Ugliest building in the UK once dubbed ‘crime against architecture’ set for major face-lift in £4.5m transformation
THE UK’s “ugliest building” once dubbed a “crime against architecture” is set for a major face-lift in a £4.5m transformation.
City Centre Tower in Hill Street, Birmingham, is set to see the refurbishment after photography experts ripped into the office block.
The 79-metre high City Centre Tower was built in 1975 and was dubbed the “ugliest building in the UK” last year.
Bruntwood SciTech, which announced the project, said a new cutting-edge workspace and a gym will be built in the basement.
And despite the exposed concrete, workers at the block will arrive each day and see a living wall which will liven the place up.
The 20-storey building will also offer co-working spaces and pay-as-you-go offices following the refurbishment.
Mohammed Ali, senior asset manager for Bruntwood SciTech, said the redevelopment was a “pivotal moment” for the city, Birmingham Live reported.
He said: “This £4.5 million transformation will introduce state-of-the-art workspaces and amenities, enhancing collaboration, wellbeing and social interaction within a prime city centre location.”
“This project offers a unique opportunity for businesses to thrive in a dynamic environment, supported by convenient access to Birmingham’s extensive transport network and vibrant retail offerings”.
He added: “As we progress with construction, we look forward to welcoming a diverse range of leading organisations to this revitalised landmark, further cementing Birmingham’s reputation as a premier destination for business growth.”
Work is expected to completed in January 2025.
A legal bid is also underway to save another Brutalist landmark nearby: The Ringway Centre on Smallbrook Queensway.
The 1960s block is set to be demolished to make way for three residential apartment blocks.
But campaigners have described it as an “irreplaceable piece of Birmingham history” and are taking the fight to the High Court, the BBC reported.
Meanwhile, residents living in a Brutalist high-rise in Margate, Kent, have gushed about their love for the building – and revealed how every flat has a sea view.
The 18-storey Arlington House has been dubbed the Margate skyline and is home to hundreds, including artist Tracey Emin.
The Grade-II building, constructed in the 1960s, sits between the revamped Dreamland theme park and Margate’s classical-style train station.
What is Brutalism?
Brutalism is architectural style that has influenced some of the most striking buildings in the UK.
The style emerged during the 1950s and sought to rebuild Britain with a modern, forward-looking feel following the Second World War.
Brutalism is characterised by minimalist design that shows off the materials and structural elements of the building.
Rough surfaces, massive forms that appear large and heavy, and unusual shapes and hard edges also define the movement.
Public buildings like universities, libraries, and courts are typical structures that will have the design after most of them were rebuilt in the post-war period.
But the design began to become unpopular in the 1970s and until now, with many people associating it to urban decay.