An iconic building in the heart of Westside has been transformed following completion of a three-year renovation project.
The Grade II-listed former Municipal Bank, which lies opposite the Library of Birmingham on Centenary Square, has been turned into The Exchange after lying empty for nearly 20 years.
The University of Birmingham, which bought the disused building in 2018, has redeveloped it as an engagement, knowledge and skills hub with the aim of enhancing its role in the UK’s second city.
The main entrance from what used to be Broad Street has been restored, while a new glazed façade has been created to the south as part of the wider Arena Central scheme. It will face onto a new public square known as Bank Court.
Both entrances will welcome visitors to The Exchange which combines interactive public exhibitions, professional development, entrepreneurship and research, along with a new eatery, conference and commercial hire spaces.
The Exchange is due to open in September, with a formal public launch on 2 October .
Professor Tim Jones, provost and vice-principal of the University of Birmingham, said: “The Exchange is part of our commitment to provide opportunities to create a place of curiosity, celebration, collaboration and change that will bring communities together.
“This important project reflects our commitment to civic engagement and our proud role in the region as a key partner. What we have in store in the months and years ahead will be an opportunity to bring the best of the university to the city.”
The project will bring the university’s research closer to people, including public exhibitions alongside public and community engagement programmes.
The university will also provide access to the rich source of data and intelligence it possesses about the city, the West Midlands and its economy.
In addition, The Exchange will provide free taster courses and short paid courses aimed at widening participation, professional development and building regional skills. It will also provide a hub to support the development of entrepreneurial skills, helping to create the next generation of businesses.
Simon Courtney, managing director for Galliford Try Building West Midlands & South West, said that despite the challenges of COVID-19 they had completed the “exciting regeneration project” on time.
He added: “Having been working at the Arena Central site next to the bank over the past few years, we are proud to have redeveloped the old bank and keep much of the fabulous features of the Grade II-listed building.
“It is now a first-class facility which is fit for purpose for a 21st century vibrant Birmingham.”
The Birmingham Municipal Bank first opened after the First World War as a means for people of the city to rebuild their lives. The current structure, built by Neville Chamberlain, son of the University’s founder, was opened in 1933 by Prince George.
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