Shortlist: Concept Designer for the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station

The shortlist was announced by the RIBA for the selection of a Visionary Concept Designer to develop the overarching building vision for the redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street Station and surrounding area.

The New Street Gateway partnership, which involves Network Rail; Birmingham City Council; Advantage West Midlands and Centro (West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive), was delighted by the response to the first stage of the competition. Forty-seven Expressions of Interest were received from designers in the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States of America.

The six short-listed teams (in alphabetical order) are as follows:
- CRAB Studio
- Foreign Office Architects
- IDOM UK Ltd
- LAB architecture studio
- UNStudio
- Rafael Vinoly Architects

The Jury Panel consisted of representatives from the partner organisations together with Christophe Egret (Studio Egret West) acting as the RIBA Architect Adviser. The Panel selected designers which they felt would have the vision to create something special, resulting in a rejuvenated New Street Station that will raise Birmingham’s profile, act as a gateway for passengers to the City and a catalyst to the ongoing regeneration and economic development of the region. Furthermore, the Panel needed to be confident in each short-listed team’s ability to generate an inspirational design, with a legible external presence.

Commenting on the shortlist, Clive Dutton (Director of Planning & Development, Birmingham City Council) said: ‘The station is the beating heart of the city. Its design must be breath-taking and lift the spirit. Any one of these architects is capable of creating something mind-blowing. What an unbelievably exciting prospect.’

The six short-listed teams will present their vision for a regenerated New Street Station to the Jury Panel at final interview in mid-April 2008. The winner will aim to produce an exceptional and functional design that will portray the dynamic, international character of modern day Birmingham.