"GOLDEN SQUARE" FOR JEWELLERY QUARTER

29-05-2009

Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter is in line for a £1.5 million makeover with the creation of a "Golden Square" chosen by the public.

Local architects Capita Lovejoy beat off competition from five rivals to secure the contract for the new space, whhich is designed to provide a focal point for visitors and shoppers. It will also accommodate ad hoc events including markets and exhibitions.

According to the Council press release, "Design wise the square will feature a series of “exposed seams” which run like needles on a compass out towards the district’s traditional material sources and global trading partners (particularly places in the USA, Australia and South Africa).

"These highly reflective features will shape the available space, and frame greenery, seating, lighting and fountains.

"Suggested by the earlier street pattern, the new square is subdivided into three key spaces – the plaza, the orchard and the promenade. Taken together, these three spaces provide an essential place in the ‘daily round’ for existing and emerging local communities."

Local residents and businesses were consulted over the design earlier this year.

The Jewellery Quarter is already a designated conservation area, and described by English Heritage as a unique historic environment with few, if any, parallels in Europe. It is currently bidding for World Heritage status.

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