Central Square, Brindleyplace - A Birmingham Gem!

Central Square is situated at Brindleyplace in Westside, Birmingham. Surrounded by Two, Three, Four and Five Brindleyplace, with the Costa Coffee Cafe in the middle.


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

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 Central Square

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

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.

Central Square Brindleyplace

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. 

Central Square Brindleyplace

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 Miles Davies

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.

Water Jets Central Square

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

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

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

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

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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 Central Square

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.

Xmas Tree Central Square

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

Central Square Xmas tree

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.

Project dates

31 Oct 2019 - On-going

Passions

Photography, Business & enterprise, People & community
Modern Architecture, Squares and public spaces

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

Squares and public spaces
05 Nov 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Rediscover Brindleyplace from The Water's Edge to Central Square

Post image

Recently around Brindleyplace, these colourful signs and banners have gone up. Rediscover Brindleyplace. We have missed you. Come back. It's been quiet during the pandemic, even after restrictions were eased in the summer. But with new restrictions will people still book a table in restaurants? Obviously you can just show up for Costa, Caffe Nero or Pret. Scan the NHS QR code.

Related

Rediscover Brindleyplace from The Water's Edge to Central Square





Recently around Brindleyplace, these colourful signs and banners have gone up. Rediscover Brindleyplace. We have missed you. Come back. It's been quiet during the pandemic, even after restrictions were eased in the summer. But with new restrictions will people still book a table in restaurants? Obviously you can just show up for Costa, Caffe Nero or Pret. Scan the NHS QR code.


Rediscover Brindleyplace

Brindleyplace is now sponsoring West Midlands Metro tram 32. As seen here on Pinfold Street and Stephenson Street (on the 29th October 2020). The yellow advert works better than the previous lime green OLA advert. By late 2021 it will be possible to get a tram to Brindleyplace. Until then get a tram to Library Tram Stop, or walk via Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square and Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Rediscover Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace WMM 32 (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Rediscover Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace WMM 32 (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Water's Edge

One route to Brindleyplace on foot is from Centenary Square, then down Bridge Street. Get onto Gas Street Basin and walk past Regency Wharf (gates are locked to Worcester Bar).

Then head through the Broad Street Tunnel (duck your head if you are tall). Then cross over the Brindleyplace Footbridge to The Water's Edge (the route I took on the 29th October 2020).

It was a bit quiet when I was last around here. Maybe due to the pandemic, the latest restrictions or as The ICC Mall is still closed. As well as the Westside Metro extension works down Broad Street.

But buses are diverted down Cambridge Street and King Edward's Road at the back.

dndimg alt="The Water's Edge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Waters Edge (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Water's Edge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Waters Edge (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Water's Edge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Waters Edge (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Central Square

A previous time heading into Central Square (on the 19th October 2020), I headed over the Brewmaster's Bridge, then headed down the steps to the right. Then headed up past Three Brindleyplace. There was these colourful blue and green sleeves on the trees in the square.

This route was named Atlas Way. After the Atlas Works that was on the site of the Sea Life Centre from the mid 1880s until 1958. It was demolished in 1986 to make way for the Sea Life Centre.

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Cent Sq (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Cent Sq (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Cent Sq (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Cent Sq (Oct 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the water jets fountain feature was this sky blue direction signs on the path in the middle. With directions to the Sea Life Centre and IKON Gallery.

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Cent Sq (Oct 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Over a week later (on the 29th October 2020) I got the other side in wet weather. With directions to more restaurants and to the Sea Life Centre. Looked very quiet.

dndimg alt="Central Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace Central Sq (Oct 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There will be a second lockdown during November 2020. So all restaurants and cafes will be closed again. 

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Modern Architecture
21 Nov 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Central Square, Brindleyplace: Westside's central hub for events

Post image

Development of Central Square in Brindleyplace took place in the 1990s. In the centre is the Brindleyplace Cafe which is a Costa Coffee. One building looks like it escaped from Venice and that's Three Brindleyplace. Four Brindleyplace is now home to Caffe Nero and BANK (a restaurant not a bank). Opposite is Two Brindleyplace. Five Brindleyplace finishes off the square.

