Work has started on removing Birmingham Snow Hill Station's "infamous" green canopy fronting Colmore Row as part of a complete multi million pound refurbishment of the immediate area.

The canopy has been in place for 17 years and sits between One and Nine Colmore Row, both prime landmark office buildings in the heart of the city.

Respective building owners Richardson Barberry Developments and Sun Alliance & London Assurance Co, represented by F & C Property Asset Management, together with Network Rail are working together to create a new public space in the immediate surroundings and believe the new piazza will be a welcome addition to the cityscape.

Daniel Plummer, head of regional offices at F&C said: "The green canopy is a high profile landmark in the city but has now served its time.

"It will disappear as part of the multi-million pound refurbishment programme that incorporates the frontages of Snow Hill Station, One and Nine Colmore Row and will create a new piazza."

The demolition of the green canopy is the start of the transformation work which will include the introduction of new stone paving and street lighting which will enhance the entrance to both buildings as well as the gateway to Snow Hill Station used by thousands of people everyday.

Work is still ongoing at the multi million pound refurbishment of Nine Colmore Row.