Convention Quarter
Overview Convention Quarter Birmingham
The Convention Quarter, also known as Westside, is in the Ladywood ward in central Birmingham. The surrounding areas are Attwood Green, Southside, Ladywood, Five Ways and the Business Quarter
The Convention Quarter contains the Birmingham Rep, the National Indoor Arena, Symphony Hall and the International Convention Centre. Three canal networks converge in this area which is characterised by waterside developments at Brindleyplace, the Mailbox and the Regency Wharf.
The main thoroughfare is lower Broad Street: a nightlife and entertainment zone that terminates in Centenary Square.
Accident Blackspots in the Convention Quarter
Suffolk Street Queensway
A car crashed into a pillar in the tunnel beneath Suffolk Street Queensway at approximately 8pm on Tuesday 23/02/10.
A car crashed in the tunnel under Suffolk Street Queensway at around 6am on Friday 13 November 2009.
Crime in the Convention Quarter
Attempted Robbery at Burrito Bar
There was an attempted robbery at the Burrito Bar outside the Rocket Club on Broad Street at around 1am on Tuesday 21/07/09 (News Archive 8/12/09).
Brindleyplace in the Convention Quarter
Overview
Brindleyplace is a 37-acre residential, retail, hotel, leisure and office development that was progressively created out of derelict industrial estate from the mid-1990's.
It is located on the south bank of the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal and is connected by footbridges to the International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena on the opposite north bank; Brindleyplace also has a 300-metre frontage on Broad Street.
The Oozells Canal Loop, part of the original Birmingham & Wolverhampton Canal surveyed by James Brindley, runs through Brindleyplace.
The development is centred on three squares: Central, Oozells and Brunswick and two pedestrian boulevards: the confusingly-named Brindley Place and Waters Edge.
Brindleyplace contains twelve office blocks, two hotels, a multi-storey car park, the National Sealife Centre, the Crescent Theatre, the Ikon Gallery, several commercial art galleries, numerous bars, eateries and retail units and a gated residential community called Symphony Court.
Waters Edge
Waters Edge @ Brindleyplace is a wharf lined by bars, eateries, art galleries and retail outlets on the south bank of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal; it is connected by footbridges to Centenary Square and the International Convention Centre on the north bank.
Brindley Place
The confusingly-named Brindley Place @ Brindleyplace is a pedestrian boulevard by the entrance to the Oozells Loop on the south bank of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal.
It is connected by footbridge to the National Indoor Arena on the north bank and contains the National Sea Life Centre and several bars, eateries, retail and leisure units.
Central Square
The tree-lined Central Square @ Brindleyplace is flanked by office buildings and paved in York Stone; it contains a 38-jet fountain, a modern sculpture by Miles Davis in the form of an aqueduct, and an innovative glass-and-steel cafe with an eye-shaped footprint.
Oozells Square
Oozells Square @ Brindleyplace is flanked by offices and dominated by the Oozells Street Board School: a neo-Gothic creation that houses the Ikon Art Galley. The square contains a diagonal channel of still water lined by cherry trees, stone seats and a pergola designed by Paul de Monchaux.
Brunswick Square
Brunswick Square, on the west side of Brindleyplace, contains retail units, offices and the City Inn Hotel.
Cafe Chains in the Convention Quarter
Caffe Gusto
Caffe Gusto is at 103 Wharfside Street Mailbox B1 1XL
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is on Central Square at Brindleyplace B1 2HL, T 0121 643 4020
Starbucks
Starbucks is at the Mailbox 160 Wharfside Street B1 1R
Subway
Subway is at Holliday Street B1 1TX, T 0121 633 0075
Cafes & Fast Food Subway Website
Civic Squares in the Convention Quarter
Centenary Square
The space between the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and Broad Street in the Convention Quarter was formerly known as Easy Hill; the hill was replaced by a canal basin in the early 1800's; the basin was backfilled in the Edwardian era.
The site of the backfilled basin was earmarked for a grandiose civic centre whose construction was postponed until after the First World War.
However, the project was still pending at the outbreak of the Second World War; indeed only the Hall of Memory and Baskerville House, an incomplete neo-classical office block, had been built by 1939.
After the Second World War, the council landscaped the space nearest the canal and built 4 high-rise residential towers there.
The space nearest Broad Street, which already contained Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory, was partially filled by the Birmingham Rep (1971).
After Bingley Hall (circa 1850) on Broad Street was destroyed by fire in 1984, the International Convention Centre was built on an extended site that included part of the old civic centre plot.
Centenary Square was created as part of this development and named in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Birmingham's city status in 1889.
The main entrance to the ICC stands on the west side of the square; the new central library is being built between Baskerville House and the Birmingham Rep on the north side; the domed Hall of Memory is on the east side and Broad Street runs along the south side.
The square features pavings, railings and lamps by Tess Jaray; there are also modern sculptures of the Golden Boys on Broad Street, Industry & Genius outside Baskerville House, and Spirit and Enterprise outside the Birmingham Rep.
Centenary Square is connected to Chamberlain Square by a footbridge above Queensway.
Bus Routes through the Convention Quarter
The following bus routes run through the Convention Quarter: 1, 9, 10, 24, 29, 61, 63, 80, 81, 82, 87, 89, 120, 126, 126A, 127, 128, 129, 140, 140A, 141, 141A, 192, X62, X64, X90
In March 2012, National Express West Midlands warned that many of its bus services would not operate on Broad Street after 8pm at the weekend because of congestion. Passengers may have to walk to stops on Sandpits Parade or Ladywood Middleway during these periods (News Archive 31/03/10).
Demographics, Housing and Politics in the Convention Quarter
This website contains information about demographics, housing and politics in the Ladywood ward including the Convention Quarter.
Residential Tower Blocks in the Convention Quarter
Civic Centre Estate
The Civic Centre Estate is located in the space between the rear of the Birmingham Rep on Centenary Square and Cambrian Wharf on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
The esate contains four 15 storey refurbished residential tower blocks that were completed in 1968/69 and are each 44 metres tall, namely:
Cambridge Tower (map) and Crescent Tower (map) on Brindley Drive and Norton Tower (map) and Galton Tower (map) on Civic Close.
