Photography, random posts and very little about kebabs.
….well actually there is. I’ve not been shooting as much as I’d realistically like of late, so as time is restricted decided to shoot something on the way to work.
No Pictures is what the guy in the first pic shouted, whilst having his back turned. So I decided to take a shot. Not a great pic and too be honest I don’t think he really minded. So pics then…….
So minding my own business the other day, I stumble across a film being shot in Brum. Actually it’s the second time I’ve come across the same film, but the other time was in the ICC. Anyway, got the camera out and started to shoot away. Then a member of the film crew informed me I wasn’t allowed to shoot their film when they were filming. Once I explained the law to him (public place etc) to him he went away. So I carried on shooting.
I know it’s not everyone’s favourite building, but the Central Library has a purpose, it’s well used and should be kept (in my opinion). Instead it’s certain to be torn down by ‘progress’. No doubt be replaced with a place with no public right of way (no Photography etc, enforced by over zealous security).
Whilst the current library has it’s failings those are not a reason to tear it down. The cost of it’s replacement will be felt for many years to come. The council seem to think the land sale and subsequent development will save the day. Anyone mention Arena Central? The serially delayed complex (seems to be running 20-30 years late). So we may get a nice shiny library (beneath the metal facade) but what’s surrounding it?
Part demolished building opposite, recently torn down library to the left of it and a tired unwashed ICC.
Anyway rant over, I’m not sure what to make of the above event as I know nothing about it really. However come along (tickets required – free though). The contact details are on the website: BrutalCentral
It’s late, but thanks to iso3200 and playing with White Balance I bring you……….
Not as bad as others are getting though. Probably still enough to knacker Brum’s transport infrastructure.
Today we see another milestone in the remodelling of Birmingham. Mike Whitby has won his argument and Patricia Hodge has caved in and gone against English Heritage and allowed the destruction of the existing Central Library to go ahead.
Whilst it might not be everyone’s favourite building it has a presence that will be shoved to one side to allow a multi use development to take its place. No doubt we’ll see a mixture of empty flats, every changing pubs/restaurants and the vast towers of empty offices.
Remember these figures. £193 Million to build the library, £600 million inward investment and 13,000 jobs.
Also we will have no Rep theatre for 2 years whilst the shared atrium is constructed and once the library is sold the land will be private. With all the usual restrictions on public access that private developments promote. Also remember Mike Whitby’s claim that it’ll open up Chamberlain and Victoria Square.
One note of caution for Whitby is the old Central TV studios. Remember that development? I just hope Argent (proposed land owners) are willing to go ahead.
Wanna stand for election against Whitby in 2010, @bounder thinks it a good idea. Harborne residents are you interested?