in Centenary Square.

This includes: 

The Library of Birmingham, The Hall of Memory, Symphony Hall, The Birmingham Rep, and many other places of interest.

 


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

Here we have mapped some of the highlights in Centenary Square.  Enjoy with our complements our map of this amazing public space.

Centenary Square 

Centenary Square was named in 1989 to commemorate the centenary of Birmingham achieving City Status.  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. 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. The old London Plain trees were cut down in 2017, but new trees were planted by 2019.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LoB CS 03042021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Centenary Square (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

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.

dndimg alt="Hall of Memory Centenary Square" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_8149b_CTSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

For more on the Hall of Memory, CONNECT HERE.

 

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.

dndimg alt="Baskerville House" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/Library of Birmingham and Baskerville House (April 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Baskerville House from Centenary Way (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

For more on Baskerville House, CONNECT HERE.

 

The 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.

dndimg alt="Library of Birmingham" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_7107b_LBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square (September 2019). Photography by Daniel Sturley

For more on the Library of Birmingham, CONNECT HERE.

 

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 Sir Barry Jackson at what is now called The Old REP on Station Street in 1913. There is a pair of blue plaques here from the Birmingham Civic Society, including the founder Sir Barry Jackson, and J. Sampson Gamgee, a surgeon, who lived on the site that The REP is now standing. His name was later used by J. R. R. Tolkien for the character of Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In 2021, the REP is celebrating their 50th Anniversary at this site.

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The REP in Centenary Square (September 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

For more on THE REP, CONNECT HERE. (note it is not yet on Birmingham Gems - need edting rights please Jonathan)

 

The ICC and The Symphony Hall 

These buildings opened in 1991, built from 1986 to 1991. Opened by the Queen in June 1991. Host venue of the G8 in 1998. The foyer of Symphony Hall was rebuilt during 2020. It is due to reopen in 2021. An empty plinth has been reserved outside for the statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch, which has been in storage since 2017.

dndimg alt="The ICC and Symphony Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Symphony Hall 03042021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />The ICC and Symphony Hall (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

For more on The ICC, CONNECT HERE.

For Symphony Hall, CONNECT HERE.

 

One Centenary Square

Built as the home of HSBC UK. It was originally going to be called Two Arena Central. Built between 2017 and 2018. There is a pair of bronze lions outside the main entrance. Built on the former site of Central TV (and ATV before that). It was a former Masonic Building.

dndimg alt="HSBC UK One Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Return Cent Sq 14072020.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />HSBC UK, One Centenary Square (July 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

For One Centenary Square, CONNECT HERE.

 

The Exchange (formerly Birmingham Municipal Bank)

The Birmingham Municipal Bank originally opened in 1933. A year before in 1932, Neville Chamberlain, at the time Chancellor of the Exchequer, laid the foundation stone of the building. It was his idea to have a municipal bank. In the decades that followed, it later became a part of the TSB, and was a Lloyds TSB when it closed for good in 2006. However in 2017, the University of Birmingham took it over, and it was being renovated during 2020 into 2021. It was formerly addressed as 301 Broad Street, but it is now addresed as Three Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="The Exchange BMB" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TE 3CS BMB 03402021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />The Exchange (former Birmingham Municipal Bank) (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

For The Exchange (former Birmingham Municipal Bank), CONNECT HERE.

 

Library Tram Stop

In 2017, the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue was moved into storage near Arena Central, and this end of Broad Street was built as the Westside Metro extension to Centenary Square from 2017 to 2019. Library Tram Stop opened to the public as the temporary terminus of the line during December 2019. The line is currently being extended down Broad Street, and should be open as far as 54 Hagley Road in Edgbaston by the end of 2021. The West Midlands Metro Urbos 3 trams are powered by battery packs from Stephenson Street (Grand Central Tram Stop) to Centenary Square (Library Tram Stop).

dndimg alt="Library Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 31 Library Tram Stop (Aug 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Metro tram 31 at Library Tram Stop (August 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

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50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
17 Feb 2021 - Elliott Brown 		Inspiration

The Floral Trail and The Big Hoot in Centenary Square

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Taking Centenary Square back in time. The Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in the square in the summers from 2010 and 2016 (most of which won gold at Chelsea). Also the owls of The Big Hoot over the summer of 2015. The Big Sleuth didn't have any bears in the square during the summer of 2017 due to the renovation works in the square (which didn't finish until 2019).

