City council leaders are refusing to back down in their battle with the planning committee over a controversial £10 million revamp of Centenary Square.
Proposals, which include 43 tall lighting columns, a major water feature and minor changes surrounding the historic Hall of Memory, were put on hold following stinging criticism from planning committee members.
They argued that the lights would block major events such as the big wheel, ice rink, Christmas market and concerts.
They also highlighted the council’s poor track record maintaining water features such as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi and called on city bosses to revise the design.
But council bosses have instead come back with a detailed defence of the scheme highlighting how the square will be able to host major events and structures - using diagrams to show the available event space.
They say they have consulted event organisers who have no concerns.
They even provide a parade route to show how veterans will be able to march to the Hall of Memory on Remembrance Sunday to lay wreaths after grassed areas outside the Library of Birmingham are removed and the square levelled.
The only concession is that plans to move slabs dedicated to Birmigham’s Victoria Cross heroes have been dropped and they will stay in place.
It is also argued that the water feature, a five-centimere deep pool with water jets, which can be drained for events to take place, is “an important part of the over all design and will be an attractive feature for the square”.
In conclusion, the report back states: “The points of concern raised by members have been addressed.”
Planning committee member Coun Gareth Moore (Con Erdington), speaking when the committee decided to put the proposal on hold, said: “It’s just a few trees, over sized street lights and a paddling pool.
“That’s all it is for £10.4 million, I’ve seen more interesting dishwater. It seems very cluttered, very claustrophobic.”
The £10.4 million development is being funded by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and is part of the Enterprise Zone initiative designed to attract and grow business in the area.
Council deputy leader Coun Ian Ward said: “Centenary Square is already one of Birmingham’s most important public spaces and home to some of the city’s landmark buildings, including the Library of Birmingham and the International Convention Centre.
“Now, this exciting project will transform it into a place where people will want to stop, relax and socialise. Thanks to Enterprise Zone grant funding from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, which has been specifically allocated to this project, we're creating a space suitable for a wide range of public events."
The planning committee meets on Thursday to decide whether to approve the scheme.
Below: Centenary Square plans showing how major events can be held despite the construction of 43 giant street lamps
