The Exchange (former Municipal Bank), 3 Centenary Square - A Birmingham Gem!

The Birmingham Municipal Bank was built from 1932-33. Later became a Trustee Savings Bank. By the time it closed in 2006 it was Lloyds TSB. Now The Exchange | University of Birmingham, 2021.


This building and former Municipal Bank is to be home to a diverse range of activities for all community and for people and business across Birmingham.

The Exchange. Artists impression courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects/University of Birmingham.

 

What the future has in store for The Exchange!

In the words of its new owners, University of Birmingham:

"The Exchange will be a place for curiosity, celebration, collaboration and change. It will bring together communities to shape the ideas and solutions that will make our cities and regions better places to live, work and learn.

The Exchange. Artists impression courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects/University of Birmingham.

 

It will act as the catalyst for a range of city and community-focused research, teaching and engagement activities, including exhibitions, talks, workshops and seminars, as well as providing dedicated facilities for collaboration and co-creation across a number of key themes."

  • Driving regional growth by using data and evidence to support public and private organisations to make better strategic decisions. This will be delivered by WM REDI.
  • Developing the business skills our city needs through our future skills initiative and innovative CPD.
  • Preparing future leaders to succeed in an ever changing workplace.
  • Inspiring communities by engaging and involving the public in research that matters.

 

The Story so far! 

Located in a prime position in the civic centre of Birmingham next to Centenary Square and of huge historical importance to Birmingham, the Municipal Bank was always going to part of The Big City Plan.  

However before the University of Birmingham got involved in its future, this is how things looked for the former Municipal Bank.

Municipal Bank (pre-restoration) (September 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown. 

 

Fast track to March 2021 and we are well into the amazing restoration and refurbishment with the future of this amazing building secured!

The Exchange Building (new owners Birmingham University). Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The situation at the end of April 2021, and it looks like the artists impression, as a West Midlands Metro tram departs from Library Tram Stop past HSBC UK at One Centenary Square.

The ExchangeThe Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

By late May 2021, they have put up the sign saying "The Exchange | University of Birmingham".

The ExchangeThe Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (May 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Exchange quietly opened to the public by September 2021, while an official opening took place on Saturday 2nd October 2021, by the University of Birmingham's Professor Alice Roberts (well known for her history documentaries on TV).

The Exchange UoBThe Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (October 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The refurbishment

The refurbishment works will see a removal of the south elevation facing onto the newly created Bank Court public space. It will be replaced with a new southern extension, with roof canopy and second floor terraces. A newly raised roof light will also be incorporated into the redevelopment.

The Exchange. Artists impressions courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects/University of Birmingham.

The Bank’s heritage spaces, which include the vaults and the former banking hall, are to be meticulously refurbished and re-opened to the public with events, exhibitions, workshops, performances and a café space.

Glancy Nicholls Architects are the lead architects involved in designing this amazing new space.

Contractor for the works is Galliford Try.

Completion is targeted for 2021.

 

History of the building

The Birmingham Municipal Bank was located at 301 Broad Street in Birmingham. It was a branch of Lloyds TSB until 2006, whose signs were still on the building at the end of 2009.

Birmingham Municipal BankFormer Lloyds TSB at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (December 2009). Photography of Elliott Brown

 

The architect was Thomas Cecil Howitt. The foundation stone was laid on the 22nd October 1932 by the Rt Hon Neville Chamberlain MP, at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer. Neville Chamberlain was the first Chairman of the Bank, it was his idea originally and he was principally responsible for its initiation.

Neville ChamberlainStone laid by Neville Chamberlain at the First Municipal Savings Bank in Great Britain in October 1932 (March 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The building was opened on the 27 November 1933 by H.R.H. the Prince George. It was built as the headquarters for the Birmingham Municipal Bank.

Prince GeorgeH.R.H. The Price George opened the First Municipal Savings Bank in Great Britian during November 1933 (March 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It ceased to be a department of the Council who sold it in 1976, becoming a Trustee Savings Bank. The TSB (later Lloyds TSB) left the building in 2006 selling it back to Birmingham City Council. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1996. The University of Birmingham completed the purchase of the former bank in November 2017.

 

Logos

At the front of the Birmingham Municipal Bank there was four logos at the front. There was two Birmingham Forward shields.

Birmingham Municipal Bank

 

There was also the two of the municipal banks key symbol. Representing Britian's first Municipal Savings Bank.

Birmingham Municipal BankLogos at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (December 2009). Photography of Elliott Brown

 

Revolving Door

From Broad Street, you entered the Municipal Bank through these revolving doors, just push it around and head into the Banking Hall inside.

Revolving Doors BMB

Revolving Doors BMB

Revolving Doors BMB

Revolving Doors BMB

Revolving Doors BMB

Revolving Door at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Banking Hall

This was the large room where customers did there banking from 1933, right up and till 2006. Thrift Radiates Happiness. Saving is the Mother of Riches. 1933.

Banking Hall BMB

Banking Hall BMB

Banking Hall BMB

Banking Hall BMB

Banking Hall at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Forward windows

Either side of the Revolving doors inside of the Banking Hall, is four Forward stained glass windows.

