Westside, Birmingham facts for kids

The east entrance to the ICC, on Centenary Square, with the neon sculpture above.

The Westside is a cool part of Birmingham, England. It's in the city centre and has lots of modern buildings. You can find places like The Cube, the amazing Library of Birmingham, and the Ikon Gallery here. It's a busy and exciting area with new things always happening!

Getting Around Westside

Westside has a special tram system called the Metro. It's pretty unique because it's the only tram system in the country that runs completely on batteries! This means it's super quiet and good for the environment. The Metro helps people travel easily around the area, connecting different parts of Westside and beyond.

Fun Places in Westside

Central Square with Two, Six, Seven and Five Brindleyplace

Westside is packed with awesome places to visit. One of the most famous spots is Brindleyplace. It's a lovely area with canals and lots of things to do.

Brindleyplace Highlights

• National Sea Life Centre: Here you can explore the underwater world and see all sorts of sea creatures.
• International Convention Centre (ICC): This is a huge building where big events and conferences happen.
• Symphony Hall: If you love music, this is the place to go! It's known for its amazing sound and hosts many concerts.

Other Cool Venues

• National Indoor Arena (NIA): Now called the Utilita Arena, this is a massive venue for concerts, sports, and other big shows.
• Birmingham Repertory Theatre ("The Rep"): If you enjoy plays and live performances, "The Rep" is a fantastic theatre to visit.

Broad Street and Canals

Baskerville House has undergone a major renovation.

Broad Street is a very popular street in Westside, especially in the evenings. It's full of restaurants where you can try food from all over Europe. There are also many cool bars right next to the canals.

The canals themselves are a big part of Westside's charm. You can see interesting spots like Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin, where boats used to gather. It's a great place for a walk or to just relax by the water.

Shopping and Media

The Mailbox is a fancy shopping centre right by the canals. It has shops, restaurants, and even a hotel. The BBC also has offices here, so you might spot some TV or radio people! Other media companies have offices in Westside too, making it a hub for news and entertainment.