Family Attractions in the Convention Quarter
National Sealife Centre
The National Sealife Centre in Brindleyplace stands on the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal, next to the Old Turn Junction and opposite the National Indoor Arena.
The centre, which opened in 1996, reproduces a section of tropical ocean complete with giant turtles, sharks and stingrays etc. Visitors can walk beneath the "ocean" through a transparent tubular tunnel.
There are separate pools containing collections of rare and exotic tropical fish, lobsters, otters, rays, sharks and breeding seahorses
The centre also features touch-pool demonstrations, feeding displays, educational talks, a magical mirror maze leading to the "lost city of Atlantis", and a Sensorama 4-D cinema where spectators see dolphins leaping from the screen, feel the wind and salt spray on their faces, and smell the seaweed. T
The facilities include a shop and cafe. Visitors can park at the multi-storey in Brindleyplace. The centre is generally open 10am to 4pm week days and 10am to 5pm weekends and holidays.
T 0121 643 6777 3 Brindley Place B1 2JB
Family Attractions National Sealife Centre Website
Mailbox in the Convention Quarter
The Mailbox stands in a public square beneath Suffolk Street Queensway (A41) in the Convention Quarter. Its rear facade overlooks the Birmingham & Worcester Canal at the point where it makes a sharp ninety degree turn towards Gas Street Basin.
The site was previously occupied by the largest postal sorting office in the UK with a floor area of 20 acres and a private tunnel to New Street Station.
This sorting office (circa 1970) was built in glass and concrete on a steel frame and consisted of a tower sandwiched between two lower-level office blocks.
The entire building, save for its steel substructure, was demolished in the 1990's and rebuilt as an office, retail and leisure development with canalside apartments, two hotels, boutiques, bars, restaurants, retail units, art galleries and an underground car park; BBC Birmingham relocated there in 2004.
A new 23-storey tower, the Cube, is currently under construction at the Mailbox and will add further retail, residential, office and hotel space to the development.
0121 632 1000 Wharfside Street B1 1XL Map
The Cube @ the Mailbox
The Cube is a 70-metre cuboid tower clad in golden anodised aluminium that adjoins the Mailbox on a site between Commercial Street and the Birmingham and Worcester Canal.
The tower features a central atrium with low-level restaurants, shops & cafes that provides a gateway between the Mailbox, the canal wharves and surrounding streets. Its upper floors contain office space and 135 residential apartments.
The Cube is topped by a two-storey angular crown containing a rooftop restaurant and boutique hotel.
NEC Group Venues in the Convention Quarter
International Convention Centre
The main entrance to the
International Convention Centre (ICC) is on Centenary Square; there is a
long frontage on Broad Street; the rear entrance overlooks the
Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal. Two footbridges, which span the
canal, lead to the bars, restaurants and other leisure attractions on
the opposite bank at Waters Edge in Brindleyplace.
The building (circa 1991) has a stone-clad and blue-tinted facade. There is a neon sculpture by Ron Hasledon above the main entrance; the interior features an umbrella atrium with 10 halls, 10 meeting rooms and a concert venue, Symphony Hall.
An internal thoroughfare called the Mall runs through the building from Centenary Square at the front to the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal at the rear. The two largest halls are on the east side, closest to Centenary Square; they are Hall 3 with a capacity of 3,000 theatre style and Symphony Hall which holds 2,000 theatre-style.
Three medium-sized halls (1, 4, 8) flank the Mall; they respectively hold 1500, 825 and 300 theatre-style; the six smallest halls (5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) are on the west side nearest the canal; they respectively hold 300, 120, 135, 285, 205 and 345 theatre-style.
The Mall contains a business centre, registration areas, a box office, florist, art gallery and other retail units; it is connected by an elevated footbridge to the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the junction of Bridge Street and Broad Street.
Links: NEC Group Venues International Convention Centre Website
National Indoor Arena
The National Indoor Arena (NIA) is on King Edwards Road; the rear facade overlooks the Old Turn Junction between the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal.
The site is linked by footbridges to the Prince of Wales and Malt House pubs on the other side of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and to Brindleyplace on the opposite side of the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal.
The auditorium, which can hold up to 12,700, hosts showbiz and sporting events. The layout is extremely flexible and some concerts and comedy shows are staged in a smaller reconfigured theatre with 5,000 seats; the full capacity is reserved for stadium-style concerts and large-scale sporting events.
Links: NEC Group Venues National Indoor Arena
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall at the ICC on Centenary Square is a world-class concert hall to rival the Musikverein in Vienna or the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The 2,260-capacity hall features adjustable acoustics and a 6,000-pipe organ; it is the home stage of the City of Birmingham Orchestra.
Links: NEC Group Venues Symphony Hall Website
Live Music in the Convention Quarter
Symphony Hall is located at the ICC on Centenary Square. It is a world-class concert venue and the home stage of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Symphony Hall is also a marvel of modern engineering since the stage is less than 30 yards from the West Coast Mainline which passes beneath Centenary Square.
The hall and railway are mounted on rubber cushions that eliminate vibration whilst the double-skinned concrete facade excludes external noise.
Reverberation chambers behind the stage and along the sides of the hall can increase volume by 50%; alternatively a counter-balancing canopy can be raised above the orchestra and dampening curtains retracted or extended.
The hall, which can hold 2,262, contains a six-thousand-pipe symphony organ.
Links: Live Music Venues Symphony Hall Website
The National Indoor Arena on King Edwards Road overlooks the Old Turn canal junction and is linked by footbridges to Brindleyplace and the Malt House pub.
The NIA is a major live music venue that attracts the biggest stars. The capacity is around 14,000 but the venue can be configured to create a more intimate auditorium for 4,500.
Links: Live Music Venues National Indoor Arena Website
Open Spaces in the Convention Quarter
Civic Centre Gardens
The Civic Centre Gardens are a 12 open space located between Centenary Square and the Cambrian Wharf on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. They provide a setting for four residential towers.
Pubs Bars & Clubs in the Convention Quarter
All Bar One
All Bar one serves classic draught and bottled beers, long drinks, spirits, fine wines and an international menu on Waters Edge at Brindleyplace.
Waters Edge B1 2HL 0121 644 5861
MapB1
B1 is a hotel lounge bar at the Crowne Plaza on Holliday Street.
