International Convention Centre, Birmingham

The International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham is a significant conference venue that plays a crucial role in the city's event-hosting capabilities. Designed by the Percy Thomas Partnership and Renton Howard Wood Levin, the ICC is strategically located in Birmingham’s Westside area, adjacent to landmarks such as Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, and the picturesque canals of Birmingham.

The construction of the ICC was a major project involving over 1,500 workers and utilizing more than 60,000 cubic meters of concrete. Its foundation stone was laid by Jacques Delors, marking the beginning of a construction period that lasted over four years. The site was officially opened on June 12, 1991, by Queen Elizabeth II.

The ICC stands on a site steeped in historical significance, previously home to the Prince of Wales Theatre and Bingley Hall, the world's first purpose-built exhibition hall. The area was also marked by residential houses, a brewery, and an inn. A Victorian cast iron urinal, a listed structure, was removed before construction and remains unrestored at Tyseley Locomotive Works.

In terms of events, the ICC has hosted significant gatherings including the 24th G8 summit in May 1998. It also participates in city-wide events such as "Discovery Day," and has been the venue for political conferences for the UK's major parties. The building's design features a blue-tinted window facade and white stone cladding. A notable piece of art, "Birdlife" by Ron Hasledon, adorns the main entrance.

Inside, the ICC boasts an expansive layout with multiple bridges and walkways across its atrium, connecting ten halls and ten additional meeting rooms. It has a total capacity of 8,000 delegates, with its largest hall, Hall 3, capable of accommodating up to 3,000 delegates in a 3,050 square meter space. This makes the ICC not only a hub of historical and architectural significance but also a central player in Birmingham's cultural and political events landscape.