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The Floral Trail and The Big Hoot in Centenary Square





Taking Centenary Square back in time. The Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in the square in the summers from 2010 and 2016 (most of which won gold at Chelsea). Also the owls of The Big Hoot over the summer of 2015. The Big Sleuth didn't have any bears in the square during the summer of 2017 due to the renovation works in the square (which didn't finish until 2019).


Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

Birmingham Parks & Nurseries (aka Cofton Nursery) have over the years been making floral trail pieces to go on display in the City Centre every summer. But first they take the main display to the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners World Live, where they usually win the Gold prize. These are the floral trail features spotted over the years in Centenary Square.

Living Wall, Summer 2010

In the summer of 2010 there was the Living Wall on the hoardings of the Library of Birmingham construction site. Around July 2010, the wall was half complete at the time.

dndimg alt="Floral Trail Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Living Wall Cent Sq (Jul 2010).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another look at the Living Wall in August 2010, towards the Hyatt Hotel. You can see the former Municipal Bank on the left.

dndimg alt="Floral Trail Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Living Wall Cent Sq (Aug 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Living Wall remained in place for the rest of summer 2010, before it was moved to a more permanent location (there is now permanent living walls at Aston University, Birmingham New Street Station and Birmingham Snow Hill Station, but not sure where it went).

dndimg alt="Floral Trail Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Living Wall Cent Sq (Aug 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Plight of the Gorilla, Summer 2011

Seen outside of the Library of Birmingham construction site hoardings was The Plight of the Gorilla. Seen during July 2011. It won Silver at the Chelsea Flower Show and Gold at Gardeners World Live in 2011.

dndimg alt="Gorilla Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gorilla Plight Cent Sq (Jul 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the top was a sculpture of a gorilla.

dndimg alt="Gorilla Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gorilla Plight Cent Sq (Jul 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Below the gorilla was a waterfall over a rock garden.

dndimg alt="Gorilla Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gorilla Plight Cent Sq (Jul 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The water was flowing down the waterfall below the gorilla.

dndimg alt="Gorilla Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gorilla Plight Cent Sq (Jul 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was very impressive to see, the flowers and plants around it looked nice as well.

dndimg alt="Gorilla Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gorilla Plight Cent Sq (Jul 2011) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Best of Birmingham, Summer 2012

After winning Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, and Gold and Best of Show at Gardeners World Live in 2012, this floral feature from Birmingham City Council called The Best of Birmingham, was split in two. One half in Centenary Square featured a Mini, a Silver Spoon and Birmingham Town Hall. The other half was in St Martin's Square at the Bullring and included the Bullring Bull, Selfridges and the Birmingham canals with a narrowboat. Seen here during August 2012 next to the Library of Birmingham (about a year before it opened to the public).

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Best of Bham 1 Cent Sq (Aug 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of the Mini, covered all over with a floral skin. It was later displayed at Longbridge Island over August 2013, for Birmingham's entry into the Entente Florale Europe 2013.

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Best of Bham 1 Cent Sq (Aug 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The silver spoon acted as a fountain, and probably represented the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Best of Bham 1 Cent Sq (Aug 2012) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Plenty of colourful flowers around this section. You can see why Birmingham win's Gold every year at Chelsea!

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Best of Bham 1 Cent Sq (Aug 2012) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Enlightenment, Summer 2013

As the Library of Birmingham got ready to open in September 2013, around August 2013, you could see pieces from a floral trail feature called Enlightenment. Which included models of The Two Towers (Perrott's Folly and the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower) plus a deckchair. As well as being part of Summer 2013's City Centre Floral Trail, it was also part of Birmingham's entry into the Entente Florale Europe 2013.

