The University of Birmingham opened a concert, conference, meetings and events venue, The Bramall Music Building, on 10 June. Featuring the Elgar Concert Hall, the £18m facility finally completes a semi-circle of buildings around Chancellor’s Court, which the Great Hall at its centre, that effectively took more than a century to build.

The Bramall Music Building has both a moveable stage and seating, as well as meeting rooms and a foyer capable of hosting gatherings, while the 450-seat Elgar Concert Hall takes its cue acoustically from the Birmingham Symphony Hall, regarded worldwide as a leader in its field. According to officials, the overall building has been filled with: “all the latest gadgets and gizmos to ensure it will remain at the cutting edge for decades to come.”

The June date marks the site’s soft launch. Officially, it will be launched in November.