Before the council realise it’s there and expunge it from the web, take some time to visit ‘Back to the Modern‘ a very nice appreciation of Central Library. As well as a basic history of the building there are some lovely photos featuring the Duke of Gloucester being very excited by the structure. This is in no way connected to the appearance of these lovely Central Library T-Shirts on the all new BiNS shop:
I’ve just put Mike Whitby’s letter to Margaret Hodge of the DCMS about Central Library up online. Go read it, it’s interesting, but I’ll pull out a few points here, and comment from my own perspective: “how has the situation has changed in the five years since the former Secretary of State decided the building should not be listed In terms of the physical condition of the building, clearly that has deteriorated further…” Well it has (if it has), because the Council have let it happen — if deterioration of a Council building isn’t their responsibility whose is it? Maybe a building needs listing more if those responsible don’t maintain it. “and the inadequacies of the building for a contemporary library service in a dynamic multi-cultural community at the heart of a globally relevant city become evermore apparent.” Listing doesn’t always rely on usage – many people have suggested the building stay, but the purpose change. “the building has never received a single architectural award since its completion, locally, nationally, or internationally.” “…not a single building by John Madin has been statutorily listed.” Awww, let’s give it an award now, ‘BiNS Library of the Year’. Let’s not do...
Today is the last day to say anything to the Department for Culture Media and Sport to support (or otherwise of course) English Heritage’s bid to list the Central Library. Email them at enquiries@culture.gov.uk. Make sure that they know you’re talking about Birmingham Central Library, and say that you agree with English Heritage’s recommendation that it be listed. The more personal you make your email the better. I’ve tried to collect most of the debate on delicious.
Uploaded with plasq‘s Skitch! An ‘artist’s’ impression. The city council have said that whatever the result of English Heritage’s attempt to get The Central Library listed, they still intend to knock it down.It’s nice to have city planners with vision, but we’re allowed to disagree when we think they’re wrong and I do here. Quite a few people have raised objections, which the council won’t listen to, but so far I don’t think anyone has voiced an opinion on what should be done. One of the main arguments against keeping the library is that the whole ‘paradise’ development cuts one side of the city centre off from the other — I think this is quite valid and the council is obviously keen to have events in Centenary Square, and people do see the divide as an effort to cross. The council want to be able to see the Town Hall, they think the library cramps it — but the beauty of the library is similarly cramped by truly horrible buildings. So, lets open it up — and knock every bit of Paradise Circus apart from the library down. Get rid of the Copthorne hotel, Adrian Boult hall, Paradise Place,...
Pogus Caesar‘s film ‘Francesca’s Key’ gets a public showing this Thursday (25th October) at the Library Theatre. The screening starts at approximately 7 p.m and is free. Francesca’s Key draws on local history to tell the mystical story of Francesca, a local girl who runs away from home and embarks on a journey via the reservoir. Through the narrative, the area of Ladywood is explored and offers a new interpretation of the place, from an inner city suburb into an exotic landscape.
