Public Office, Birmingham

The Public Office in Birmingham, built between 1805 and 1807, was the city's first significant administrative building and served as the local government center until the 1880s. Designed by architect William Hollins, it featured an imposing structure with Ionic columns and housed the Birmingham Street Commissioners, magistrates' courts, and a small prison. Despite expansions in 1830 and 1861, the building became inadequate for the growing city, leading to the construction of the Council House in 1879. In 1909, the Great Western Railway acquired the building for demolition to make way for a railway goods station, which was completed in 1911. Today, the site is largely occupied by the Selfridges Building, making it a point of interest for visitors exploring Birmingham's architectural history.