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This building and former Municipal Bank is to be home to a diverse range of activities for all community and for people and business across Birmingham.
The Exchange. Artists impression courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects /University of Birmingham.
What the future has in store for The Exchange!
In the words of its new owners, University of Birmingham:
"The Exchange will be a place for curiosity, celebration, collaboration and change. It will bring together communities to shape the ideas and solutions that will make our cities and regions better places to live, work and learn.
The Exchange. Artists impression courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects /University of Birmingham.
It will act as the catalyst for a range of city and community-focused research, teaching and engagement activities, including exhibitions, talks, workshops and seminars, as well as providing dedicated facilities for collaboration and co-creation across a number of key themes."
Driving regional growth by using data and evidence to support public and private organisations to make better strategic decisions. This will be delivered by WM REDI .
Developing the business skills our city needs through our future skills initiative and innovative CPD .
Preparing future leaders to succeed in an ever changing workplace.
Inspiring communities by engaging and involving the public in research that matters.
The Story so far!
Located in a prime position in the civic centre of Birmingham next to Centenary Square and of huge historical importance to Birmingham, the Municipal Bank was always going to part of The Big City Plan.
However before the University of Birmingham got involved in its future, this is how things looked for the former Municipal Bank.
Municipal Bank (pre-restoration) (September 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown .
Fast track to March 2021 and we are well into the amazing restoration and refurbishment with the future of this amazing building secured!
The Exchange Building (new owners Birmingham University). Photography by Daniel Sturley
The situation at the end of April 2021, and it looks like the artists impression, as a West Midlands Metro tram departs from Library Tram Stop past HSBC UK at One Centenary Square.
The Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown
By late May 2021, they have put up the sign saying "The Exchange | University of Birmingham".
The Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (May 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Exchange quietly opened to the public by September 2021, while an official opening took place on Saturday 2nd October 2021, by the University of Birmingham's Professor Alice Roberts (well known for her history documentaries on TV).
The Exchange (ex Municipal Bank) (October 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown
The refurbishment
The refurbishment works will see a removal of the south elevation facing onto the newly created Bank Court public space. It will be replaced with a new southern extension, with roof canopy and second floor terraces. A newly raised roof light will also be incorporated into the redevelopment.
The Exchange. Artists impressions courtesy Glancy Nicholls Architects /University of Birmingham . Glancy Nicholls Architects are the lead architects involved in designing this amazing new space.Galliford Try .
History of the building
The Birmingham Municipal Bank was located at 301 Broad Street in Birmingham. It was a branch of Lloyds TSB until 2006, whose signs were still on the building at the end of 2009.
Former Lloyds TSB at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (December 2009). Photography of Elliott Brown
The architect was Thomas Cecil Howitt. The foundation stone was laid on the 22nd October 1932 by the Rt Hon Neville Chamberlain MP, at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer. Neville Chamberlain was the first Chairman of the Bank, it was his idea originally and he was principally responsible for its initiation.
Stone laid by Neville Chamberlain at the First Municipal Savings Bank in Great Britain in October 1932 (March 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown
The building was opened on the 27 November 1933 by H.R.H. the Prince George. It was built as the headquarters for the Birmingham Municipal Bank.
H.R.H. The Price George opened the First Municipal Savings Bank in Great Britian during November 1933 (March 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown
It ceased to be a department of the Council who sold it in 1976, becoming a Trustee Savings Bank. The TSB (later Lloyds TSB) left the building in 2006 selling it back to Birmingham City Council. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1996. The University of Birmingham completed the purchase of the former bank in November 2017.
Logos
At the front of the Birmingham Municipal Bank there was four logos at the front. There was two Birmingham Forward shields.
There was also the two of the municipal banks key symbol. Representing Britian's first Municipal Savings Bank.
Logos at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (December 2009). Photography of Elliott Brown
Revolving Door
From Broad Street, you entered the Municipal Bank through these revolving doors, just push it around and head into the Banking Hall inside.
Revolving Door at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown
Banking Hall
This was the large room where customers did there banking from 1933, right up and till 2006. Thrift Radiates Happiness. Saving is the Mother of Riches. 1933.
Banking Hall at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown
Forward windows
Either side of the Revolving doors inside of the Banking Hall, is four Forward stained glass windows.
Commerce Integrity
Labour Perseverance
Banking Finance
Industry Progress
Forward Windows at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (September 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Vault
During Birmingham Heritage Week, such as during September 2015, you could explore the building, and head downstairs to the vault. Featuring lockable slots made by Chubb of London, where bankers could keep their valuables. There was a massive safe door at the entrance to it, probably with a combination lock.
The vault at Birmingham Municipal Bank during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (September 2015) courtesy of Elliott Brown
Heading to the Basement
This is what it looked like inside of the Municipal Bank in 2015 during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (around 5 to 6 years before it was restored). Many of the former offices, where customers could deposit or collect their valuables from the box that would go into the slot in the vault.
A look around the Birmingham Municipal Bank during Birmingham's Hidden Spaces (September 2015) Photography by Elliott Brown
Universe of Sound
The Universe of Sound played at the Birmingham Municipal Bank during June 2013. It was free, fun, interactive orchestra experience. They were playing The Planets.
Universe of Sound at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (June 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown
Festival Hub for the International Dance Festival Birmingham
The Festival Hub was at the Birmingham Municipal Bank from April to May 2016. The International Dance Festival Birmingham took place throughout May 2016.
Festival Hub for the International Dance Festival Birmingham at the Birmingham Municipal Bank (April 2016). Photography of Elliott Brown
For further details and information on The Exchange contact:
info@theexchange.bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/building/the-exchange
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