Birmingham Council says it's unable to say when fountains will be switched back on
Birmingham Council is still unable to confirm when fountains in a flagship city centre space will be back in action as the city braces for scorching weather.
The water feature in Centenary Square has not been in use since October 2023 when they were switched off to facilitate the Ice Skate Birmingham event.
The square was described by one councillor as a “world-class public space” when its new look was unveiled back in 2019.
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership even said at the time it would “reinforce Birmingham’s status as a global city”.
But the fountains, an iconic feature of the landmark square, have now been switched off for more than a year-and-a-half and still require repairs as summer gets underway.
Ahead of a full council meeting this week, Conservative councillor Deirdre Alden asked: “When does the council expect the water feature in Centenary Square to actually feature water again?”
The Labour-run council did not provide a date in their response but said there is currently work being undertaken to identify “necessary repairs” for the fountain.
“We will undertake those repairs and then complete a further review to ensure the fountain is functional,” they continued.
“On successful completion, the feature will be operational.”
A spokesman for the council provided an update on the fountains last month but again did not say when the fountains could be switched back on.
“Currently there is Section 151 spend approvals process in progress,” they told the Local Democracy Reporting Service May, "after which it is expected the fountain will be serviced and brought back into operation.”
Numerous residents are keen to see the water flowing once more in Centenary Square, with Bernard Carroll telling the LDRS recently: “I do a lot of filming around Birmingham city centre and I have spoken to many families who are very upset about this fountain not being on.
“They would meet up with other people and their children would have the most wonderful time there.
“They would tell me it is so important to them in these very difficult times because it doesn’t cost anything.
“I just want to see the families back in Centenary Square during this exceptional weather we have been having.
“This is not a trivial thing as I honestly believe this is very important for the beautiful people of Birmingham in this beautiful city.”
One reader added last month: “Any city worth its salt should be providing public spaces for the population to enjoy free of charge.”
“Loved the fountains,” another said. “Somewhere free to go in the city centre and cool off!
“We don’t have a city centre park with shade so the fountains were a godsend.”
