Walking Tours - Birmingham Travel Guide

Walk up New Street to Victoria Square. At the end of New Street facing you is the Town Hall.
In 1830 there was a competition for a new town hall in Birmingham with less than two months allowed for the preparation of designs. The design chosen was that of Joseph Hansom and E Welsh, based on the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Construction began in 1832. In 1834 the architects were declared bankrupt and local architect Charles Edge took over and the building was formally opened on 4th October 1834. In the 1840's the finest organ in the world was built in the Town Hall so I hope that it too will be restored. I do remember hearing it being played in the 1970's. Joseph Hansom was perhaps even more famous for the Hansom Cab, which the horse-drawn predecessor of the London TaxiCab. The photo is from our National Photo Archive (© Geoff Dowling ARPS)
The Town Hall is Birmingham's only Grade 1 listed building and since the opening of the Symphony Hall has been unused. In the autumn of 2000 the Town Hall has been given a National Lottery grant to restore it to its former glory.
Nov 2002. A £31 million contract has been signed by the City Council to refurbish the Town Hall.
Jan 2003. It is due to reopen Christmas 2005.
On 15th June 2004 a one off organ recital was given prior to the organ being cocooned in plastic to protect it during the restoration work.
November 2006 At long last the scaffolding has come down. The cost has risen to £34.7 million but the good news is that plans are now in hand for the reopening in October 2007.
March 2007 The restoration is just about complete. The final cost is now £35m and the opening programme being drawn up. This will take the form of a two week festival.
October 2007 The Town Hal finally, finally has reopened and I have now reinstated it as a night spot venue. and not just a sight on a walk through the city centre.

Fact sheet: http://www.thsh.co.uk/pdf/Town_Hall_factsheet.pdf

Going to magificent choral works with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, known affectionately as the CBSO, at Easter and Christmas conducted by both Louis Fremeaux and then later by Simon Rattle.

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