Birmingham’s Centenary Square revealed following £16m revamp

Centenary Square is the city’s largest public square and is a pivotal space connecting Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square – which is currently being developed as part of the £700m Paradise Birmingham project – Symphony Hall, the ICC and Brindley Place.

The project to refurbish the square was launched with an international competition in October 2014, after the new Library of Birmingham had opened, to help regenerate the square and the Westside area of the city.

Since then HSBC has opened its new headquarters overlooking the square, the Midland Metro extension has begun to be installed along Broad Street and The Rep and Symphony Hall have both announced redevelopment plans to their facades, which open out onto the space.

The refurbishment had an initial budget of £10m and was scheduled to open last summer but through delays the final cost came in at £16m, with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership providing of £10.5m. Additional funds were secured through Section 106 planning infrastructure levy, £1.2m and city council funding £3.8m.

Designed by Edinburgh-based firm Graeme Massie Architects, the square includes a mix of trees and plants alongside a new reflection pool and integrated seating.

Coun Brigid Jones, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council said: “This is the next important stage in the re-imagining of Centenary Square: it is no longer just a space to pass through – it is now a world-class public space where people can stop, relax and socialise and take in the incredible things around them.”

The square will be a key event space and gathering place for the people of Birmingham and visitors to the city.