Related

Central Square, Brindleyplace: Westside's central hub for events





Development of Central Square in Brindleyplace took place in the 1990s. In the centre is the Brindleyplace Cafe which is a Costa Coffee. One building looks like it escaped from Venice and that's Three Brindleyplace. Four Brindleyplace is now home to Caffe Nero and BANK (a restaurant not a bank). Opposite is Two Brindleyplace. Five Brindleyplace finishes off the square.


Lets have a look around Central Square, Brindleyplace. First with my earliest photos from May 2009.

Costa Coffee based in the Brindleyplace Cafe or Central Cafe. I have been here several times over the years. Although it's more convenient now to go to the Costa at Arena Birmingham (it's bigger). This view looking towards Six Brindleyplace (to the left) and Five Brindleyplace (to the right).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards Two Brindleyplace. Near there is the water fountain jets. There is a path in the middle that goes down the steps. The building was completed in 1997. At one point it was the offices of Lloyds TSB (now just Lloyds Bank).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now Birmingham's very own escaped from Venice buildings. Three Brindleyplace, which was completed in 1998. It faces the canalside and is to the right of the National Sealife Centre. In recent years restaurant space has been opened up on the ground floor.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2009) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Five Brindleyplace is seen to the right of Six Brindleyplace and the Costa Coffee Cafe. It was completed in 1996. It was offices of BT. But in recent years has been refurbished into offices for Deutsche Bank (who used to be in One Brindleyplace (that has been taken over by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the Aqueduct sculpture by Miles Davies seen in November 2009. It was unveiled in 1995. Four Brindleyplace seen behind was completed in 1999. BANK the restaurant was in Central Square 10 years ago like it is now. I think an estate agents was where Caffe Nero is now (on the left). I regularly go to that Caffe Nero (as with others around the City and Solihull).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace (Nov 2009) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The water fountain jets. Walk down the path in the middle for safety reasons. Kids may want to play in the water. Sometimes it is turned off. Between Two and Three Brindleyplace. Seen in May 2009.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Water jet fountains Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now a look at some of the events held here over the years.

4 Squares Weekender

Held over the weekend of the 6th to 8th September 2013. Co-inciding with the opening of the new Library of Birmingham. They also used Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square and Centenary Square. I saw it on the 7th September 2013.

This is Pif Paf.
The thrilling new aerial sculpture by Pif Paf, within a transforming mechanical world of action, metal and rope, presented by mac Birmingham.

dndimg alt="4 Squares Weekender" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4 Squares Weekender Central Square Brindleyplace (Sept 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Some musicians including a man with a guitar. Was still an estate agent at Four Brindleyplace at this time (no Caffe Nero until sometime in 2014).

dndimg alt="4 Squares Weekender" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4 Squares Weekender Central Square Brindleyplace (Sept 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the pink and white banners for 4 Squares Weekender.

dndimg alt="4 Squares Weekender" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4 Squares Weekender Central Square Brindleyplace (Sept 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of Pif Paf.

dndimg alt="4 Squares Weekender" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4 Squares Weekender Central Square Brindleyplace (Sept 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Fine and Local Food Market

This was on the 30th May 2014. These market stalls near Two Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fine and Local Food Market Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

These market stalls between the Costa Coffee Cafe and Three Brindleyplace. Looking towards Two Brindleyplace (on the left).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fine and Local Food Market Central Square Brindleyplace (May 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Brindleyplace Film Festival

This was held from the 7th to 13th July 2014. On Saturday the 12th July 2014 they were showing Toy Story 2 in Central Square.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brindleyplace Film Festival Central Square (July 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The crowd of people enjoying the movie in the summer sunshine, as I headed for a coffee at Caffe Nero in Four Brindleyplace. They could be in Venice but Three Brindleyplace is in Birmingham. The Waters Edge on the right leads towards the canal and The ICC.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brindleyplace Film Festival Central Square (July 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

It was an art trail of painted owls across the city. Was a pair in Central Square from July 2015 for a 10 week period over the summer. (the old The Big Hoot website is no longer online).