Here you could see the metal sculpture of the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, as it looks like a man walking past Baskerville House was dressed as Spider-Man!

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of the model of the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower towards The Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was lots of summery flowers around in the landscaped garden in front of the new library.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also the model of Perrott's Folly towards The Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the Two Towers in the garden outside of the new Library. These days you can find the models at Sarehole Mill. But in the late summer of 2013 you could see them with the Hyatt Hotel and Symphony Hall.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Boulton, Watt & Murdoch could be seen with the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower. All this seen over fences, as the Library and the landscaped grounds wouldn't open until early September 2013.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of Perrott's Folly towards The ICC, The REP and the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Towers Cent Sq (Jul 2013) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The deckchair was covered in the same floral material as the Mini was the year before.

dndimg alt="Enlightenment Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Deckchair Cent Sq (Jul 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

City of Birmingham Ambulance Train, Summer 2014

August 2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of the start of the First World War, so Cofton Nursery that summer had a trailer of features around the City Centre commemorating Britain's entry into that war. Outside of the Library of Birmingham seen in July 2014 was this floral feature of a train. From the view below you can see the link from The REP to the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="City of Birmingham train Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CoBA train Cent Sq (Jul 2014) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of the train towards the Library of Birmingham and Baskerville House.

dndimg alt="City of Birmingham train Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CoBA train Cent Sq (Jul 2014) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Behind the train was the landscaped garden in front of the Library. It lasted from 2013 to 2017 before being removed. The Hall of Memory to the left. The floral train was later placed outside Birmingham Snow Hill Station in the summer of 2015 (the public square near Colmore Row).

dndimg alt="City of Birmingham train Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CoBA train Cent Sq (Jul 2014) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Skull and a Book, Summer 2016

The last floral trail piece to be in Centenary Square was this outside of the Library of Birmingham. Resembled a skull with an open book in front of it. The grass behind hadn't faired to well between 2013 and 2017, and would be removed in the 2017 renovation works of the square.

dndimg alt="Skull Book Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Skull book Cent Sq (Jul 2016) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This would be the last floral trail piece to be in the square before the square was revamped from 2017 to 2019. At least in a summer.

dndimg alt="Skull Book Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Skull book Cent Sq (Jul 2016) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Mo Bot, Winter 2018

This is a bonus one. When the World Indoor Athletics Championships came to Arena Birmingham in March 2018, Cofton Nursery got their wicker sculptures out (no flowers). Was strange seeing them in the winter with snow on them. The Mo Bot, based on Mo Farah, was seen in Centenary Square (closed to the Edward VII statue), while the square was in it's second year of renovation works. This February 2018 view as it was snowing.

dndimg alt="Mo Bot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mo Bot Cent Sq (Feb 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

By March 2018, after the WIAC had ended, I saw workers removing The Mo Bot and putting it on the back of a lorry. They had two small lorries. One to take the soil away, the other to remove the wicker sculpture.

dndimg alt="Mo Bot removal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mo Bot Cent Sq (Mar 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The zoom ins from the Library of Birmingham. Already on the back of this lorry was the Usian Bolt wicker sculpture, originally made in 2012, for their London 2012 floral trail. It had been taken down from Victoria Square (was in front of the Town Hall at the time).

dndimg alt="Mo Bot removal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mo Bot Cent Sq (Mar 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Two Council workmen digging up the soil, while another prepares the Mo Farah sculpture for removal.

dndimg alt="Mo Bot removal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mo Bot Cent Sq (Mar 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Just a pair of red shorts, the purple t-shirt had already gone.

dndimg alt="Mo Bot removal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mo Bot Cent Sq (Mar 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

Now onto The Big Hoot. In Centenary Square there was about 5 Big Hoot painted owls from July 2015, for around 10 weeks. Before they were auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.

Jack

Located outside of the Hall of Memory was Jack. It was by the artist Martin Band. And was sponsored by JLT Specialty Limited. Seen during July 2015.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Jack was designed by the Union Jack (the British National flag).

