Why Birmingham’s Centenary Square fountains have been switched off for nearly a year

Birmingham City Council has revealed why the Centenary Square fountains have been switched off for nearly a year. The fountains are a popular feature of the flagship square, which is surrounded by iconic sights such as Symphony Hall, the Library of Birmingham and the Hall of Memory.

When Centenary Square’s new look was unveiled back in 2019, it was described as a world-class public space and the “perfect centrepiece” for the landmark buildings around it. But those walking through one of Birmingham’s biggest and most important squares may have noticed that its fountains have been turned off for many months.

Yardley West and Stechford councillor Baber Baz (Liberal Democrat) recently asked the city council why it had been out of use and if there is a plan for it to be fully functional again. A spokesperson for the Labour-run council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the fountains have not been operational since they were turned off to facilitate the Ice Skate Birmingham event in October 2023.

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“Since then, scheduled annual maintenance was carried out, which found additional remedial work was required which is currently ongoing,” they continued. Five years ago, as the new-look square opened to the public, the council said the regeneration works were majority-funded by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, who awarded a £10.55m Enterprise Zone grant.

Additional funds were secured through Section 106 planning infrastructure levy (£1.2m) and city council funding (£3.8m).

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