Architects are being offered the chance to redesign Birmingham’s Centenary Square in a new competition launched by the city council.
With the transformation of surrounding buildings underway with the new Library of Birmingham finished and work on Paradise Circus, Arena Central and the Metro extension due to start - the council believes it is now the time to look at the square itself.
A competion for the public space is now being launched through the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Landscape Institute on behalf of the city council.
READ MORE: {}
The competition is open to registered architects, landscape architects, urban designers and students of these disciplines worldwide.
And with Enterprise Zone funding available, as well as public realm spin off cash from the various developments there is likely to be funding on the table to turn any designs into a reality.
Stage one of the competition will require digital submissions only, with five concept designs then being shortlisted for further development at the second stage. Each shortlisted designer will receive a £5,000 honorarium and be invited to present their designs to the judging panel in March 2015.
Council deputy leader Ian Ward said: “Centenary Square is one of Birmingham’s most important public spaces and home to some of the city’s landmark buildings, including the Library of Birmingham and the International Convention Centre.
“This exciting international competition provides designers and Birmingham City Council with a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape what we hope will become a space accessible to both residents and visitors, promoting the square as a place for people to relax and socialise on a more informal basis in addition to the organised events already held there.
Most Read
“I am looking forward to seeing some truly innovative ideas put forward by designers from around the world.”
Chris Webster, Enterprise Zone champion for Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) added: “The planned improvements to Centenary Square aim to deliver the maximum impact for this part of the city centre, adding to the existing cultural offering in the vicinity of the square.
“GBSLEP look forward to the results of this competition, our ambitions for Centenary Square are to create an attractive environment that compliments the LEP’s goals to improve the quality of life for the regions citizens who live and work in the city; to complement other city centre improvements and provide an inspirational place to attract inward investment and tourism.”
Named in 1989 to mark the centenary of Birmingham achieving city status in 1889, Centenary Square is home to a number of key buildings, including the Library of Birmingham, the Rep Theatre, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall, as well as a variety of statues and sculptures.