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

He had the Union Jack on the back as well.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wise Old Owl

This Wise Old Owl was designed by the artists Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell. The sponsor was Gateley Plc. They designed it to look like the Library of Birmingham (which you can see behind). Seen during July 2015.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It closely matches the golds and blues of the Library, plus the silvers and blacks of the circles.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

TropicOwl

The owl named TropicOwl was painted by the artist Jenny Leonard. The sponsor was Twycross Zoo. Resembles a jungle with chimpanzees. Seen during July 2015 outside of the Library of Birmingham.

 

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the back was more features of a jungle, plus giraffes in a desert. This view to Baskerville House.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Owlbert

The owl called Owlbert was painted by the artist Meghan Allbright. The sponsor was University College Birmingham. Seen outside the Library of Birmingham during July 2015.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view towards Symphony Hall, The ICC and The REP. It was a rainy day that I saw these owls.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Jul 2015) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Welcome to Birmingham

Outside of Symphony Hall in Centenary Square was an owl called Welcome to Birmingham. Painted by the artist Laura Hallett. The sponsor was Pertemps Network. Seen during August 2015, with a reflection of the Library of Birmingham and The REP.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Aug 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The design featured, Selfridges, the Library of Birmingham, the canals and more.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Cent Sq (Aug 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bonus content on Centenary Way

Back in Febrauary 2013 there was a trail for one week called The Big Egg Hunt. These same eggs went from City to City. Two eggs were on Centenary Way at the time.

The first egg resembled the Rocket Ship from Wallace & Gromit's A Grand Day Out. Seen towards the Hall of Memory.

dndimg alt="Big Egg Hunt Centenary Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Egg Hunt Cent Sq (Feb 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The charity at the time was Action for Children. The next egg was behind, on the way to the Hall of Memory.

dndimg alt="Big Egg Hunt Centenary Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Egg Hunt Cent Sq (Feb 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The second egg on Centenary Way was of Ben 10 Omniverse, close to Chamberlain House (demolished in 2018).

dndimg alt="Big Egg Hunt Centenary Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Egg Hunt Cent Sq (Feb 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Big Sleuth did not come to Centenary Square, for obvious reasons in 2017, as that's when they began revamping the square, but there was one bear on Centenary Way near Paradise Birmingham.

 

Memoirs of Paradise

This Big Sleuth bear was on Centenary Way, close to the One Chamberlain Square construction site of Paradise Birmingham. Memoirs of Paradise was painted by the artist Gayani Ariyarante. The sponsor was Paradise. Seen during July 2017. Shows what a real paradise looks like! By August 2017, someone had knocked this one over, and they had to remove and repair it, before putting it back in it's place.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth Centenary Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Paradise bear Cent Way (Jul 2017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There was more to be found in the Library of Birmingham, 4 little owls in 2015 and 4 little bears in 2017. There was a Big Hoot owl inside of The ICC mall, and another outside at the canalside (in 2015). Plus a Big Sleuth bear at canalside (in 2017).

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Art; Culture & creativity
26 Jan 2021 - Daniel Sturley 		Gallery

Weekend snow in Birmingham enjoyed by our creatives

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The snow overnight on Saturday the 24th January gave a great opportunity for some families and other socially 'bubbled' people to come out for a while and create some great snow sculptures in Centenary Square, as well as all over the city we reckon. Daniel was out to grab some photos later in the day to record some for posterity and inspiration.

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Weekend snow in Birmingham enjoyed by our creatives





The snow overnight on Saturday the 24th January gave a great opportunity for some families and other socially 'bubbled' people to come out for a while and create some great snow sculptures in Centenary Square, as well as all over the city we reckon. Daniel was out to grab some photos later in the day to record some for posterity and inspiration.


Creativity in Centenary Square

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Creativity by the canals at Old Turn Junction

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Creativity at Victoria Square

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Creativity in Central Square, Brindleyplace

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