‘Birmingham’s ugliest building’ is set for a massive £4.5m makeover

A Birmingham office block once dubbed ‘Britain’s ugliest building’ is set for a massive £4.5m makeover. Hill Street’s Center City recently received the unfortunate headline from photography experts at ParrotPrint, who also described the building as a “crime against architecture”.

However, work has now begun on a significant renovation project that could breathe new life into Brutalist Center City. Bruntwood SciTech, which announced the project, said new facilities such as “state-of-the-art workspace and advanced wellness facilities” would be provided.

The company continued that the building could receive a grand entrance with a striking “living wall” as part of the transformation. With construction underway, work on the “Redeveloped” City Center is set to be completed in January 2025, the new-look workspace could take a new name to reflect its transformation.

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Bruntwood SciTech says that for the first time, the 20-storey building will offer co-working and pay-as-you-go options, complementing its existing leased offices and offering “flexible and scalable” options for companies at various stages of growth. It continues that the transformation will also provide new internal spaces, including a spacious lounge, while the basement will be transformed to include a high-quality fitness and weights studio, a contemplation room and a bicycle storage area.

Mohammed Ali, senior asset manager for Bruntwood SciTech, said the “redevelopment” of the City Center was a “pivotal moment” for Birmingham. “This £4.5m transformation will introduce state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities, enhancing collaboration, wellbeing and social interaction in a prime city center location,” he said.

“This project provides a unique opportunity for businesses to thrive in a dynamic environment, supported by convenient access to Birmingham’s extensive transport network and vibrant retail offer.” He added: “As we progress construction, we look forward to welcoming a diverse range of leading organizations to this revitalized landmark, further cementing Birmingham’s reputation as a premier destination for business growth.”

Andy Riach, director of commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton, said the transformation would reimagine the building as a “hub for innovative businesses in Birmingham”. “We have no doubt that demand will be high for this market-leading workspace and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local business landscape.”

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Center City is close to the Ringway Center on Smallbrook Queensway, another Brutalist landmark in the heart of Birmingham. In February earlier this year, Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted to demolish the Ringway Center and replace it with three huge blocks of flats.

However, a group of campaigners last month vowed to continue their fight to preserve the building after the High Court refused permission for a judicial review of the redevelopment plans.

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