Floozie gets a facelift after criticisms
A BIRMINGHAM landmark water feature will be restored to its former glory next month after criticisms that its poor condition was letting down the city and creating a poor impression amongst visitors.
Work on the Floozie in the Jacuzzi – more formally The River Goddess Fountain by Dhruva Mistry – in Victoria Square should be completed by the end of October.
The poor condition of the fountain was highlighted earlier this year by regional lobby group Business Voice West Midlands.
BVWM’s Gary Saunders, who represents the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce and is business development manager of Erdington-based Churchill Office Solutions, spearheaded the campaign due to get the work carried out.
He said: “Victoria Square is a key feature of Birmingham to tourists and inward investors but the city does not show itself to its full advantage when the fountain is often not operating.
“This gives an odd impression that the city is not fully functioning as well as it should, when a key architectural feature that has been developed, in part, to impress visitors and highlight civic pride, is out of order.
“It is small touches such as this that can have a disproportionate impact on people visiting Birmingham for the first time.”
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The lobby organisation wrote to Sharon Lea, strategic director of environment and culture at the city council, urging that something be done.
The council responded and pledged action.
Welcoming the move, Mr Saunders said: “We are very pleased that at last it appears real progress is being made. The Floozie is a highlight for visitors and locals alike, yet more recently has been an embarrassment.
“We understand that in this difficult economic environment all spending decisions have to be closely scrutinised, but this will be money well spent.
“I am glad that BVWM’s campaign has had an effect, and applaud the council for its decision.”