Holliday Street B1 1HH Map
Bank
Bank is a continental-style bar and restaurant serving an international menu at Brindleyplace.
4 Brindleyplace B1 2JB 0121 633 4465 Map
Bar Epernay
Bar Epernay is a champagne and piano bar that serves a traditional British menu on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox.
171-172 Wharfside Street B1 1RL 0121 632 1430 Map
Bar Estilo
Bar Estilo is a Mediterranean bar serving wines, beers, cocktails, sangria, tapas, paella etc. on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox
110-114 Wharfside Street B1 1RF 0121 643 3443 Map
Bar Pravda
Bar Pravda screens live sport and serves champagne, cocktails and fine wines at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Bridge Street.
2 Bridge Street B1 2JZ Map
Bar Risa
Bar Risa on Broad Street is a bar, restaurant, comedy club & nightclub with six rooms: Risa, Chill, Club, Jongleurs, Lounge & Moods.
Risa is a bar & restaurant with live sport & late dancing; Chill is a cocktail bar; Club is a party & disco venue; Jongleurs is a comedy club with late dancing; Lounge is a chill-out room; and Moods is a VIP lounge.
259-263 Broad Street B1 2HF 0121 632 4936 Map
Bar Room Bar
Bar Room Bar serves wines, cocktails, pizzas, salads, brunch, sandwiches, lite bites etc. on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox.
166-168 Wharfside Street B1 1RL 0121 632 1199 Map
Brasshouse
The Brasshouse on Broad Street is a traditional M & B pub overlooking the Birmingham and Worcester Canal.
44 Broad Street B1 2HP 0121 633 3383 Map
Pubs in Birmingham City Centre
Elements
Elements is a hotel lounge bar at the Novotel on Broad Street
70 Broad Street B1 2HT 0121 643 2000 Map
Figure of Eight
The Figure of Eight on Broad Street is a child-friendly Wetherspoon pub with television screens, a licensed outside area and wi-fi.
236-239 Broad Street B1 2HG 0121 633 0917 Map
Flapper
The Flapper on Cambrian Wharf off Kingston Row is a canalside pub with a beer garden, pool tables, dance floors and gig room. It hosts regular live music sets by breaking, unsigned and established bands.
Cambrian Wharf B1 2NU 0121 236 2421 Map
Flares
Flares is a retro seventies-style bar and disco on Broad Street.
55 Broad Street B1 2HJ 0121 616 2957 Map
Ha Ha
Ha Ha is bar and grill on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox.
178-180 Wharfside Street B1 1RN 0121 632 1250 Map
Mal Bar
The Mal is a champagne lounge bar at the Malmaison Hotel on Wharfside Street in the Mailbox.
1 Wharfside Street B1 1RD Map
Pubs in Birmingham City Centre
Malt House
The Malt House on King Edward Road is a canalside pub serving bar food and ales with a split-level interior, outside patio and upstairs dance floors.
The Malt House overlooks the Old Turn canal junction and is linked by footbridge to the National Indoor Arena.
75 King Edwards Road B1 2NX 0121 633 4171 Map
O'Neills
O'Neills on Broad Street is an M&B branded Irish pub with occasional live music sets and a menu partially inspired by traditional Irish dishes.
Broad Street B1 2HG 0121 616 1623 Map
Pennyblacks
Pennyblacks at the Mailbox is an ale house, wine bar and restaurant that screens live sport and serves contemporary English cuisine and pub grub classics.
Mailbox B1 1RQ 0121 632 1460 Map
Pitcher & Piano
The Pitcher & Piano is an upmarket contemporary bar on Waters Edge at Brindleyplace that serves premium drinks and an international menu.
Waters Edge Brindleyplace B1 2HP 0121 643 0214 Map
Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales on Cambridge Street is a traditional Edwardian pub that serves real ale and hosts regular live music sets.
84 Cambridge Street B1 2NP 0121 643 9460 Map
Pubs in Birmingham City Centre
Reflex
Reflex is a retro eighties late bar and disco on Broad Street.
36-37 Broad Street B1 2DY 0121 643 0444 Map
Rococo Lounge
The Rococo Lounge on Broad Street is a bar, restaurant and nightclub.
The restaurant serves international cuisine, the bar shows live sport and the club stages live DJ sets with late dancing.
260 Broad Street B1 2HF 0121 633 4260 Map
Rocket
Rocket is a lap dancing club on Broad Street.
258 Broad Street B1 2HF 0121 643 4525 Map
Slug & Lettuce
The Slug and Lettuce on Waters Edge at Brindleyplace serves world beers, cocktails, champagne, fine wines, salads, sandwiches, burgers, brunch, grills, tostadas & pub classics such as sausage & mash.
Waters Edge B1 2HL 0121 633 3049 Map
Solomon Cutter
Solomon Cutter on Regency Wharf off Broad Street is a child-friendly Wetherspoons Lloyds No1 bar with wi-fi, TV screens and live sport.
Regency Wharf B1 2DS 0121 631 8930 Map
Sports Cafe
Sports Cafe is a bar and club on Broad Street with 40+ plasma screens, a pool lounge, clubroom, games room and 3 bars.
It screens live sport and hosts regular live entertainment including party nights and late dancing.
240 Broad Street B1 2HG 0121 633 4000 Map
Tap & Spile
The Tap & Spile at Gas Street Basin is a traditional canalside pub serving real ale and a typical bar menu.
Gas Street B1 2JT 0121 632 5602 Map
Walkabout
Walkabout on Regency Wharf off Broad Street is an Australian bar serving Aussie/Kiwi beers, bush chutney and kangaroo meat.
It shows live sport and hosts late entertainment including live DJ sets, cover bands, celebrity appearances etc.
Regency Wharf B1 2DS 0121 632 5712 Map
Restaurants in the Convention Quarter
Aria
Aria serves a cosmopolitan menu in a glazed atrium at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Bridge Street.
2 Bridge Street B1 2JZ 0121 643 1234
Bank
Bank is a continental canalside brasserie at Brindleyplace.
4 Brindleyplace B1 2JB 0121 633 4465
Barajee
Barajee on Broad Street serves Indian and Bangladeshi dishes; it is designed for the sophisticated corporate diner.
