The Cube

Introduction

Situated in Birmingham’s vibrant city centre, The Cube stands as a testament to the city’s dynamic regeneration—melding rich industrial heritage with contemporary architectural innovation. Designed by Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects (famed for London’s Gherkin), The Cube is inspired by Birmingham’s renowned jewellery and metalworking history, featuring a striking façade of gold, bronze, and silver anodized aluminum panels that evoke the elegance of a jewel box (Make Architects; Britain Visitor).

Since its opening in 2010, following a £100 million investment, The Cube has anchored the city’s urban renewal and transformed the skyline. With 23 storeys of mixed-use spaces—retail, offices, luxury apartments, a boutique hotel, wellness facilities, and Birmingham’s first rooftop restaurant and sky bar—it’s a vibrant microcosm of city life (Building.co.uk; The Cube Birmingham). The Cube is also a leading example of sustainable development, holding a BREEAM Excellent rating for energy efficiency and green practices (Arch2O; Toxigon).

This guide delivers a detailed overview of The Cube’s history, architectural significance, visitor essentials (including hours, ticketing, and accessibility), dining and accommodation options, sustainability features, nearby attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

Historical Background & Development

Origins and Urban Context

The Cube was developed beside the Mailbox and the Birmingham to Worcester canal, a district once bustling with factories and workshops—an industrial heritage that inspired its design (Building.co.uk). The Mailbox's transformation from a Royal Mail sorting office set the stage for The Cube as the final phase of this urban revitalization (Arch2O).

Vision and Design

Commissioned by the Birmingham Development Company, Ken Shuttleworth and his team at Make Architects won the design competition, envisioning a building that would be open, welcoming, and reflective of local heritage (Britain Visitor; ArchDaily).

Construction Timeline

Work began in the mid-2000s, culminating in 2010 with a project team that included Make Architects, Buro Happold (engineering), Hoare Lea (services), Haga (cladding), Faithful+Gould (management), and BuildAbility (main contractor) (Building.co.uk).

Architectural Inspiration & Industrial Heritage

The Cube’s architecture is a contemporary homage to Birmingham’s jewellery and metalworking past, with its geometric metallic exterior arranged in a grid reminiscent of classic computer games (Arch2O; Britain Visitor). One façade features open triangular fretwork, dissolving about 40% of the surface to allow natural light and city views—reinforcing the “jewel box” motif (Building.co.uk).

Mixed-Use Functionality & Vertical Zoning

Spanning 42,000 square meters over 23 storeys (Arch2O), The Cube is vertically organized as follows:

• Basement: UK’s largest automated car park, spa.
• Lower Floors: Retail and restaurants.
• Offices: Five floors for businesses.
• Residential: 244 private apartments.
• Hotel: Boutique Hotel Indigo Birmingham, including gym and spa.
• Rooftop: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, sky bar with panoramic views (AJ Buildings Library).

Role in Birmingham’s Urban Renaissance

The Cube, alongside Brindleyplace and Selfridges, has played a major part in reshaping Birmingham’s post-industrial identity, connecting the canal sides and city centre with open routes and a central courtyard (Building.co.uk; Arch2O).

Sustainability & Technical Innovation

The Cube holds a BREEAM Excellent rating, thanks to features such as tailored glazing, advanced insulation, automated parking, and smart building technologies (Arch2O; Toxigon). Energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and eco-friendly hospitality practices are integral to its operation.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Visiting Hours

• General Public Areas: Usually open from 10:00 or 11:00 AM until late evening (around 10:00–11:00 PM).
• Hotel Reception & Car Park: 24/7.
• Rooftop Restaurant & Bars: Extended evening hours; check specific venues for details (The Cube Birmingham).

Tickets & Entry

• Public Areas: Free entry.
• Restaurants, Spa, Events: Advance booking or ticketing may be required (Cube Hotel).

Accessibility

• Step-free access, accessible lifts and restrooms, and well-signed routes.
• Assistance available for visitors with disabilities.
• Central location near major transport hubs (The Cube Hotel - Amenities).

Dining & Culinary Experiences

• Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill: Panoramic views, classic British cuisine, popular sky bar (The Cube Birmingham).
• Rodizio Rico: Brazilian churrascaria with buffet and grilled meats.
• Shogun Teppan-Yaki: Japanese teppanyaki and sushi prepared live.
• Additional Eateries: A diverse range of international and local options (The Cube - Restaurants).

Accommodation: The Cube Hotel

A four-star boutique hotel on the top floors, featuring 52 well-appointed rooms with city views, modern amenities, and a rooftop terrace. Business and leisure travelers benefit from its central location, conference spaces, and wellness facilities (The Cube Hotel Birmingham).

Wellness & Leisure

• The Club and Spa: Luxury spa with eco-friendly practices, fitness suites, and a range of wellness treatments (Spa Club).
• Boutique Bowling Alley: Family-friendly entertainment; themed nights and private hire available (The Cube - Entertainment).

Residential & Business Amenities

• Apartments: 244 stylish residences, from studios to penthouses (Wikipedia - The Cube).
• Offices: Over 10,000 m² of flexible business space (The Cube - Available Spaces).

Parking & Accessibility

• Automated Car Park: The UK’s largest, open 24/7 (The Cube).
• Accessible Design: Step-free and inclusive facilities; smoke-free and secure (The Cube - Access Policy).

Art, Architecture & Cultural Features

• Architectural Design: Jewel-like façade and fretwork, inspired by local heritage (Make Architects - The Cube).
• Public Art: Bronze sculptures by local artist Temper.
• Photography: Rooftop and canal-side terraces offer excellent photo opportunities; commercial use requires permission (The Cube - Photo Policy).

Shopping & Retail

The Cube features boutique retail units and is steps away from The Mailbox, Bullring, and Grand Central shopping centres (The Cube - Location).

Proximity to Major Attractions

• The Mailbox: Upscale shopping and dining.
• Brindleyplace: Canalside bars, restaurants, and culture (Visit Birmingham - Brindleyplace).
• Bullring & Grand Central: Leading shopping destinations (We Love Brum - Shopping).
• Cultural Venues: Symphony Hall, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Visit Birmingham - Attractions).

Visitor Tips

• Book in Advance: Reserve restaurants, spa treatments, and bowling ahead.
• Transport: Walk from New Street Station or use public transport; bike lanes and electric vehicle charging available (Internet Geography).
• Events: Check The Cube website for special events and rooftop parties (DesignMyNight - Events).
• Security: Onsite 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are The Cube Birmingham's opening hours?
A: Public areas are open from 10:00 or 11:00 AM until late evening; hotel and car park operate 24/7. Check individual venues for specifics.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No general admission fee. Reservations or ticketing may apply for restaurants, spa, or events.

Q: Is The Cube accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with step-free access, lifts, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets are not permitted in The Cube Hotel; check with individual venues for their policies.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, during festivals or special events; monitor the official website for updates.