Birmingham’s Grade II-listed former municipal bank has been transformed into multi-functional civic space for the University of Birmingham. DIA acted as heritage consultant, supporting design architect Make.
- Sector
- Education
- Tags
- Grade II
- Service
- Heritage consultancy
The former municipal bank is a prominent 1930s neo-classical building designed by T. Cecil Howitt, located in Birmingham’s Centenary Square. The University of Birmingham purchased the building with the aim of strengthening their presence in the city centre, by developing it into a multi-use civic space. Now known as The Exchange, the 320m2 banking hall functions as a café and common room that’s open to the public. Below, the former bank vaults host a flexible exhibition space.
An early understanding of significance was essential to unlocking development. We carried out a condition survey, assessing the historic significance of each room, which formed the basis for repairs and guided design proposals. We also helped secure planning and listed building consent for the scheme, alongside securing listed building consent for a major programme of asbestos removal, which was especially sensitive given the listed status of the fabric being removed.
Delivered by Glancy Nicholls Architects with Make as design guardians, the finish scheme has transformed this historic former bank into a 21st century university facility, that connects the University with the centre of Birmingham.
The Exchange is an exemplar of reusing historic building stock – something that both Make Architects and Donald Insall Associates have explored jointly on projects over the years. The design team worked with great care to conserve the rich materials and detailing of the historic fabric, with a condition survey by Donald Insall as the basis for repairs, while introducing highly efficient M&E, and many fabric improvements.
Project Team
| Client | University of Birmingham |
| Design architect | Make Architects |
| Delivery architect | Glancy Nicholls Architects |
| Heritage consultant | Donald Insall Associates |
| Structural engineer | WSP |
| M&E consultant | WSP |
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