Harsh words for third library design bid

Jul 10 2007 By David Bell, Birmingham Mail

A THIRD attempt by an award-winning firm of architects to design a flagship £6 million city library and neighbourhood office has been given an ignominious thumbs down.

Councillors ordered "eye catchingly iconic " plans for the building in Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, to be completely re-drawn.

Planning chairman Coun David Roy told his colleagues: "We have to grasp the nettle. We are not giving this the kiss of life. We need to get another design back here."

London architects Cottrell and Vermeulen, who won a prestigious competition to produce an award-winning building on the site, have now seen their efforts panned on the grounds of poor design three times.

Criticis claimed it looked like a fortress to repel people and were withering about the "cheap and nasty" corrugated plastic-clad box on the top which is designed to light up like a beacon at night.

City planning officials believe the site, next to the Birchfield Road and Aston Lane shopping centre, is an area especially in need of a building for local people to be proud of.

But committee vice chairman Coun Paula Smith said: "This is neither friendly nor welcoming. Just because this is a poor area doesn't mean we can't have something outstanding."

And deputy lord mayor, Aston-born Mike Sharpe, added: "I think it's appalling."

Cottrell and Vermeulen are chiefly known for an award-winning cardboard classroom and shelters on Aberdeen beach which spell out the name of the city in morse code to helicopters.

When it won the commission, the firm promised to work closely with the council and local community.

But it has declined to comment on the row over its designs.