Conference 2023 - Venue Information

The Conference Group are delighted to announce that the 2023 Conference will be hosted by the University of Birmingham, at their conference venue in the heart of the city centre.

Venue Address: The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR.
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The iconic Birmingham landmark was once home to the Municipal Bank; Now, it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration and celebration.

Exterior of The Exchange - University of Birmingham

We encourage you to visit the University of Birmingham's conferences website for more information relating to this magnificent venue: 
https://conferences.bham.ac.uk/venues/the-exchange/ - where you will find detailed information on public transport links and nearby parking. 

You can also get a 360 degree virtual tour of the venue and it's facilities.

Amenities: The main conference room can hold up to 150 delegates, with several smaller break out spaces availbale too. There is free high speed WiFi available to use.

Accessibility:  It is recommended that wheelchair users and those with limited mobility access The Exchange via Bridge Street, which leads through to the North Entrance. This entrance has a ramp and automated doors for an easy entry. There is also ramp access via the South Entrance, which can be accessed via Bank Court.
Accessible provision:

  • Accessible toilets
  • Hearing loop available
  • Level access

Further detailed accessibility information is available via the AccessAble website.

Travel Information: Due to its central location, there are many public transport options:

  • The nearest railway station is Birmingham New Street, which is a 10-minute walk to the venue.
  • Snow Hill, Five Ways and Moor Street stations are all within a 20-minute walk to the venue.
  • West Midlands Metro takes you directly to Centenary Square from New Street Station/Grand Central. From here, there are only two stops until you arrive at The Exchange (bus stop ‘Library’).
  • Several bus routes serve Centenary Square. The nearest bus stop is the Baskerville House stop on Cambridge Street, which is approximately 200 metres away. It is possible to plan your journey online using the NX journey planner.

Walking to The Exchange from Birmingham New Street Station: 

  • Exit Birmingham New Street Station via the Stephenson Street Exit and turn left to walk along Navigation Street.
  • Keep going straight along Navigation Street, passing under the flyover (red cark park on the right.)  
  • Immediately beyond the flyover, follow the footpath on the right and walk up the hill back to street level to join Holliday Street (on the left.)
  • Cross straight over Holliday Street, continuing to walk straight up Suffolk Street Queensway, follow the road round as it bends to the left.
  • The Exchange is on the left-hand side – Birmingham Library is on the right.

 

Driving / Car Parking Information:

Centenary Square is not accessible directly by car. Please use the postcode of your chosen car park to navigate to, rather than The Exchange’s postcode. 

Please note: The Exchange lies within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. You can find out if you need to pay for your vehicle via the GOV.UK website, as well as pay the daily fee (if eligible) before or after your journey.

There is no on-site parking at The Exchange. There is pay-and-display parking close to the venue.

There are several multi-storey car parks, which are a 5-minute walk away:

  • Paradise Circus: Brindley Dr, Birmingham, B1 2NB (Free Blue Badge parking, when badge displayed in vehicle. No lifts at this car park. Coins or parking app only, no cards / contactless payments)
  • Town Hall: Brunel St, Birmingham B5 4AF (Free Blue Badge parking, when badge displayed in vehicle. No lifts at this car park. Cash, card and parking app / pay by phone payments available)
  • Navigation Street: 88A Navigation St, Birmingham B5 4AA (Parking app / pay by phone only, no cash/cards/contactless payments)
  • Street parking is also available at Bridge Street, just 5 minutes away.

 

Photo credit: University of Birmingham