265 Broad Street B1 2DS 0121 643 6700
Blue Mango
Blue Mango is a canalside Indian brasserie on the Regency Wharf off Broad Street.
Regency Wharf B1 2DS 0121 633 4422
Bombay Mix
Bombay Mix is on Broad Street.
218 Broad Street B15 1AY 0121 643 0756
Restaurants in Central Birmingham
Cafe Rouge
The Cafe Rouge bar and restaurant chain serves a range of French classics at two locations in the Convention Quarter: (1) Waters Edge at Brindley Place B1 2HJ, 0121 643 6556 and (2) 174-176 Wharfside Street at the Mailbox, 0121 665 6437
Cafe Ikon
Cafe Ikon is a Spanish tapas restaurant in the Ikon Gallery on Oozells Square at Brindleyplace. It serves lunch and dinner menus and is a popular venue for after-work drinks.
1 Oozells Square B1 2HS 0121 248 3226
Caffe Vergnano 1882
Caffe Vergnano is an Italian espresso bar at the Mailbox.
22 Wharfside Street B1 1RD Caffe Vergnano Website
Celebrity
Celebrity on Broad Street specialises in old favourite and contemporary Indian cuisine.
44 Broad Street B1 2HP 0121 643 8969
Cielo
Cielo on Oozells Square in Brindleyplace serves classic Italian with a contemporary twist. It is generally regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in the West Midlands.
6 Oozells Square B1 2JB 0121 632 6882
City Cafe
The City Cafe serves a seasonal European menu at the City Inn on Brunswick Square in Brindleyplace.
1 Brunswick Square B1 2HW 0121 643 1003
Cote
Cote serves simple fresh affordable French cuisine at the Mailbox.
120-22 Wharfside Street 0121 631 1587 Map
Restaurants in Central Birmingham Cote Website
Edmunds
Edmunds is a fine-dining restaurant with 40 covers on Central Square in Brindleyplace; it serves predominantly English luncheon, tasting and a la carte menus.
6 Central Square B1 2JB 0121 633 4944
Flaming Dragon
The Chinese restaurants in central Birmingham are mostly in the Chinatown area of Southside; however, the Flaming Dragon Oriental buffet bar is on Broad Street in the Convention Quarter.
230 Broad Street B15 1AY 0121 633 8882
Ha Ha
The Ha Ha is a bar and grill serving a British and international menu at the Mailbox.
178-180 Wharfside Street B1 1RN 0121 632 1250
Jimmy Spices
Jimmy Spices is an international buffet bar serving Thai, Italian, Indian and Chinese on the Regency Wharf off Broad Street.
Regency Wharf B1 2DS 0121 643 2111
Kinnaree
Kinnaree serves authentic Thai on the Holliday Wharf opposite the Mailbox and Cube.
222 Water Front Walk B1 1SN 0121 665 6568
La Tasca
La Tasca is a tapas bar and restaurant overlooking the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal on the Regency Wharf off Broad Street.
2 Broad Street B1 2DS 0121 643 9888
Mash House Cafe Bar
The Mash House on Waters Edge at Brindleyplace serves favourite British classics.
Waters Edge B1 2HL 0121 643 2707
Nandos @ Mailbox
Nandos serves Portugese/Mozambique cuisine, particularly flamed-grilled peri-peri chicken, at the Mailbox.
Mailbox B1 1RF 0121 643 5123
Oriental Bar and Restaurant
The Oriental serves authentic Malaysian and some Thai and Chinese dishes at the Mailbox.
128-130 Wharfside Street B1 1RQ 0121 633 9988
Pennyblacks
Pennyblacks at the Mailbox serves pub classics and modern English dishes
Mailbox B1 1XL 0121 632 1460
Piccolino
Piccolino on Oozells Square at Brindleyplace specialises in modern classic Italian cuisine.
9 Brindleyplace B1 2HS 0121 634 3055
Shogun
Shogun has two outlets in the Convention Quarter: a noodle and sushi bar at the Mailbox B1 1RD 0121 632 1253, and a sushi and teppanyaki bar at Waters Edge B1 2HL 0121 643 1856
Strada
The Strada pizza, pasta and risotto chain has two outlets in the Convention Quarter: (1) outside the canalside entrance to the ICC off Broad Street B1 2EA, T 0121 212 2661 and (2) on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox B1 1XL, 0121 643 7279
Thai Edge
Thai Edge is on Oozells Square in Brindleyplace
Oozells Square B1 2HS 0121 643 3993
Tin Tin
Tin Tin is a Cantonese restaurant serving popular dishes on Waters Edge at Brindleyplace.
9F Waters Edge B1 2HL 0121 633 0888
Zizzi
Zizzi on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox specialises in simple Italian cuisine.
162-164 Wharfside Street B1 1RL 0121 632 1333
Restaurants in Central Birmingham Zizzi Website
Art Galleries in the Convention Quarter
The Ikon Gallery is located in a former Victorian board school on Oozells Square in Brindleyplace. It is a contemporary art gallery that host temporary exhibitions in a variety of media, including film, sound, sculpture, photography and paintings.
The facilities include a shop and cafe. Admission is free.
Links: Guide Art Galleries Ikon Gallery Website
Artlounge is a contemporary commercial gallery on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox. The gallery displays glassware, ceramics, sculpture, prints, paintings and photography. It sponsors the Three White Walls, also on Wharfside Street, which hosts a running programme of six-weekly exhibitions.
Links: Guide Art Galleries Artlounge Website
Castle Galleries are a national chain of art stores with a branch on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox. Castle offers a broad range of work including figurative, landscape and contemporary art, original paintings, limited edition prints and sculpture.
Links: Guide Art Galleries Castle Galleries Website
The prestigious Halcyon Gallery, which is based in Mayfair London, has a branch at the International Convention Centre on Centenary Square that offers prints, paintings, sculpture and other collectable artworks.
Links: Guide Art Galleries Halcyon Galleries Website
Number Nine is a commercial art gallery at number nine Brindley Place that offers contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glassware and rock art by local and international artists.
Links: Guide Art Galleries Number Nine Website
Nightclubs in the Convention Quarter
The following nightclubs/late bars with dancing are located in the Convention Quarter:
Bar Risa, Flappers, Flares, Reflex, Rococo Lounge, Rocket, Sports Cafe and Walkabout.
