In September 2021, the University of Birmingham opened The Exchange. Located in Centenary Square, The Exchange will connect the University's research, teaching and local, national and international networks to create a place of curiosity, celebration, collaboration and change. In doing so, we will bring together communities to shape the ideas and solutions that will make our cities and regions better places to live, work and learn.
Location
The Exchange is based in Centenary Square, Birmingham's 'civic heart' that is home to many of our city's most iconic locations such as the Library of Birmingham, the International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall and the REP theatre. The Exchange is next door to the new HSBC headquarters and a stone's throw away from PwC, Baskerville House, the Council House and the Town Hall. Centenary Square is part of an exciting new development that will revolutionise transportation and public spaces in the area, making it one of the UK's most attractive locations for work and leisure.
The Exchange is located at 3 Centenary Square in a grade II listed building that was originally founded as the Birmingham Municipal Bank. Learn more about the building and redevelopment, see the opening hours or book The Exchange for an event.
Our Aims
Our goal is transformational. We aim to create a place of opportunity to help people, businesses and organisations rethink how cities can be shaped by the people who live and work in them.
We will achieve our goal by:
- Opening up research through free public exhibitions and community engagement programmes that will enable people from the city and wider region to get involved in the University’s work to solve the complex challenges of the 21 century.
- Facilitating data sharing and partnerships that will help grow the regional economy and improve people’s quality of life.
- Providing free taster courses, short paid courses and micro-credentials, aimed at widening participation, professional development and/or building regional skills. A particular focus on leadership will encompass the private, public and third sectors and grow the capacity of community leaders. The Exchange will also provide a hub to support the development of entrepreneurial skills, helping to create the next generation of businesses.
- Creating an inclusive and unique venue that attracts a range of different audiences and stakeholders to learn with and from each other.
Why now?
There is no better time to do this. With the anticipated arrival of HS2, the relocation of an increasing number of former London-based offices and headquarters to the city, combined with the Commonwealth Games in 2022, Birmingham has an unsurpassed opportunity to enhance its identity as the UK’s second city. United by a culturally diverse population of c.1.3 million people, Birmingham has a leadership role to play in demonstrating how people can work together in a post-COVID society to make communities safer, stronger and more successful in the 21st century.
The University of Birmingham has always embraced the role that universities should play in contributing to regional growth and opportunities. It was founded as the UK’s first civic university, a university that would work in partnership with the city’s commerce and industry and deliver benefits for citizens that extend well beyond higher education. This remains core to our purpose and will be enhanced through The Exchange.