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The Rotunda, Birmingham architecture and history
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The Rotunda at 150
New Street was
built in the 1960's and opened in 1965 by James Roberts, designed to finish the curve
of his Smallbrook Ringway It stands 265ft (81m) tall with 23
floors overlooking the
Bull Ring shopping Centre. It is one of Birmingham's most prominent and original
landmarks and has even survived a bombing in 1974. In 1993 it survived the
threat of demolition as part of a proposed facelift of the Bull Ring markets.
Today the Rotunda consists of offices, with Rotunda OneFive situated on the 15th
floor. The Rotunda was Grade II listed by English Heritage in August 2000 and has official landmark status.
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Symbol
of a City
Birmingham Post 11/01/2002
It may not be the prettiest
building in the world, but we love it.
The Rotunda was a child of the 60s and looks it. The design could probably
only have come from that decade, when some truly monstrous architectural
follies were created, and it has been vilified as well as celebrated in
the years since.
The critics were wrong,
however. Now a listed building, and officially named one of Britain?s
most significant landmarks, the Rotunda has come to symbolise the spirit
of Birmingham.
There can be few buildings in the country, which are more loved, and the
design has gone from fashionable to unfashionable to simply being
appreciated for what it is.
Given its importance to the people of Birmingham, the decision to give
them a say in what should happen to it is spot on.
While any of the options suggested would no doubt prove a success, it
might be considered a shame not to make the building available to the
general public. Office blocks or housing would benefit the economy and
character of the city centre. And there are good reasons for encouraging
more people to live in the centre.
However a restaurant or leisure complex would give more people direct
access to what is an important part of the city?s history and future.
A good seat at a window towards the top would provide an exciting view of
the city to accompany dinner. As for making it a landmark, it will always
be that whatever other function it serves. Whatever the final decision,
the Rotunda will remain a symbol of Birmingham for many years to come.
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The
Past
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1974
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The Rotunda was target of IRA attacks
The explosion in Birmingham was an attack on a city which
was the target of one of the worst atrocities ever carried out by the IRA
in England.
The explosions at two city centre pubs in 1974 left 21
people dead and scores more injured. |
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| The Mulberry Bush pub at the
foot of the city's Rotunda tower and the nearby Tavern in the Town, were
both destroyed within minutes of each other on 21 November, 1974. death
and injury took their toll of the young casualties - aged between 18 and
25 years.
A few minutes before the explosions a warning had been
telephoned to the local newspaper, the Birmingham Post and Mail, but it
was far too late.
The IRA warning simply stated: "There is a bomb planted in the
Rotunda and there is a bomb in New Street."
The Rotunda is a 20-storey office and retail complex and New Street is
one of the city's principal thoroughfares, not far from the scene of the
latest attack.
The first Birmingham bomb, at the Mulberry Bush pub in the basement of
the Rotunda, exploded six minutes after the telephone warning.
There was not enough time for police to clear the area.
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| A memorial is the grounds of St Philips Cathedral, Colmore
Row.
To the memory of the victims of two bombs that
exploded in the centre of Birmingham on the night of 21st of November 1974
The people of Birmingham remember them and all those who suffered. |
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| 2000 |
| Views from the 15th Floor |
BT Tower
Bull Ring
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High Street
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New Street
New Street Station
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Moor Street
Dale End
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St Martins
Smallbrook Queensway
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| Photos ? Mac Joseph
2000 Downloading
and use of these images are by permission only.
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Today
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| On the 15th floor of the Rotunda is the
Birmingham Alliance marketing suite, education room and presentation
rooms. The education room is available free to all schools - and thousands
of children have enjoyed the fantastic views over the city. The
presentation rooms can be hired for meetings with the best views in the city! |
Rotunda OneFive
> click
here to visit their site |
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The Future
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www.hammerson.co.uk
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The Rotunda,
Refurbishment begins September 2003 after the opening of
the of the new Bullring.
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> The New Bullring
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Birmingham
London
Manchester
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