The history and future of this build in a prime location in Birmingham is fascinating. Stephen pulls it all together in this fascinating post.

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Past, present and future of 5 Centenary Square, Birmingham


Past, present and future of 5 Centenary Square, Birmingham


The history and future of this build in a prime location in Birmingham is fascinating. Stephen pulls it all together in this fascinating post.


Birmingham continues to move forward as one of the country’s most successful business destinations, and with developments such at Arena Central, Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square it's easy to see why.

Latest to hit the development scene is 5 Centenary Square..

Boasting floorplates totalling 225,086 sq ft of office space over nine floors, 5 Centenary Square will also include a seventh floor external terrace overlooking the newly transformed Centenary Square.

The development is being brought forward by Make Architects and Arena Central Developments LLP - otherwise known as Kier Property, who recently purchased AC from Miller Developments.

With Centenary Square undergoing a staggering transformation, the Midland Metro Tram close to running through, and with all the major cultural attractions closeby, 5 Centenary Square represents a prime location for any potential occupier(s).

2014 SCHEME

Planning consent was actually granted for this very building (then known as 1 Arena Central) at eight storeys tall. 

However, it was put on hold, with the rest of Arena Central being built up. Now it''s back, amended and firmly back on the agenda, as I'll point out below.

THE BUILDING

Make no mistake, Arena Central and its plethora of new buildings are causing a bit of a stir. The designs are bold and “out there”.

The beauty of architecture is that there's no wrong opinion. You'll either love it, or you'll absolutely loathe it.

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5 Centenary Square will complete the line of frontages facing onto Centenary Square and will become a gateway into Arena Central, with Hyatt Hotel and Alpha Tower bookmarking the site on opposite sides.

With an elegant curve and a bold precast pattern, it's been designed to imitate and respect its grand old Portland Stone neighbours next door and across the square, whilst adding its own modern interpretation to proceedings.

The curve has been designed to draw people into the development and onto the landscaped ‘Serpentine’ pedestrian route.

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The route will zig-zag its way through the development, finishing up on Holliday Street, but not before linking up with The Terrace & Bank Court - new public plazas yet to come, as well as secondary pedestrian routes, as seen below.

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DESIGN & FACADE

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As you can see, the cladding is simple, yet effective.

Inspiration has been taken from Bridget Riley - a fine art artist. See her 'Movement in Square' piece here, and her other works here.

Her specialty is creating illusions that make flat surfaces appear rippled or curved.

Applying that to this building emphasises the curve, whilst strengthening the overall form of the building.

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There are a range of options for the precast concrete panels. Final shades are yet to be confirmed. Greater Birmingham Developments will be sure to keep everyone up to date on any changes.

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CAR & CYCLE ACCESS

Vehicular access to the building is available via Bridge Street, as is the case with HSBC UK. Cars will enter and exit via the shared ramp.

A total of 68 parking spaces are to be provided at basement level, alongside charging points for electric vehicles.

Cycle storage is located on the lower ground floor, with access from the Bridge Street pavement. These will include cycle racks, showers and locker facilities.

LIGHTING SCHEME

With Centenary Square lighting up the area beautifully nowadays, this building won't be awash with light.

It'll be a case of less is more and just highlighting its best features.

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The ground floor recessed entrance, as you can see in the picture above, will be uplit, providing a safe and welcoming presence.

Looking upwards, you'll notice that the balcony around the curved corner will too be illuminated, with fittings mounted on the inside face of the cladding panels.

As for the internal lights on the office floorplates. These will be switched on or off depending on the tenants’ hours of operation.

CHANGES FROM THE 2014 SCHEME

We've got an additional floor, which is being dictated by market confidence and interest from potential occupiers, impressed no doubt by the city’s ability at signing up HMRC and HSBC UK, next door.

Other changes have seen the commercial unit on the ground floor facing onto Centenary Square omitted, following feedback from these "potential" occupiers.

Active frontages will dominate though, albeit in the form of staff cafés, meeting suites or office space. The fire-fighting entrance, cycle entrance and parking exit have also been changed to improve the overall aesthetic of the building.

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MORE PICTURES OF 5 CENTENARY SQUARE:

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All pictures in this article are artists impression from Make Architects