Grand Central Opens

At 10am sharp the upward escalators were opened and the waiting crowd rose to the magnificent shopping and eating experience that is Grand Central. 

Some must have gathered for a while in the cordoned off areas of the central hall of the newly opened New Street Station to be the first to set eyes and hands on the new Birmingham shopping centre.

I waited until the initial funnelled throng had escalated and camera and lenses in hand ascended to the visual treats I had hoped for.

I was not disappointed. The views over the central hall are stunning from the various cafés and restaurants situated around the balcony overlooking the station’s ground level floor beneath.

The shops are spread radially out from these eating houses around a walkway. Wandering around my mood was pleasantly heightened by the striking window displays with their colourful lighting. Others appeared quite excited by the whole spectacle and occasion.

The John Lewis store I had a superficial scout around the adjoining floor and was very impressed with the arrangement and lighting use to display the goods.

I vote the new shopping centre a great success for Birmingham … and added to the revamped station below I have no doubt the complex will become universally known as

Birmingham Grand Central

Article by Geoff Caine

Gallery

Below is a gallery of photos I took on my tour.

Viewing Instructions:
1. View a larger version of a single image in a separate page – Right Click on the image then Left Click on “Open link in new tab” or “Open link in new window”.
Or…
2. Display an enlarged gallery – Left Click on an image – use the large side arrows to move between images – Left Click outside an image or press ESC to close the enlarged gallery.

Queuing from when? to be the first to enter the new centre – just like the January Sales?

The first to rise the opened elevator at 10am are greeted by journalist photographers – who know where these worthy subject photos will appear!

Down below a joyous song and dance group celebrate the opening.

A view from the Grand Central balcony over the central hall and its atrium.

Shown is how the cafés on the right line the overlooking balcony of the central hall and the shops then encircle them radially.

Light, airy and inviting springs to mind.

Many cafés also sell their wares as take outs and so exhibit them to passers by attractively.

A new venture for Birmingham? Certainly well presented.

A switch now to my fisheye lense to include more of the view you would experience with your own eyes…View over the central hall to the John Lewis store.

How a coffee or snack break can be a visual experience.

The shops surround the cafés which surround the central hall.

Presentation of goods on sale is very inviting.

The shops are colourful and enticing.

Even the more familiar ones have updated their presentation.

Somebody had an artistic idea here!

A modern and open approach to multi-store presentation.

Cafés also exist in the centre of the wider avenues.

Joe the Juice leads your eye into the entrance to the John Lewis store.

Inside the John Lewis store is brightly and tastefully presented.

The JL store is large and spacious.