Report - Central Library / Paradise Forum, Birmingham - June 2015

[PopPunkJamie]

Visited with 2 non members and @jacquesj, more commonly known as SpiderMonkey.

Birmingham Central Library was the main public library in Birmingham, England from 1974 until 2013. For a time the largest non-national library in Europe, it closed on 29 June 2013 and was replaced with the Library of Birmingham. The existing building was due to be demolished early in 2015 after 41 years, as part of the redevelopment of Paradise Circus by Argent Group. Designed by architect, John Madin in the brutalist style, the library was part of an ambitious development project by Birmingham City Council to create a civic centre on its new Inner Ring Road system; however due to economic reasons significant parts of the masterplan were not completed and quality was reduced on materials as an economic measure. Two previous libraries occupied the adjacent site before Madin’s library opened in 1974. The previous library was opened in 1883 and was designed by John Henry Chamberlain featuring a tall clerestoried reading room, this was demolished in 1974 after the new library had opened.

Despite the original vision not being fully implemented the library has gained architectural praise as an icon of British Brutalism with its stark use of concrete, bold geometry, inverted ziggurat sculptural form and monumental scale. Its style was seen at the time as a symbol of social progressivism. Based on this, English Heritage applied and failed twice for the building to gain listed status. However, due to strong opposition from Birmingham City Council the building gained immunity from listing until 2016.

In 2010–11 Central Library was the second most visited library in the country with 1,197,350 visitors

Been a while since I've posted a report on here so figured I better earn my keep and pop this one up. Mainly just to make people aware it's still doable and to make the most of what few rooftops Birmingham has to offer.

After a quick look round Birmingham Municipal Bank, it seemed only right to give this a go as it's over the road. Wasn't too confident of pulling this one off as access is right next to a main road and a subway, and with 4 people climbing over it's hardly discreet in broad day light. But we got a good hour or so up here undisturbed. Worth a look if you're in the area, just be sure to tiptoe around next to where the public pass through the forum and don't lean too far over to watch them from up top. There's nothing of merit worth shooting inside so it's just some of the stuff from up high that I captured.

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[vapingmonkey]

Loving this but a bit high for me over the edge lol! So you would catch me sitting on the edge like you did. Well done some awesome photos!

 

[Eight-Seven]

Excellent stuff. Walk through here everyday wondering if I could pop over the wall and have a goosey. Top job

 

[Miss Mayhem]

Cracking stuff, looks cool

 

[Booyaa]

Excellent stuff. Walk through here everyday wondering if I could pop over the wall and have a goosey. Top job

Same!

Nice shots there, thanks for posting them up. I take it the insides are totally stripped now?

 

[jellyfish]

Bang on pics there :-). was there the other day , handy that the workmen left us some masks to wear while walkin the asbestos warning areas lol.

 

[PopPunkJamie]

Bang on pics there :-). was there the other day , handy that the workmen left us some masks to wear while walkin the asbestos warning areas lol.

I hope they were unused masks that you put on....

 

[huey]

Bloody crisp shots mate, very nice.

 

[The Shepshed Diamondback]

I don't like heights but I like those photos

 

[jellyfish]

I hope they were unused masks that you put on....

Yep lol . Straight from the box conveniently left by the door . lol .

 

[jellyfish]

I don't like heights but I like those photos

It's not that bad on that roof tbf, very enclosed . Not like some Iv been on :-)

 

[The Shepshed Diamondback]

It's not that bad on that roof tbf, very enclosed . Not like some Iv been on :-)

its the edge I don't like not the height really.

 

[jellyfish]

its the edge I don't like not the height really.

It's walled all round with railed walkways . Not everyone's cup of tea but I'd say ita a good roof for a beginner . :-)

 

[PopPunkJamie]

its the edge I don't like not the height really.

I didn't fancy sitting too close to the edge on my last photo but the rest of it is fine