Plan to transform redundant landmark into university exhibition space
THE first images have been revealed of how Birmingham’s historic Municipal Bank will be transformed into an exhibition hall for the University of Birmingham.
The university bought the vacant grade II-listed building last year with a view to creating a city centre venue to showcase its work and research to the wider public.
Initial plans are set to go before the city’s Conservation and Heritage Panel next week showing how the 1931 building, which has been only occasionally used since 1998, will be transformed.
Most striking is a complete overhaul of the little-seen southern elevation of the building where a flat brick wall will be replaced with an elegant rear entrance to the main hall. This new development will include a new stone façade in keeping with the front of the building as well as a glazed entrance under a new canopy.
The Broad distinctive Street façade, with columns will its be unchanged apart from the addition of a University of Birmingham coat of arms and sign.
The banking hall’s large skylight will be uncovered and the space will become a public walk-through.
A university spokeswoman said: “Our acquisition of the former Municipal Bank last year provides an exciting opportunity to create a new home back in the city centre, alongside the new HSBC and HMRC buildings, the redesigned Centenary Square, Midland Metro and many of the city’s flagship cultural organisations.
“Our aim is to re-open the much loved banking hall and vaults to the public, with a programme of exhibitions, events and learning activities created with the community and bringing our research to life for the city’s residents and visitors.
“We are also looking to develop a series of meeting and work spaces on the upper floors to host student entrepreneurs, research groups, and training courses. Plans are at an early stage and we are looking forward to working closely with partners across the city to bring our ideas to life.”
She said that the current planning application is to enable some initial works while the Midland Metro tram extension is under construction.
She added: “We will continue to develop the early concept designs for this wonderful building and are hoping to undertake a major refurbishment project over the next few years, once the necessary approvals and funding is in place.”
Built in 1931 as the home of the council-owned bank, it was once the headquarters of a network of 66 branches throughout the city. However, barring occasional use as an exhibition space or TV studio it has remained empty since it closed in 1998.
It sits on the Arena Central development site, where the giant HSBC bank headquarters is nearing completion and the Centenary Square makeover and the Midland Metro extension are under way.