Nightclubs in Birmingham City Centre
Radio and TV Stations in the Convention Quarter
BBC @ The Mailbox
The regional headquarters and TV centre for BBC West Midlands, the BBC Birmingham National Network Production Centre and the national headquarters of 12 BBC English Regions are based at the Mailbox in the Convention Quarter.
The BBC, which moved there from Pebble Mill in Edgbaston in 2004, occupies roughly 10,000 square metres of floor space and employs around seven hundred staff.
The complex includes radio and TV studios, a radio drama studio, edit suites and offices. The Archers and Midlands Today are produced at the Mailbox and the radio station BBC WM and some Asian Network productions are also broadcast from there.
The public can watch programmes being made and visit the BBC shop and cafe.
The BBC Birmingham drama department, famous for Doctors and Dalziel & Pascoe, could not be accommodated within the Mailbox and is now located at the Drama Village on the Selly Oak campus of Birmingham University.
Tel: 0121 632 1372 (shop) Address: Wharfside Street B1 1AY
Links: Media BBC Birmingham Website
ATV Centre
ATV was the independent TV franchise holder for the Midlands region between 1955 and 1982; the company was originally based at Alpha Studios in Aston, but moved to ATV Centre on Broad Street in 1970.
TV classics such as Crossroads and Tiswas were made at ATV Centre which was taken over by Central Television who acquired the regional franchise in 1982.
Central Televsion closed ATV Centre in 1997 and transferred most of its production to Nottingham, Manchester and London; however, the company also built new Birmingham studios on Gas Street, mainly for local news production.
ATV Centre has now been demolished and is being redeveloped as a residential, office, hotel and leisure complex known as Arena Central. Alpha Tower (1973), an adjoining 100-metre skyscraper, which was built as offices for ATV, will be retained as part of the new development.
Links: Media
ITV Central
ITV Central is based in this building on Gas Street where it produces regional news programmes; the company currently holds the TV broadcasting franchise for the Midlands region.
Links: Media ITV Central Website
BBC WM
BBC WM is based at the Mailbox in the Convention Quarter; it is a local radio station serving the West Midlands and South Staffordshire.
The station, which was launched as Radio Birmingham in 1970, broadcasts on 96.5FM and is also available on DAB Digital and worldwide via the internet; some content is simulcast from other BBC stations, particularly Five Live.
BBC WM enjoys a market share of around 8%.
Links: Media BBC WM Website
96.4 FM BRMB
96.4 FM BRMB is based at Brindley Place in the Convention Quarter; it broadcasts to Birmingham and the Black Country on 96.4 FM and can also be heard on Digital DAB and worldwide via the internet.
The content mainly consists of contemporary hits interspersed with news, local information and sport; the station's audience share is around 5.6%.
BRMB was launched in 1974; its name is a US-style call sign created by the original owners, Birmingham Broadcasting. The station, which is now owned by Orion Media, was based at the old Alpha TV studios in Aston before it moved to Brindleyplace in 1997.
Address: 9 Brindley Place, Oozells Square B1 2DJ
Links: Media BRMB Website
Schools in the Convention Quarter
Nelson Primary School
Nelson School on King Edwards Road is a co-educational community primary school.
King Edwards Road B1 2PJ 0121 464 2201 Map
Shopping in the Convention Quarter
Shopping at the Mailbox
The Mailbox on Wharfside Street contains an upmarket retail mall; indeed, this converted sorting office, overlooking the Birmingham & Worcester Canal, is now the most glamorous retail location in central Birmingham thanks to its luxury hotels, stylish bars, fashionable restaurants, commercial art galleries and television studios.
The Mailbox contains the following designer boutiques: Aiko, All Saints, Belle Scarpe, Daniel Footwear, Emporio Armani, Fat Face, Gieves & Hawkes, Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss, Jaeger, Jesire and Thomas Pink.
There is also a BBC Visitor Shop, a Tesco Express, three commercial art galleries and several home & lifestyle stores including Descamps, Fired Earth, Bang & Olufsen, Papeterie and the Aga Shop.
0121 632 1000 Wharfside Street B1 1RE
Guide Convention Quarter Mailbox Website
Key National Retailers in the Convention Quarter
Boots
Boots is at Waters Edge B1 2HL, T 0121 633 0168
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols is at 31/32 Wharfside St, Mailbox B1 1RE, T 0121 616 6000
Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss is at 52-56 Wharfside St, Mailbox B1 1XL, T 0121 632 6010
Sainsbury
Sainsbury Local is at Brindleyplace B1 2JB, T 0121 643 8635.
Tesco Express
Tesco Express is at (1) Maillbox 61-63 Wharfside St B1 1XL, T 0845 026 9115 and (2) 165 Granville Street B1 1JW
Railways in the Convention Quarter
West Coast Mainline
The West Coast Mainline runs beneath the Convention Quarter in the 772-meter Stour Valley Tunnel which runs from Swallow Street in Southside to St Vincent Street in Ladywood.
The line passes beneath Suffolk Street Queensway, Broad Street, Centenary Square, the International Convention Centre, the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and the National Indoor Arena.
Links: West Coast Mainline
Skyscrapers in the Convention Quarter
Alpha Tower
Alpha Tower on Suffolk Street Queensway is a 100 metre office block with 28 floors that was constructed as the headquarters of ATV in 1973.
Current tenants include Network Rail and the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Axis
Axis on Holliday Street is a 51 metre office block with twelve storeys that was completed in 2003.
Centenary Plaza
Centenary Plaza on Holliday Street is a 63 metre residential tower with 20 floors and 387 apartments that was completed in 2004.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Chamberlain Tower
Chamberlain Tower on Broad Street is a 61 metre hotel building with 18 floors that was built as an office block in 1975 but refurbished as a 445 room hotel in 1999; it is owned by Jurys Inn.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Cube
The Cube on Commercial Street is a 70 metre residential, hotel, retail and office building with 23 storeys that overlooks the Birmingham and Worcester Canal.
It features an angular crown and golden anodised aluminium framework; the window pattern was inspired by the Tetris video game.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Eight Brindleyplace
Eight Brindleyplace off Oozells Square is a 52 metre tower with 14 floors that was completed in 2002.
