New-look Centenary Square opens with reflecting pool

Birmingham's Centenary Square has reopened with a striking new design, including a reflecting pool with 28 water jets, trees, planting and new seating.

The square was officially opened on 3 July, when deputy council leader Councillor Brigid Jones was joined by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Azim, and the Lady Mayoress, Bushra Bi, to switch on the pool's fountains.

A winning design

The new look comes nearly five years after the city council launched an international competition to redesign the square, which attracted 185 entries from more than 30 countries. The winning design, by the Edinburgh-based firm Graeme Massie Architects, mixes trees and smaller plants with a new reflection pool and seating built into the landscape.

The competition was launched in October 2014, after the new Library of Birmingham had opened on the square, to help regenerate the area and the wider Westside of the city centre.

"A world-class public space"

"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," Cllr Jones said.

Graeme Massie said the firm was delighted with the finished square. "We now look forward to seeing it evolve into a key gathering place for the people of Birmingham and visitors to the city," he said.

Who paid for it

Most of the cost was met by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, which awarded a £10.55 million Enterprise Zone grant. A further £1.2 million came through planning contributions from developers, and £3.8 million from the city council.

Tim Pile, chair of the partnership, said the square would be a focal point for the investment taking place around it, at Paradise, Arena Central, Symphony Hall and on the extension of the Metro tram line, and would help attract more.

Surrounded by landmarks

Centenary Square is one of the city's largest public spaces. It is bordered by the Library of Birmingham, the REP theatre, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall, Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory, the city's First World War memorial. The square was first laid out in 1989 to mark the centenary of Birmingham being granted city status in 1889.

In recent winters it has been home to an ice rink and a big wheel, which moved elsewhere while the work went on.

Music to open

The opening coincided with the first day of Music for Youth's National Festival, which is being held at venues across Birmingham until 6 July. Pupils from Oasis Academy Woodview in Edgbaston performed djembe and steel pan pieces at the ceremony.

Judith Webster, chief executive of Music for Youth, said this was the 15th year the festival had been held in the city. With outdoor stages in the square, the new space was put to use on its very first day.