Birmingham Council House and Art Gallery.

Realising an ambitious vision.

The Birmingham Council House complex is a set of Grade-II-listed buildings that stand as an iconic landmark in the city. Occupied by a number of different users (including civic and democratic functions, as well as political parties), the two buildings are connected via a first-floor link bridge across Edmund Street. The building is also occupied by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which has dedicated exhibition and gallery spaces.

Plan of action.

We were commissioned by Birmingham City Council to complete a detailed feasibility study for the complete replacement of the building’s failing M&E installations. The client wanted modern, energy efficient services that would deliver ongoing operational cost savings.

We identified that the M&E infrastructure required significant works in order for the building to operate safely, and developed a proposed scheme of works for the project.

Hidden advancements.

We brought added value to the project by reviewing the use of space and rationalising the layout to not only deliver reduced running costs, but also enable income via leasing space to third parties.

Our experts also helped to provide up-to-date IT infrastructure with the latest technology integrated across the buildings, which gives the whole complex much greater working agility.

We made sure our sympathetic MEP solutions were fully coordinated and agreed with the Historic England conservation officer and architect. The result? The buildings are now contemporary, flexible, and future-proofed spaces, in which their Grade-II-listed heritage is celebrated and honoured.