Commerce Integrity

Forward window BMB

 

Labour Perseverance

Forward window BMB

 

Banking Finance

Forward window BMB

 

Industry Progress

Forward window BMB

Forward Windows at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Vault

During Birmingham Heritage Week, such as during September 2015, you could explore the building, and head downstairs to the vault. Featuring lockable slots made by Chubb of London, where bankers could keep their valuables. There was a massive safe door at the entrance to it, probably with a combination lock.

The Vault

The Vault

The Vault

The Vault

The Vault

The VaultThe vault at Birmingham Municipal Bank during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (September 2015) courtesy of Elliott Brown


 

Heading to the Basement

This is what it looked like inside of the Municipal Bank in 2015 during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (around 5 to 6 years before it was restored). Many of the former offices, where customers could deposit or collect their valuables from the box that would go into the slot in the vault.

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Birmingham Municipal Bank

A look around the Birmingham Municipal Bank during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (September 2015) Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Universe of Sound

The Universe of Sound played at the Birmingham Municipal Bank during June 2013. It was free, fun, interactive orchestra experience. They were playing The Planets.

Birmingham Municipal BankUniverse of Sound at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (June 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Festival Hub for the International Dance Festival Birmingham

The Festival Hub was at the Birmingham Municipal Bank from April to May 2016. The International Dance Festival Birmingham took place throughout May 2016.

Birmingham Municipal Bank

Festival Hub for the International Dance Festival Birmingham at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (April 2016). Photography of Elliott Brown

 

For further details and information on The Exchange contact:

info@theexchange.bham.ac.uk

www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/building/the-exchange

Project dates

05 Sep 2019 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Construction & regeneration, Education
Classic Architecture

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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15 Dec 2021 - Elliott Brown 		News & Updates

The Exchange | University of Birmingham (formerly the Municipal Bank) - March to December 2021

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Delayed photo gallery update to The Exchange, now part of the University of Birmingham (formerly the Birmingham Municipal Bank Headquarters). This update from Daniel and Elliott with photos taken from March to December 2021 (external only, we have yet to visit since it reopened). It opened in Autumn 2021. Enjoy this update, sorry it's months late, Daniel forgot to update it.

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Delayed photo gallery update to The Exchange, now part of the University of Birmingham (formerly the Birmingham Municipal Bank Headquarters). This update from Daniel and Elliott with photos taken from March to December 2021 (external only, we have yet to visit since it reopened). It opened in Autumn 2021. Enjoy this update, sorry it's months late, Daniel forgot to update it.


The Exchange opened in September 2021, and many people have had a chance to explore it since then, but Birmingham We Are's Daniel Sturley and Elliott Brown have yet to have time to visit it and go inside (other commitments, no time etc). This gallery of photos showing the renovations between March and December 2021. It was completed by the end of August 2021. It sounds like some people have had guided tours of the building. Hopefully Jonathan Bostock will get access for guided tours in 2022?

 

13th March 2021

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14th March 2021

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16th March 2021

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21st March 2021

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25th March 2021

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28th March 2021

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Photos by Daniel Sturley

 

3rd April 2021

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29th April 2021

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16th May 2021

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22nd May 2021

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Photos by Elliott Brown

 

23rd May 2021

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24th July 2021

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dndimg alt="The Exchange" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_1015b_UOBX.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Daniel Sturley

 

13th August 2021

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2nd October 2021

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5th December 2021

dndimg alt="The Exchange" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Exchange GSB 05122021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Construction & regeneration
22 Feb 2021 - Daniel Sturley 		News & Updates

The refurbishment of the former Municipal Bank (now The Exchange) - February 2021

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For much of the past year, Three Centenary Way (the former Municipal Bank) has been hidden behind protective coverings. With these now largely removed, we have been given the first glimpse of this immaculate building since it has been cleaned.  Now in University of Birmingham hands, we can see that considerable progress has been made.

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The refurbishment of the former Municipal Bank (now The Exchange) - February 2021





For much of the past year, Three Centenary Way (the former Municipal Bank) has been hidden behind protective coverings. With these now largely removed, we have been given the first glimpse of this immaculate building since it has been cleaned.  Now in University of Birmingham hands, we can see that considerable progress has been made.


The following gallery takes a look at how things have progressed over the past 12 months.

 

March 2020

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April 2020

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September 2020

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December 2020

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February 2021

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Photography courtesy Daniel Sturley (Birmingham We Are and It's Your Build communities)

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Construction & regeneration
20 Feb 2020 - Stephen Giles 		News & Updates

The refurbishment of Three Centenary Square (UOB) - February 2020

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Steel structure is visible at the back of the old Municipal Bank Building which is now Three Centenary Square at Arena Central and owned by the University of Birmingham. More photos can be found in the full article.

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Steel structure is visible at the back of the old Municipal Bank Building which is now Three Centenary Square at Arena Central and owned by the University of Birmingham. More photos can be found in the full article.


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Photos by Stephen GIles

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