The water feature in Centenary Square has not been in use since October 2023 when they were switched off to facilitate the Ice Skate Birmingham event
Alexander Brock, Local Democracy Reporter
08:52, 21 Jun 2025
Birmingham City Council says it’s making repairs to the Floozie in the Jacuzzi fountain which has been dry for nearly two years.
The water feature in Centenary Square has been out of action since October 2023, when it was turned off to accommodate the Ice Skate Birmingham event.
The authority has not said when it would flow again – but said it was workong on it.
Read more: The Midlands most violent streets
Back in 2019, one councillor praised the square as a “world-class public space” when its revamped look was revealed.
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership even claimed that it would “reinforce Birmingham’s status as a global city”.
However, the iconic fountains, a key feature of the landmark square, have now been inactive for over a year-and-a-half and still need repairs as summer begins.
Ahead of a full council meeting this week, Conservative councillor Deirdre Alden asked: “When does the council expect the water feature in Centenary Square to actually feature water again?”.
The Labour-run council did not provide a specific date in their response but mentioned that work is currently being carried out to identify the “necessary repairs” for the fountain.
“We will undertake those repairs and then complete a further review to ensure the fountain is functional,” they added.
“On successful completion, the feature will be operational.”
A spokesperson for the council provided an update on the fountains last month but once again did not specify when the fountains could be turned back on.
The iconic fountain in Centenary Square could be due a refresh, as a council representative reported to the Local Democracy Reporting Service in May that spend approvals are underway with hopes of it returning to operational state soon.
Bernard Carroll recently expressed residents’ dissatisfaction to the LDRS, stating that local families miss the landmark: “I do a lot of filming around Birmingham city centre and I have spoken to many families who are very upset about this fountain not being on.”
He highlighted the communal importance of the fountain, especially during financially tough times: “They would meet up with other people and their children would have the most wonderful time there.”
Moreover, Carroll emphasised the significance of free, quality public spaces amidst current challenges: “They would tell me it is so important to them in these very difficult times because it doesn’t cost anything.”
Carroll went on to express his own wish for the situation: “I just want to see the families back in Centenary Square during this exceptional weather we have been having.”
He strongly argued for the value of such amenities in the community: “This is not a trivial thing – I honestly believe this is very important for the beautiful people of Birmingham in this beautiful city.”
Another said: “We don’t have a city centre park with shade so the fountains were a godsend.”