The Central Library

The Central Library in Paradise Circus will not be retained as part of these proposals. In its current form the Central Library has low floor to ceiling heights and very little natural light making it unsuitable for many alternative uses. In addition, retention of the existing building would severely constrain future plans for comprehensive redevelopment of the wider area which provide the following benefits:

  • Pedestrian routes linking the city core to Summer Row, the Jewellery Quarter, Centenary Square and Arena Central would be unable to be transformed
  • Existing road layout could not be changed to create better connectivity across the city
  • An opportunity to create high quality, public realm for the historic heritage buildings in the heart of Birmingham will be lost
  • Unattractive and unwelcoming spaces surrounding the library would have to be retained
  • Longer views towards the landmark historic buildings could not be created

The new Library of Birmingham will be easily viewed and reached through the greatly improved pedestrian access in our proposals.

  • New Birmingham Library Computer generated image of the new Library of Birmingham
  • Current Birmingham Library Bleak and constrained entrances