Birmingham Central Library Statement

Developers have asked the Government for a Certificate of Immunity from listing for Birmingham Central Library in order to give them more certainty for developing the site.  In order to grant this, the library has to be considered for listing, which is why the Government has asked English Heritage to comment.

Designed by John Madin and completed in 1974 After very careful consideration English Heritage has confirmed that Birmingham Library does still meet the strict criteria for listing, as we had also advised when we considered this building in 2002. However, at that time the Government decided against listing this building.

Questions about the building’s condition or current use cannot be considered at this pre-planning stage as listing simply identifies whether the building is nationally important and not whether it must be kept.  

 

In order to assess whether it deserves to be listed,  we needed to examine all aspects of its architectural interest including: whether it fulfilled its brief; whether it was a particularly good example of a public library; how well it survives; how it compares to other listed buildings of a similar type; and how influential the building was. 

This brutalist modern building has defined an era of Birmingham’s history. It was innovative in incorporating other municipal planning needs, such as public spaces and a bus shelter. It was also well designed for its original use, taking into account practical concerns such as the effect of direct sunlight on books. Though unique in its form as a municipal library, it compares well with similar university libraries such as that at the University of East Anglia.

  The DCMS will now decide whether or not to list this building or grant immunity, based on its architectural and historic merits. Whatever the outcome, listing is not a preservation order, simply a mark of national significance. Listed buildings can still be demolished once the case has been made and unlisted buildings can be kept. 

The building is not without its problems and the planning system will be fully able to decide the extent to which its function and condition should be balanced against its historic significance.