This one was called You Can Call Me Owl by the artist Stephen McKay and the sponsor was Brindleyplace. Seen in July 2015. It looked like a red phone box. Seen close to Two Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Big Hoot Red Phonebox (July 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This owl that resembled the IKON Gallery was outside of Five Brindleyplace. The Oozells Owl by the artist Jodie Silverman and the sponsor was Deutsche Bank (outside of their new home from 2014). See also my IKON Gallery post.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Big Hoot Oozells Owl (July 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

Another public art trail around Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and Dudley. But this time painted bears. A 10 week trail over the summer from July 2017. Their website has unfortunately been taken over by something that is nothing to do with the trail.

Bearlock was by the artist Lee O'Brien and the sponsor was Deustche Bank. Seen outside of Five Brindleyplace. Based upon Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Seen in July 2017.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Big Sleuth (July 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bear'indleyplace was by the artist Jennifer Shufflebottom and the sponsor was Brindleyplace. Was close to Two Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Big Sleuth (July 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Christmas 2016

Seen in December 2016 was Santa's Christmas Boot. A bit like one of those Magical Lantern things that was at the Botanical Gardens at the time.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Xmas (Dec 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seems to me like Brindleyplace only put's up teir Christmas tree in early December, like his one in December 2016. looking towards Caffe Nero and Four Brindleyplace. You wont find a Christmas tree here in November (unlike other parts of the City Centre).

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central Square Brindleyplace Xmas (Dec 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Amazon Treasure Truck

This was seen in February 2018. Seen parked close to Three Brindleyplace. Over 2018 I kept seeing it return to the City Centre multiple times. Sometimes in Victoria Square, sometimes at the Bullring.

dndimg alt="Amazon Treasure Truck" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Amazon Treasure Truck Central Square Brindleyplace (Feb 2018) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The front side of the Amazon Treasure Truck near Costa Coffee and Five Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Amazon Treasure Truck" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Amazon Treasure Truck Central Square Brindleyplace (Feb 2018) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view towards Four Brindleyplace and Caffe Nero. The occasion for this visit was Valentines Day.

dndimg alt="Amazon Treasure Truck" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Amazon Treasure Truck Central Square Brindleyplace (Feb 2018) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Forget me not

This was during April 2018. Got these views from the Brindleyplace Car Park. There for the second year from the 2nd to 8th April 2018.

dndimg alt="Forget me not" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forget Me Not Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2000 wrought iron flowers symbolises a special person who is no longer with us. Views from the car park were a bit awkward to get.

dndimg alt="Forget me not" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forget Me Not Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bit harder to get a decent view from the square itself. I'm not sure if it returned here for a third year in 2019 or not. Didn't hear anything about it this time around.

dndimg alt="Forget me not" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forget Me Not Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fast & Furious

This was seen in Central Square during April 2018. Promoting Fast & Furious Live which was going to be at Arena Birmingham on the 20th, 21st and 22nd April 2018 (last year).

dndimg alt="Fast & Furious" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fast Furious Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Various revved up and modded cars were parked in the square. We now have Fast & Furious 9 to await in cinemas in 2020 (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw came out in August 2019).

dndimg alt="Fast & Furious" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fast Furious Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Fast & Furious Live lorry parked near BANK at Four Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Fast & Furious" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fast Furious Central Square Brindleyplace (April 2018) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Brindley The Place

This was a temporary renaming of Brindleyplace as Brindley The Place during April 2019 (these signs have gone now). This was on Three Brindleyplace or Three Brindley The Place.

dndimg alt="Brindley The Place" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brindey The Place Central Square (April 2019) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was at Four Brindleyplace. Or Four Brindley The Place.

dndimg alt="Brindley The Place" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brindey The Place Central Square (April 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome to Brindley The Place. This large banner was down Six Brindleyplace or Six Brindley The Place.

dndimg alt="Brindley The Place" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brindey The Place Central Square (April 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More Central Square photos here Brindleyplace, Central Square, Birmingham. Including some small dinosaurs and Oompa loompas.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Close and return