This building contains residential apartments, offices, restaurant and retail units.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Eleven Brindleyplace
Eleven Brindleyplace off Brunswick Square is a 59 metre commercial tower with 12 floors that was completed in 2009.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency is a 75 metre hotel with 24 storeys and 319 rooms that was built at the corner of Broad Street and Bridge Street in 1990.
The Hyatt Regency is connected to the ICC by an elevated footbridge above Broad Street.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Quayside Tower
Quayside Tower on Broad Street is a 70 metre commercial and residential building with 19 floors that was completed in 1965 and refurbished in 2003. It contains the Jongleurs Club and Bar Risa.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Three Brindleyplace
Three Brindleyplace on Central Square is a 13 floor Italianate office block with a 55 metre tower that was built in 1998.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Building Projects in the Convention Quarter
Broad Street Tower
Broad Street Tower is an unbuilt skyscraper that has been approved for a site at 212-223 Broad Street.
The new building will be 132 metres tall and will contain 350 apartments and a 150 bedroom hotel on 41 storeys.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Regal Tower
Regal Tower is an unbuilt skyscraper that has been approved for a site at the junction of Sheepcote Street and Broad Street.
The new tower will be the tallest in Birmingham at 200 metres and will contain 256 apartments and ground floor retail space.
Skyscrapers in Birmingham
V Building
The V Building is an unbuilt skyscraper with a V-shaped footprint that has been approved as part of the 7.6 acre Arena Central development off Suffolk Street Queensway.
This new building will be 152 metres tall and will contain 600 apartments and ground floor retail space.
The developers requested that planning permission be extended by 10 years in November 2009 (News Archive 9/11/09)
Skyscrapers in Birmingham Map
Birmingham Central Library
A new central library is being built on Centenary Square in the space (formerly a car park) between Baskerville House and the New Rep.
The design is for a ten storey glass-fronted building clad in circular iron hoops. Critics believe it will be another eyesore and will clash with the neo-classical Baskerville House and Hal of Memory (News Archive 27/11/09).
Questions were raised about the cost of the new library in December 2009.
Apparently the city council have budgeted £193 million but this does not include interest on the capital loans of £135 million that have been taken out in order to finance the project. Annual interest of £7.5 million charged over 40 years will increase the overall cost by £300 million (News Archive 17/12/09)
Birmingham Aquatics and Leisure Centre
Developers have obtained planning permission for the Birmingham Aquatics and Leisure Centre which will be built alongside the Nelson Primary School on King Edwards Road.
The new building will contain a fifty metre Olympic pool.
Sports Centres in the Convention Quarter
Community Hall
Community Hall is a sports hall at the National Indoor Arena on King Edwards Road. The hall provides a warm-up facility for elite athletes competing at the National Indoor Arena but is otherwise available to the general public on a pay and play basis.
The length of the hall is 72.5 metres; its width is 20.5 metres. The interior can hold 8 badminton courts or 4 indoor cricket bays. The hall can also be used for volleyball, basketball, hockey, 5-a-side football and indoor bowls. Other facilities include a sauna and a loose weights & cardio gym.
Links: Sports Centres National Indoor Arena Website
Sports Venues in the Convention Quarter
National Indoor Arena
The National Indoor Arena is an indoor arena on King Edwards Road with a maximum capacity of around 13,000. The seats are divided into upper tier, lower tier and flat floor sections; the lower tier and flat floor seats can be removed enabling bespoke configurations.
The arena hosts a large number of major sporting events including the IAAF World Championships, the World Badminton Championships, the World Judo Championships, the European Indoor Athletics Championships, the All England Badminton Championships, the British Indoor Rowing Championships, Davis Cup tennis, hockey, basketball, power lifting and wrestling tournaments.
Links: Sports Stadia National Indoor Arena Website
Theatres in the Convention Quarter
The Birmingham Rep is located on Centenary Square in the Convention Quarter. It contains two stages: the Main with a capacity of 824 and the Door, a flexible Black Box, that can seat around 150. The Main generally hosts contemporary drama whilst the Door focuses on experimental writing.
Links: Theatres Birmingham Rep Website
The Crescent Theatre is located on Sheepcote Street in Brindleyplace. The theatre contains two stages: The Main with a capacity of around 350 and the Ron Barber Studio, a black box that can accommodate around 120. The Cresecnt hosts around 15 annual productions by its resident company: an amateur group with a strong youth section. It also stages touring productions.
Links: Theatres Crescent Website
Hotels in the Convention Quarter
City Inn
The City Inn was built in the year 2000 at 1 Brunswick Square in Brindleyplace in the Convention Quarter. The hotel, which forms part of the City Inn chain, is barely 250 metres from the International Convention Centre, the National Indoor Arena, the National Sealife Centre, the Birmingham Rep and Broad Street.
The rooms contain iMac computers, complimentary wi-fi and Sky TV. Guests can savour award-winning modern European cuisine at the City Cafe Restaurant or eat al fresco on a terrace overlooking Brindleyplace.
The hotel can provide flexible hi-tech spaces, for between 8 and 100, for business meetings, conferences and private dining.
The hotel also contains an art gallery with a rolling programme of exhibitions. Guests must pay to use the hotel car park on a "first come first served basis". If there is insufficient room, they may park in an NCP behind the hotel at the same tariff.
Links: Hotels City Inn Website
The
Crowne Plaza Hotel is on Holiday Street, barely 300 metres from the Mailbox, Broad Street and the ICC. It is a 9 storey hotel that contains 312 bedrooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. There is a a fitness centre and 12 meeting rooms: the largest can accommodate 300 reception style.Other facilities include the B1 bar that serves light meals in a stylish lounge and the B1 restaurant. The hotel has its its own car park with 650 spaces. Crowne Plaza is part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group.
Links: Hotels Intercontinental Hotels Website
The Hyatt Regency Hotel is located at the corner of Bridge Street and Broad Street. It is a 24-storey tower with a blue-mirror-glazed facade that is connected to the International Convention Centre by a private footbridge above Broad Street.
The hotel contains 319 rooms; these range from one-bedroom guestrooms to the Presidential Suite. Each of the rooms is equipped with high-speed internet access and plasma television. There is a fitness club, Amala Spa, and swimming pool. The Aria Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner beneath a glazed atrium. Bar Pravada serves fine wines and champagnes.
