A neglected and uninviting pedestrian subway in Birmingham city centre has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming throughfare. The Livery Street Subway transformation has been revealed today (Thursday, September 25), featuring a striking ceramic tile installation by artist Adam Nathaniel Furman.
The project, aimed at improving safety, connectivity and aesthetic appeal, is all thanks to a £120,000 revitalisation led by Colmore BID, in partnership with Moda Living, Birmingham City Council and JQ BID. And the Livery Street subway has never looked better!
With an understanding of Birmingham’s rich history, Furman explored the architectural and cultural history of both the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter areas. An innovative ceramic tile design gives the illusion of three-dimensionality, despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface—and turns the subway’s flank walls into a “canvas for civic pride.”
“This project is a fantastic example of how art and infrastructure can come together to improve everyday experiences in one of Birmingham’s key city-centre pedestrian links,” says Nicola Fleet-Milne, Chair of Colmore BID. “Thanks to our investment with our partners, what was once a dark and uninviting underpass is now a bright, creative, and connected corridor that people can enjoy and feel safe using.”
Livery Street Subway is located adjacent to Moda, Great Charles Street, where Moda is transforming a site left vacant for more than seventy years into more than 700 new homes, community spaces and landscaped public realm. Turning a long-standing issue into a positive change for the city, the completed subway is already receiving positive feedback.
“This is a fantastic way to transform our subways, showing real pride in the city and making the space feel welcoming and vibrant, not simply a place to walk through,” said Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport. “We want all parts of the city to be connected and easily accessible for pedestrians, so well done to Colmore BID and partners for their great work.”