Chamberlain Square big screen 'an eyesore'

Apr 5 2007 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

FURIOUS conservationists want to pull the plug on the monster TV screen in Birmingham's Chamberlain Square which they claim is even more of an eyesore now restoration work has finished on the Town Hall next door.

Birmingham Civic Society and the Victorian Society are joining forces to "object strongly" to moves to keep the giant screen in the square until the end of September.

They want to see it moved instead to what they believe is a more appropriate location such as Centenary Square nearby or the Rotunda Square by the Bullring.

Stephen Hartland, who chairs the Civic Society's planning committee, said: "This is totally inappropriate for Chamberlain Square and the Grade I Listed building that it's right next to.

"It's already been in situ far longer than was planned or expected and was only considered as a temporary location while the Town Hall was refurbished. Now this work has been finished, a giant screen like this is wholly unsuitable."

Joe Holyoak, who is vice-chairman of the Victorian Society, added: "At best we tolerated this screen but now the Town Hall has been returned to its pristine state it's more of an eyesore than it was before.

"We agree unanimously that it no longer has any place adjacent to a Grade I Listed building."

A city council spokeswoman said: "The planning application for an extension to the BBC Big Screen has yet to be decided. We consider the screen to be very important in terms of our events and communications strategy and we have asked for an extension.

"This will not interfere with the opening of the Town Hall and the screen will be relocated before the official re-opening in October."