Overview

City Centre Gardens is a small green space in a big city. From the gardens, you can see the Library of Birmingham, a large modern building wrapped in layers of black metal rings, reminiscent of stacked gift boxes. The gold rotunda at the top catches the light when the sun’s out and gives the whole building a futuristic feel. The gardens are a pleasant place for a wander on a summer evening, a place to walk the dog or just take a break from the world.

Transport & Parking

There is a single bus stop on Cambridge Street where the 126 service operates. If you'd prefer to arrive via tram, the Library/Centenary Square tram stop is across the road from the front entrance to the Library. Birmingham New Street Station is just over half a mile from the gardens. On-street parking can be found at the Brindley Drive entrance, though there are no accessible parking spaces. There is a multi-storey car park on this same street but it's not available to the public between 07:00 and 19:00. I only mention this to save a wasted trip.

Access

There are three entrances to the gardens: Brindley Drive, Cambridge Street (directly across from the Library, which was locked on my visit) and a second entrance further up Cambridge Street. There is level access throughout the gardens, with both red brick and light gravel paths that lead past the lawns and flowers to a central structure filled with plants, surrounded by metal benches. The paths are wide enough for most mobility devices but there are no further accessibility features of note.

Toilets

There are no toilets at the Gardens, but the Library has standard toilets, an accessible toilet and a Changing Places toilet on the lower level. Across from the Library entrance, you'll find the Exchange, which also has several accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet.

Staff

Photos