The hotel contains 8 function rooms; the largest is the Symphony Ballroom at 225 square metres. Parking is available at a daily tariff.
Links: Hyatt Regency Website
Jury's Inn is a hotel at 245 Broad Street, near Brindleyplace, the International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena. It is housed in a 61-metre brutalist tower (circa 1975) that was originally an office block but which was converted into a hotel in 1999.
The hotel is the largest in Birmingham with 445 standard rooms, a bar, restaurant, coffee lounge, 20 meeting rooms, 25 syndicate rooms and chargeable parking.
Links:
Hotels Jurys Inn Website
The Malmaison Hotel is a luxury hotel at 1 Wharfside Street in the Mailbox. It contains individually-furnished luxury suites and rooms equipped with satellite TV and internet access.
There is a spa, gym and a private dining room that can seat 16. The Mal Bar is the self-styled "Champagne Bar of Birmingham"; the brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Malmaison hotel can host conferences for up to 45 delegates.
Links:
Hotels Malmaison Website
Nite Nite is at 18 Holliday Street; the location is particularly convenient for the Mailbox, Broad Street and the International Convention Centre.
There are 104 bedrooms, each equipped with plasma tv and free wi-fi. The hotel contains the Saint Beni bar and restaurant; there are guest PC's in the upper lobby.
Parking is available at a daily tariff in the Mailbox or at the nearby Britannia. There is also some metered roadside parking.
Links:
Hotels Nite Nite Website
Novotel is at the corner of Sheepcote Street and Broad Street in the Convention Quarter, barely 300 metres from the National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre.
The hotel contains 148 bedrooms, the Elements bar and international restaurant, a fitness centre, jacuzzi and sauna, a private indoor chargeable car park, and 8 meeting rooms; the largest of which can hold 300 theatre-style and the smallest, 15 U-shape.
Novotel Website
The Premier Inn @ Bridge Street overlooks the Birmingham and Worcester Canal. It is barely 100 metres from the Mailbox; 300 from Broad Street, Brindleyplace and the International Convention Centre; and 400 from the National Indoor Arena.
There are 60 rooms, one restaurant and a car park.
Links: Hotels Premier Inn Website
The Premier Inn @ Broad Street is by the junction of Sheepcote Street and Broad Street in Brindleyplace. The hotel contains 80 bedrooms and an Old Orleans restaurant. The facilities include wi-fi, limited free parking and chargeable parking.
Links: Hotels Premier Inn Website
The Ramada Hotel is on Wharfside Street at the Mailbox; it overlooks the Birmingham and Worcester Canal and is next to several bars, eateries, art galleries, designer boutiques and radio and television studios.
The facilities include a bar, restaurant, 90 rooms and three meeting rooms, the largest can hold 40 theatre-style. There is a chargeable underground car park at the Mailbox.
The Travelodge @ Broad Street is at 245 Broad Street, barely 300 metres from the International Convention Centre and 400 from the National Indoor Arena.
The hotel contains meeting rooms: chargeable parking and wi-fi are available.
Serviced Apartments in the Convention Quarter
Bridge Street Worldwide offers serviced apartments at the Postbox on Upper Marshall Street; this building contains 50 fully-furnished 1 and 2 bedroom apartments centred on a communal garden.
The Postbox is staffed by a concierge and building manager; it has a secure entry system and 24/7 front desk; weekly housekeeping is provided; parking is available.
Links: Serviced Apartments Bridge Street Worldwide
Cutlass Court & Parkside @ Granville Street
Comfort Zone provides fully-furnished serviced apartments in Cutlass Court @ 26 Granville Street and Parkside @ 180 Granville Street. There is a weekly maid service; parking is extra.
Links: Serviced Apartments Comfort Zone Website
Living Base is an apartment block at 3 Brunswick Square in Brindleyplace; it contains serviced studio, 1 and 2 room apartments by Saco.
Links: Serviced Apartments Saco Website
There are contemporary serviced one and two bedroom apartments by Spireson Commercial Street, next to the Mailbox; maid service is provided; breakfast, grocery delivery and undergrauond parking at the Mailbox are extra.
Links: Serviced Apartments Spires Website
Universities & Colleges in the Convention Quarter
University College
University College Birmingham (UCB) owns two student halls of residence in the Convention Quarter: Cambrian and the Maltings.
Cambrian
Cambrian Hall on Brindley Drive is a purpose-built self-catering hall of residence owned by UCB.
It contains 247 study bedrooms which are grouped into flats with shared cooking, dining and bathroom facilities. There are ten rooms per flat.
11 Brindley Drive B1 2NB Map
Maltings
The Maltings is a purpose-built gated student village owned by UCB; it is set in landscaped gardens off Glannville Street and contains 827 study bedrooms of which 809 are ensuite and 5 are twin.
All accommodation is self-catering; the rooms are grouped into student flats with shared kitchen facilities; there are 6/9 rooms per flat.
The facilities include a fitness suite, sports hall, convenience hall and a bar equipped with plasma screens, pool tables and dance floor.
Glanville Street B1 1SB 0121 666 7304 Map
Listed Secular Buildings in the Convention Quarter
Baskerville House is next to the Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square; it was constructed in the 1930's as merely one range of a larger complex that was never completed because of the Second World War.
Baskerville House is named after the printer John Baskerville who lived near the site in the late 18th century. The building housed the council planning department until 2003; its 5 storey interior was then demolished and replaced by a 7 storey office block whose upper two floors protrude above the retained facade.
Links:
Secular Listed Buildings John Baskerville
The Hall of Memory is located on Centenary Square; it commemorates service personnel from Birmingham who died in the Great War and subsequent conflicts; it was built in Portland stone in 1922-25; the Edwardian baroque design is by S.N.Cooke and W.N. Twist.
The octagonal hall
features a Doric portico, side chapels, a projecting cornice and dome. Four allegorical statues represent the army, navy, air force and women's service; the interior contains three bas-reliefs by William Bloye: Call, Frontline and Return.The hall is a grade-2-listed monument. It was unveiled by Prince Arthur of Connaught in July 1925 before a crowd of 30,000.
