As for the current library, I think they could do with demolished the buildings either side and leaving the upturned ziggurat structure. This can then be preserved and listed. Of course, it’s going to need repair work as it is literally falling down now. I think it will be best to turn the areas either side of it into new walkways to Centenary Square as it is a bit of a bottleneck.

As far as I am aware though, the council plan to have the site demolished and cleared to make way for a massive office development. I am supportive of that too as long as it respects the location. I don’t think we will be seeing any plans for that for another 5 years at least, though.

i think the problem with the arguments put forward by the ‘friends of the central library’ is they’re missing the point that although it was perfectly designed to be a central lending library as libraries were 30 years ago, libraries need to be very different animals now, & the building really is now, to use the in vogue term, no longer fit for purpose.

it’s a magnificent building which deserves listing & preservation to be sure – so those who would keep it would be better off wholeheartedly supporting the new library of birmingham concept whatever & wherever it ends up being, whilst at the same time campaigning for new uses for the existing building (hey – what about as part of the rationalisation of council buildings it becomes council offices ?!) rather than campaigning to keep it as a library.

Personally I like it as a structure (especially when approached from Centenary Sq) but I know people who work in the bowels think it a terrible place – sick building syndrome is often cited.