EXPLORING BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

BRINDLEY PLACE

• A site of factories throughout Birmingham's industrial peak
• In 1970's, factories closing left area abandoned and derelict
• The council began working on making the canals part of the CBD
• Along the canal, Symphony Hall, the ICC and the NIA were built
• Architectural design was made a focus for the area, to 'refresh' it

EASTSIDE

• Area used as farmland in Medieval times
• Became home to a complex of factories in Industrial Revolution
• In late 1800's, became accessed by major tram network
• Aston Science Park opened in 1983, near Aston University
• Millennium. Point opened in 2002, as part of ongoing regeneration

LIBRARY

• Original library opened in 1865
• In 1879, the Central Library was burnt down
• In 1882, the Central Library re-opened after being rebuilt
• An inner ring road construction led to a new library, opened in 1974
• In June 2013, it was closed, and the Library of Birmingham replaced it

PRESENT DAY

• Brindley Place has become home to a financial district
• Financial district and performing arts focus support local economy
• Library relocation makes it stand out, increasing tourism
• Eastside regenerated into centre of higher education
• Universities and science parks will support industry growth in the future

FUTURE

• NIA undergoing refurbish to keep up to date and keep mantained
• Refurbish will allow for a better viewing experience
• Eastside to be part of HS2 route, increasing tourism and creating jobs
• New library to change the way libraries work in the future
• Birmingham being transformed to meet future demands of a 'Second City'

BENEFITS

• Financial District brings income into regional economy
• Development of colleges/universities will support industry in the future
• Industries supported could improve future infrastructure
• New library allows for increased tourism, supporting local economy
• Thousands of jobs created by regeneration