Big screen in Victoria Square faces uncertain future
Government architecture watchdogs are warning that big screens, such as the one in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, ruin historic locations and spoil the enjoyment of public space.
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, or CABE, and English Heritage are urging councils to avoid historic buildings and conservation areas when putting up large public screens.
The guidance has come too late for Birmingham which controversially put up a BBC-backed giant screen at the foot of the steps in Victoria Square in September 2007.
Conservation groups and opposition councillors slammed the decision to put the screen in front of the Grade 1 listed Town Hall and Council House rather than use the more modern architecture of Centenery Square as a backdrop.
In a situation described as ‘crazy’ by the city’s new culture chief, the screen has never been switched on .
As well, it has cost the council £1-million in construction costs and legal fees.
