Birmingham Central Library granted 'immunity from listing'

Architecture minister Margaret Hodge today rejected the advice of English Heritage and granted Birmingham's Central Library's 'immunity from listing'.

According to Mrs Hodge, the building – which is the largest civic local library in Europe – was 'not of special architectural or historic interest.'

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, welcomed the announcement as good news for the city.

He said: “We are delighted that Government has granted our application for ‘immunity from listing’ for the Central Library, giving us a major boost in our plans to regenerate the city.

“Now, our vision around a new world-class library and theatre will be enriching transformational change in the heart of the city.

“Today’s decision helps pave the way for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Paradise Circus, which will allow people to enjoy a spectacular long-view from our Council House up to the new Library of Birmingham.

“We expect the completed scheme to create up to 13,000 jobs with a further 250 created by the first phase of construction. Therefore, with its capacity to create significant jobs and investment, and to link the Council House with the Library and Centenary Square with Victoria Square, the Paradise Circus plans must form one of the most exciting developments in the country.”

Gary Taylor, Joint Managing Director of Argent (UK Developments), added: “The Paradise Circus site is of strategic importance to Birmingham and holds enormous potential for the City.

“The decision to grant immunity from Listing creates a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for us to work with the City Council to re-model the area. We want to open the area up to create new streets and squares and create a first class setting for the remarkable collection of historic listed buildings that sit adjacent to Paradise Circus.

“We will now aim to hold a Public Information Event in the New Year to get views from members of the public with the intention of progressing with the planning process for comprehensive re-development of the area.”

The current Central Library building opened in 1974 and was designed by John Madin. Its inverted ziggurat form is regarded a powerful example of the Brutalist style of architecture.

English Heritage, which had recommended grade II status for the library, expressed disappointment.

In a statement, English Heritage said: “In offering the government our expert advice, we examined all aspects of its architectural interest including: whether it fulfilled its brief; whether it was a particularly good example of a public library; how well it survives; how it compares to other listed buildings of a similar type; and how influential the building has been. In our view, these tests were met."