Holloway Circus Tower in Birmingham UK with blue sky

10 Holloway Circus

Visiting 10 Holloway Circus, Birmingham: Complete Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

10 Holloway Circus, also known as Beetham Tower Birmingham, is a defining structure in the city’s evolving skyline. At approximately 130 meters, this mixed-use skyscraper symbolizes Birmingham’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern, cosmopolitan city. Conceived in the late 1990s and completed in 2006, the tower’s sleek glass façade and slender profile contrast with postwar low-rise buildings, marking a key moment in Birmingham’s architectural renaissance and urban regeneration (Liquisearch, Wikipedia, SimpsonHaugh).

The lower floors are home to the Radisson Blu Hotel, while the upper levels contain luxury apartments with panoramic vistas. Though interior access is largely restricted to hotel guests and residents, the building remains a prominent sightseeing and photographic subject, set amid vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mailbox, and the Bullring Shopping Centre (birminghambased.com, World Travel Images).

This guide explores the building’s rich backstory and architectural highlights, and provides up-to-date visitor information on hours, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

Historical Background and Development
Visiting 10 Holloway Circus: Practical Information
Architectural Significance and Urban Context
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

1. Historical Background and Development

Origins and Vision

Born out of Birmingham’s 1990s urban regeneration vision, 10 Holloway Circus replaced the 1957 AEU Building, aiming to create a dramatic gateway to the city center. A design competition led to the selection of Beetham Corporation’s proposal: a single, slender, 39-storey tower, chosen over twin cylindrical alternatives. Adjustments following the September 11 attacks reduced the planned height and replaced spires with subtle cones (Liquisearch).

Construction and Challenges

Built on a compact site at a major intersection, the tower’s construction involved advanced engineering, including wind tunnel testing and a robust concrete frame, ensuring both stability and durability (e-architect). Notable setbacks included incidents with cladding panels and scaffolding, which led to increased safety measures. The project’s successful completion in 2006 marked Birmingham’s first new “supertall” since the 1970s (Skyscraper Center).

Urban Impact and Legacy

10 Holloway Circus catalyzed high-rise development in Birmingham, earning a RIBA Housing Design Award and standing as a benchmark for regional skyscrapers. Its mixed-use scheme—Radisson Blu Hotel below, apartments above—introduced international hospitality standards and cosmopolitan living to the heart of Birmingham, influencing subsequent developments like The Rotunda refurbishment and Three Snowhill (Liquisearch).

2. Visiting 10 Holloway Circus: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Public Access: The building is not open for general tours. Visitors may access the Radisson Blu Hotel’s lobby, bar, and restaurant during business hours (typically 6:00 AM–11:00 PM).
Tickets: No tickets are required for public hotel areas. Special event or conference entry may require advance booking (Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham).

Accessibility

Transport: Centrally located, the tower is an easy walk from Birmingham New Street Station. Multiple bus and tram routes serve the area.
Facilities: Step-free access, lifts, and adapted restrooms are available in public areas.

Security and Entry

Hotel Entrance: 24-hour concierge, CCTV, and key card access for residents ensure safety. Public areas are clearly signposted.

3. Architectural Significance and Urban Context

Landmark Status and Design

10 Holloway Circus is instantly recognizable for its curving, blue-tinted glass façade, which changes hue with the weather and time of day. Designed by Ian Simpson Architects, it embodies Birmingham’s embrace of contemporary design, contrasting with the city’s Victorian and Brutalist buildings (birminghambased.com).

Urban Integration

Located at the convergence of major roads and near the Chinese Quarter, the tower is a prominent marker for visitors and locals alike. Its mixed-use design supports a vibrant, 24-hour city environment, enhancing the area’s safety and economic vitality (SimpsonHaugh).

Sustainability Features

While predating current green certifications, the building utilizes energy-efficient glazing, adjustable louvres, and maximizes natural light, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to environmental design.

4. Visitor Experience and Facilities

Radisson Blu Hotel

Rooms: 211 with city views.
Dining: Collage Restaurant & lobby bar.
Fitness Centre: Fully equipped gym for hotel guests.
Meeting Spaces: Conference and event facilities.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout public areas.

Residential Apartments

Access: Private, with secure entry.
Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, exclusive amenities for residents.

Additional Services

Parking: Limited on-site; nearby options include NCP Birmingham New Street and The Mailbox.
Luggage Storage: Available for hotel guests.
Business Services: Printing and copying facilities.

5. Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Top Nearby Attractions

Chinatown: Authentic Asian cuisine, bubble tea, bakeries (World Travel Images).
The Mailbox: Upscale shopping, BBC Studios, canal-side dining.
Bullring Shopping Centre: Over 160 shops, iconic Selfridges building (Birmingham Mail).
Birmingham Back to Backs: Guided tours of 19th-century workers’ homes.
Birmingham Hippodrome: Premier theatre for shows and ballet.
Jewellery Quarter: Historic district with museums and craft shops.

Travel Tips

Getting There: Best reached by public transport.
Best Times: Weekdays for quieter visits; evenings for illuminated views.
Dining: Chinatown and The Mailbox offer a variety of options.
Booking: Reserve hotel stays in advance during major events.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for 10 Holloway Circus?
A: Public access is to the Radisson Blu Hotel, open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Residential floors are private.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: No ticket is needed for public hotel areas. Special events may require advance booking.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No public tours inside the building, but local architectural tours often feature the exterior.

Q: Is the building accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free entrances, lifts, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Where can I park?
A: On-site hotel parking is limited; nearby public car parks are available.

Q: What else can I visit nearby?
A: Chinatown, The Mailbox, Bullring, Birmingham Back to Backs, Hippodrome, and Jewellery Quarter.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

10 Holloway Circus is a pivotal symbol of Birmingham’s urban regeneration, blending innovative architecture with city-center vibrancy. While public access is mainly limited to the Radisson Blu Hotel’s amenities, the tower’s visual impact and proximity to major attractions make it essential for visitors interested in the city’s transformation. For architecture enthusiasts, urban explorers, and curious travelers, 10 Holloway Circus offers a compelling window into Birmingham’s past, present, and future.

Plan your visit today—explore nearby attractions, dine with panoramic city views, and experience the energy of Birmingham’s revitalized center. Download the Audiala app for more travel guides, insider tips, and virtual tours of Birmingham’s top sites.