Links: Secular Listed Buildings Hall of Memory Official Website
The headquarters of the Birmingham Municipal Bank were located in this landmark classical building at 301 Broad Street from 1933 until 1976.
The bank was built in Portland stone and granite ashlar to a design by T. Cecil Howitt. The main facade features a tetrastyle Ionic colonnade; the interior contains a limestone-polished banking hall with coffered ceiling.
Links: Secular Listed Buildings
Oozells Street Board School (1874-76) is on Oozells Square in Brindleyplace; it is a Gothic red-brick building designed by Chamberlain and Martin that features three tall gables, an apsidal turret and ventilation tower. The building now houses the Ikon Gallery.
Links: Secular Listed Buildings
This Gothic warehouse at the corner of Gas Street and Broad Street was designed by Chamberlain & Martin and built in red-brick in 1875. The rear facade overlooks the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal.
Links: Secular Listed Buildings
Canals in the Convention Quarter
Three canals converge in the Convention Quarter: (1) the Birmingham and Worcester, (2) the Birmingham and Wolverhampton and (3) the Birmingham and Fazeley.
They share two canal junctions: (1) Gas Street Basin; the junction of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal and the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal; and (2) the Old Turn: the junction of the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
These canals have been transformed from polluted industrial waterways into office, tourist and leisure attractions.
The Birmingham and Worcester Canal follows the cross city railway through the Convention Quarter - past the apartments, shops, offices and eateries on Granville Wharf.
The canal makes a sharp ninety degree turn at the Mailbox: a former sorting office that has been rebuilt as a modern canalside development with bars, eateries, boutiques, hotels, apartments, art galleries, radio and TV studios.
It then passes under Bridge Street and enters Gas Street Basin.
Links: Birmingham and Worcester Canal
Gas Street Basin contains the junction of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal and the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal. These two canals are divided by the Worcester Bar which was built in 1793 in order to prevent water transference.
The bar is 75 metres long and 2.25 metres long; a lock was inserted in 1815.
The bar is now used as a mooring for houseboats. It is linked to Gas Street by a cast iron replica of an 18th century canal bridge.
Gas Street Basin contains a traditional canalside pub: the Tap and Spile. The basin is 200 metres from the Mailbox to the east and from Broad Street, Brindleyplace and the ICC to the west.
These attractions can be reached via the towpaths.
Links: Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal Birmingham and Worcester Canal
Broad Street Bridge
The Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal passes beneath this bridge at Broad Street, barely 200 metres from Gas Street Basin. The building on the bridge is a red-brick Gothic warehouse (1875) designed by Chamberlain and Martin. The Regency Wharf, which features several bars and eateries, lies alongside the bridge.
Links: Canals Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal
Waters Edge is on the section of the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal between Broad Street and the Old Turn Junction. It is a canalside development of bars, restaurants, art galleries, hotel and retail units that forms part of the larger Brindleyplace development.
Waters Edge is connected to the International Convention Centre on the opposite bank by two footbridges.
Links: Canals Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal
Old Turn Junction
The Old Turn is a staggered canal crossroads on the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal. The north channel is the entrance to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the south channel is the eastern entrance to the Oozells Loop. This loop is part of the original meandering canal that was straightened in the 1820's.
The National Indoor Arena stands on the western side of the entrance to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, opposite the Malt House Pub on the eastern side. The two are connected by a reproduction 18th century cast-iron footbridge.
The National Sealife Centre stands at the eastern entrance to the Oozells Loop .
A circular island in the middle of the crossroads was added in 1940 so that temporary dams could be built which would have prevented water loss had the canal been bombed.
Links: Canals Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
Cambrian Wharf
If you follow the north channel at the Old Turn crossroads and enter the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, you will shortly arrive at the Cambrian Wharf: a basin now used for mooring houseboats. The wharf, which is entered directly from the canal, is equipped with elsan disposal, waste disposal, toilets, showers and water points.
Locks 1-4 of the Farmers Bridge Flight are located between the Cambrian Wharf and the A457 road bridge. This stretch of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal is dominated by the four civic centre residential towers that stand in parkland behind the Birmingham Rep.
Links: Canals Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
More about the Oozells Loop
The Oozells Loop formed part of the first canal cut between Birmingham and Wolverhampton by James Brindley in 1768-1772. The two ends of the loop were joined by Thomas Telford in the 1820's when he straightened the route.
The channel cut by Telford, which is 320 metres long, links the eastern and western entrances to the loop. The loop itself is 570 metres long.
The National Sealife Centre stands opposite Symphony Court at the eastern entrance of the loop; they are linked by a footbridge.
From there, the loop continues past the Brindleyplace multi-storey car park which is connected to Symphony Court by a second footbridge.
It then continues under the Sheepcote Street Bridge, by the Crescent Theatre before rounding the apartment blocks of Liberty Place and doubling back in a northerly direction, past King Edwards Wharf.
The loop then rejoins the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal at its western entrance by the Saint Vincent Street Bridge which marks the boundary between the Convention Quarter and inner city Ladywood.
Links: Canals Birmingham and Wolverhampton Canal
Public Art in the Convention Quarter
The Flame of Hope in Centenary Square consists of a beacon above a revolving globe that was donated by a group of local churches in celebration of the Millennium. The flame should be permanently lit as a symbol of world peace but the gas bills are too expensive and so it is generally turned off unless sponsorship is available.
The Golden Boys, on Broad Street next to Centenary Square, is a gilded statue of Mathew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch. They were partners in the firm of Boulton and Watt which manufactured the first steam engines that could produce a reliable source of industrial power. The statue was made by William Bloye in 1956.
Industry and Genius stands outside Baskerville House in Centenary Square. The sculpture, which was designed by David Patten, reproduces the font invented by the 18th century printer John Baskerville. The letters spell the name of Virgil, a Roman poet whose complete works were published by John Baskerville in 1757.
Spirit and Enterprise is a modern sculpture outside the Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square. Designed by Tom Lomax, it consists of a bronze fountain set amidst three basins: the first contains a coin above a stump vice for minting coinage; the second is an allegory of Enterprise riding a wave of optimism and the third is a multi-ethnic allegory of commerce.
Contact Sitemap User Conditions
© 2008-2010 LACT Limited. All rights reserved