Vibrant splash of colour to transform dingy underpass for Birmingham city centre pedestrians
A troubled city centre passage is to undergo a transformation in a bid to tackle persistent yob behaviour and safety concerns. The project will revitalise Livery Street subway, one of the main pedestrian links from Birmingham city centre to the Jewellery Quarter.
The subway is a hotspot for crime and is often shunned by residents in darker hours for fears around safety. Colmore Business District (BID), in partnership with Jewellery Quarter BID (JQ BID) and Moda Living.
The project will see a dramatic tile installation on the subway, which BID bosses hope will "uplift" the area. Work is being carried out by renowned ceramic artist Adam Nathaniel Furman, known for his dynamic public artworks in Bristol and Croydon.
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Furman has been tasked with transforming the subway’s flank walls, located between the ramp and steps, into a vibrant visual experience. He developed the design after exploring the architectural and cultural history of both the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter BID areas.
The ceramic tile design is said to give the illusion of three-dimensionality, despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface. Bosses said ceramic tiles are uniquely crafted and currently being produced by a specialist tile design studio.
A precise referencing system ensures that the intricate design, from production to installation, maintains the artist's original intent. Melanie Williams, board director and chair of Colmore BID’s outstanding places working group said: "We saw a great opportunity to work together to uplift this important yet overlooked part of the city.
"By creating a more welcoming and visually engaging environment, we hope to enhance the overall experience for pedestrians, bringing life and vibrancy to this key link between two major districts." Colmore BID set up the project group which includes Birmingham City Council the subway's owner, to collaborate on the project. With contributions from all partners, £120,000 funding is being invested to begin the first phase of improvements.