ABSTRACT

The International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham has two things in common with the Watershed Complex. Like Bristol, Birmingham is one of Britain’s foremost cities. Those with allegiances to Birmingham say that it is the nation’s second city, just as Bristol was once the second most important port after London. Birmingham retains an important industrial base. It was a communication node at the heart of the national canal network. The ICC site is located a stone’s throw from the main canal interchange in England. Like Bristol Docks, this historic heart of Birmingham has undergone long-term decline as canal transportation was superseded and the traditional ‘metal bashing’ industries closed.