Paradise Circus plans go on display

PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of Birmingham’s Paradise Circus are to go on public display.

An exhibition outling plans for the future of the city centre site – home of the Central Library – will take place in the Paradise Forum mall between 12-7pm on Tuesday and between 7.30am-2pm on Wednesday.

Developer Argent is working with Birmingham City Council and wants to gauge public reaction to what is a controversial scheme following the decision to axe the library in favour of a new £600m development on a site between Baskerville House and the Repetory Theatre.

The existing library and adjoining forum has been the subject of continual criticism in recent years. Its unloved design slammed as an ugly facade blocking views of the more traditional architecture of the Town Hall, Museum and Art Gallery and Council House.

The two-day exhibition examines the potential of the eight acre site and seeks to identify the key issues associated with the redevelopment.

In addition to the library the site, which lies between Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, also includes existing buildings such as the Copthorne Hotel, Conservatoire and Paradise Forum itself.

Argent and the council are working with award-winning architect Glenn Howells and transport planners, Peter Brett Associates, on a masterplan for the site.

Gary Taylor, managing director for Argent, said: “Paradise Circus is the most strategically important piece of land in need of regeneration within Birmingham’s central core. 

“There is no other eight acre site in the UK which demonstrates so glaringly the urban design conflicts created in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.”

The images on display show how changes to the area could be approached.  With the new Library of Birmingham already under construction, the intention is for a comprehensive redevelopment involving the removal of the current library and creation of an attractive pedestrian route to the new library in Centenary Square.

Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added:  “Whilst representing challenges it is also an amazing opportunity for the City Council and Argent to continue the process of transformational change for Birmingham.

“Our joint venture is the next significant step in creating a Birmingham that seeks to play a major role as an international destination in the future.”

“At present the quality of movement through Paradise Circus is not easy and successfully improving this through the redevelopment of the area would be a major step in addressing the connectivity issues already identified in the Big City Plan and ensuring Birmingham has both a civic and cultural heart,” he added.

Further public consultation is likely within the next 18 months before an outline planning application is submitted in the summer of 2011.