Centenary Square is a public square on Broad Street in central Birmingham, England, named in 1989 in celebration of the centenary of Birmingham achieving city status in 1889.
The area was purchased in the early 20th century by the council for the creation of a grand civic scheme to include new council offices, mayor's residence, public library and concert hall. The scheme was abandoned after the arrival of World War II with only half of the planned Baskerville House having been built.
The square is a work of art in itself, with paving, railings and lamps designed by artist Tess Jaray. Work on the square cost £3.4 million.
The square was the centrepiece of the millennium celebrations for the city with singer, Cliff Richard lighting a beacon known as The Flame of Hope, which stood between Baskerville House and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Problems with funding resulted in the flame regularly being turned off, and it was eventually removed.
The Library of Birmingham is currently being built between Baskerville House and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Mecanoo won the design competition in August 2008, and work began to prepare the land for building work in November 2009 before planning permission was granted. Final planning permission was granted in November/December 2009 and work began in January 2010. A large section of Centenary Square is now therefore shut off to the public whilst building work takes place. The Spirit and Enterprise Fountain has since been removed.
Read more about Centenary Square: Features
Famous quotes containing the word square:
“I would say it was the coffin of a midget
Or a square baby
Were there not such a din in it.”
—Sylvia Plath (1932–1963)