Central Square at Brindleyplace, consists of a 90-metre tree-lined area which is able to accommodate open-air events and other permanent family friendly activities such as table tennis. 

The square is paved in York stone and has a fountain featuring 38 jets of water. 

Central Square, Brindleyplace (October 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

At the centre of Central Square in Brindleyplace is the Costa Coffee cafe. It was designed by Piers Gough. Made of glass and steel, it has an "eye-shaped" footprint.

Costa Cafe in Central Square, Brindleyplace (May 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

The square is surrounded by a variety of modern architecture.  Two, Three, Four, Five and Six Brindleyplace provide a wonderful architectural surrounding for the square.

Central Square, Brindleyplace (February 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley

The Water's Edge is to the north east corner, while the National Sealife Centre is to the north west corner of the square.

Towards the National Sealife Centre from Central Square, Brindleyplace (December 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

You can also get coffee from Caffe Nero at Four Brindleyplace and Pret a Manger at Six Brindleyplace. There is also a restaurant called BANK located at Four Brindeyplace. Other restaurants can be found in and around the square. 

Towards Four Brindleyplace in Central Square, Brindleyplace from The Water's Edge (December 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

'Aquaduct' by Miles Davies

This sculpture was unveiled in Central Square in August 1995 close to Four Brindleyplace. It is made of bronze and sulphur and sculpted in two pieces, it resembles an aqueduct. It is on a lowered stepped base and was manufactured by Burleighfield Arts and supported by the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts. It was a winning entry in a competition from Brindleyplace and the Royal Society of British Sculptors.

Aquaduct (by Miles Davies) in Central Square, Brindleyplace (November 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

38 Jets of Water

The fountains with 38 jets of water is from the approach from The Water's Edge into Central Square. There is a path down the middle. Close to Two and Three Brindleyplace. The path leads down to the Costa Cafe.

38 water jets at Central Square, Brindleyplace (May 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Two Brindleyplace

This is a 6 storey office block with 75,000 square feet of office space. At one point it was the offices of the Lloyds Banking Group. It is made of Marshalls clay brick in a Flemish bond.

Two Brindleyplace in Central Square (May 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Three Brindleyplace

Looking as though it should be in Venice, Three Brindleyplace was built between 1996 and 1998. At one point the building was entirely occupied by offices but in recent years the ground floor has been converted for restaurant use. 

Three Brindleyplace in Central Square (June 2018). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Four Brindleyplace

This building has over 114,000 square feet of office space. Built during the late 1990s. Caffe Nero and BANK are on the ground floor.

Four Brindleyplace in Central Square (April 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Five Brindleyplace

This building was pre-let by BT in 1994. Built between 1995 and 1997, it has around 120,000 square feet of offices space. BT moved out in 2011. After renovation in 2014, Deutsche Bank moved in. Places Birmingham occupies the retail space on the ground floor.

Five Brindleyplace in Central Square (November 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Events held in Central Square, Brindleyplace over the years

There have been many events held in Central Square over the years, such as the 4 Squares Weekender, Fine and Local Food Market, Brindleyplace Film Festival to name just a few.  Trails such as The Big Hoot and Sleuth have occupied the square.  The square's annual Christmas tree and lights always attracts the crowds.

4 Squares Weekender

This was held on the 2nd weekend back in September 2013 in celebration of the opening of the new Library of Birmingham. Various activities were held including an aerial sculpture called Pif Paf, within a transforming mechanical world of action, metal and rope, presented by mac Birmingham.

4 Squares Weekender in Central Square (September 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

Fine and Local Food Market

This took place at the end of May 2014, involving several food markets close to Two Brindleyplace.

Fine and Local Food Market in Central Square (May 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

Brindleyplace Film Festival

This usually takes place every year in July for about a week. People can sit on the steps and watch a film in the open air.

Brindleyplace Film Festival in Central Square (July 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

As part of a city-wide trail of painted owls around Birmingham during 10 weeks in the summer of 2015, two owls could be found in Central Square.

Here is "You Can Call Me Owl" by artist Stephen McKay. It was sponsored by Brindleyplace.

You Can Call Me Owl (by artist Stephen McKay) in Central Square (July 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

Here's "The Oozells Owl" by artist Jodie Silverman sponsored by Deutsche Bank.

The Oozells Owl (by artist Jodie Silverman) in Central Square (July 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

This involved a trail of painted bears around Birmingham during the summer of 2017 for 10 weeks. There were two bears in Central Square.

Here's "Bear'indleyplace" by artist Jennifer Shufflebottom. The sponsor was again Brindleyplace.

Bear'indleyplace (by artist Jennifer Shufflebottom) in Central Square (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

Here's "Bearlock" by artist Lee O'Brien. The sponsor was Deustche Bank.

Bearlock (by artist Lee O'Brien) in Central Square (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Christmas decorations at Central Square

An annual Christmas tree can often be found in the Square every year, plus a variety of fairy lights around Brindleyplace.

At Christmas 2016 there was this unique Christmas boot sculpture, probably from the Magical Lantern Festival, which, at the time, was happening at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Christmas boot at Central Square (December 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Christmas tree in Central Square is never the same every year and always pulls in the crowds.

Christmas Tree at Central Square (December 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

Christmas tree in Central Square (December 2020). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Central Square during the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

The crowds at Brindleyplace celebrated the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a brilliant innovative "the big whistle" event.  

 

Try this post for more great Events in Central Square that have been held over the years.

 

Go visit and experience for yourself

Central Square in Birmingham is quite simply a Birmingham Gem and must be experienced. 

Take our map HERE.