“We’ll meet at Grand Central.” - The day of the Grand Central Birmingham opening & John Lewis Ribbon-cutting Review

So, it has been nearly two weeks since attending the pre-launch media breakfast on Thursday 24th September 2015, for the Grand Central Birmingham opening & John Lewis Ribbon-cutting. 

A date that will be remembered as the transformation and revival of Birmingham and its true culture.

I was greeted by a lovely representative who guided me to the media arrival area by the escalators where I was signed in onto the guestlist by another member of the team and received my press pass and press release.

  I then made my way over to the media breakfast area where I collected a glass of orange juice and took in the impressive view of Grand Central Birmingham.

I captured various shots of the overall astounding view including images of the different stores prior to the launch – when I was approached and greeted by a team member of Jones Bootmakers with a goody bag.

Some of the new stores that also opened were Cath Kidston, Hobbs, Joules, The White Company...

...along with these enticing dining restaurants from Tapas Revolution, Crepe Affaire, Pho, Square Pie and Frizzenti.

They were also the first to open in the Birmingham city!

The media buzz quietened down as the official speeches were underway before the official opening, by the Grand Central General Manager Jonathon Cheetham and Leader of Birmingham City Council, Sir Albert Bore.

The speeches highlighted and of which reflected the press release,

"This has been brought to life through a culmination of a dedicated, committed group from across the city. It's a proud day for Birmingham and demonstrates our continued retail power to bring these high quality shops and restaurants to the Birmingham consumer, marking another chapter in the on-going renaissance of our great city." - Jonathan Cheetham, Grand Central Centre Manager

"The arrival of Grand Central provides even more shopping and dining choice for people in the city centre. With its stainless steel facade wrapping around the entire building, Grand Central makes an impressive impact on Birmingham's ever improving architectural landscape. The creation of over 1000 jobs in retail, hospitality, catering and customer service also provides a significant number of opportunities for local people." - Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council

"The years of wait have been well worth it. Not only is New Street Station a magnificent new development for passengers and commuters, but Grand Central also offers a unique and unforgettable shopping experience for all. We are proud that Birmingham is at forefront of such an impressive aesthetic design which will be enjoyed and admired by people across the UK and worldwide." - Richard Brown, Grand Central Development Director

 

We then witnessed the ribbon cut take place in front of John Lewis along with the first customers being welcomed into the store. 

Everyone captured the moment – it was an exciting time, so why not!

The John Lewis store that opened is known to be one of the biggest stores in the UK – of which also features a lovely spa and restaurant. 

I simply adored the modern, contemporary vibe in store with the décor, merchandising style and little touches – like with the different slogan signs placed in the different departments to convey the style of item or dress i.e. the slogan signs ‘Suited’ and ‘Dandy’ were placed tastefully in the formal clothing area. So chic!

Here is another display in John Lewis I totally loved – the colourful sweaters styled in a vibrant, smart and chic way. How super-stylish!

Here is the stylishly unique custom of John Lewis - Loved & Found. Go visit the department at John Lewis Birmingham and find yourself something contemporary and your kind of style, that's to be loved.  

Ladies! Embrace yourself.. the one main area in John Lewis y'all be visiting no doubt. How beautiful is the display - presented in an innovative installation kind of way. Ooh shoe-perfection!

And not forgetting the handbags too! 

Ok, so most of us ladies love the lingerie and nightwear too and cannot get enough of it! 

Care for some tasteful, cool, sophisticated interior inspiration?

I love love love this original, vintage touch to the electrical department - bringing a lil Italian vibe to Birmingham. Bellissimo!

Embellished bugs and all that decor!

Care to make your 'Sleep Room' more cush and inviting?.. 

Ok, so I think I got a little carried away, oops, never mind but touching base with the overall concept of Grand Central, John Lewis and the opening - here are some questions I was intrigued to find out the answers to, that I did get kindly answered by Andy Street - John Lewis Managing Director / CEO.

Q: The finished result looks amazing! Did you face any challenges along the way that you overcame?

A: The biggest challenge was building over a busy railway station - but the outcome is indeed very pleasing.

Q: Did the end result meet or exceed your expectations?

A: Exceeded. We think it is the best shop we have ever built.

Q: Where did the idea of this fantastic transformation originate from - was there more of a purpose behind it other than making New Street Station a 'shopping centre central' of Birmingham.

A: Oh yes, we always knew that this could become the meeting point for the whole of the Midlands.

Q: I love the contemporary touches and modern feel... Where did your inspiration for the design derive/stem from?

A - It all comes from my own in house Design team.  

Shortly after the John Lewis ribbon-cut, there was a Flash Mob performance in the Grand Central space that was pretty cool, fun and added some authenticity to the Grand Central Birmingham opening as this city is known for their urbane, funk and arty style.

As a whole, a lot of emphasis has been focused on the design element and visual merchandising in terms of Grand Central’s style as well as in the stores and restaurants featured.

Beautiful, unique and stylish!  

There was more of a reason behind the transformation of New Street Station and building a John Lewis; apart from making it a lot visually enticing and the recreational purposes - one of the other significant reasons was to revive the economy in and around Birmingham city!

Grand Central, and grand is right! 

Spacious, architectural, classic modern style and feel. A true city vibe.

  It's all about innovation, luxury, creativity/art and contemporary style based on the Birmingham's people to make it more personal, homely and filled with passion and creativity. And bringing a new edge to Birmingham that is both stylish and practical. Also making it feel a lot more safer and inviting to local public and people outside of Birmingham.  

  I feel that by incorporating and supporting independent stores is also a significant contributing factor to the successful launch of Grand Central and development of Birmingham.

Personally, I feel that the design aspect is a huge part of the development and a goal of being different, contemporary, breaking style conventions and adding life back into Birmingham City Centre – making Grand Central the heart of Birmingham!

In years to come, we will look back on this day of transformation and creative development, that has painted over the walls of dull, economic struggles and times of recession - we will be grateful for the creativity, support, and choice that has put a spark back into Birmingham and its society and inspired them. 

Well for now, let's get prepared for all the hustle and the bustle for all the Christmas shopping, frenzy and festivities. What an advantage for the launch to have taken place now, all ready for in time for Christmas.

When making your way down to Grand Central Birmingham, be prepared for all the buzz and commotion – with the atmosphere it has struck up, it is a place everyone would want to be… 

Am I ready? Yes, course! I am a city girl at heart.

What an incredible journey to be a part of…

Wishing Grand Central Birmingham, John Lewis and all the other Grand Central retailers all the best.

Love and Inspo.

Jas oxo

Images courtesy of Myself, Grand Central Birmingham