Birmingham Central Library demolition given all clear

The 1970s library is due to close next summer

The demolition of Birmingham's Central Library has been given the go-ahead as plans to redevelop a city centre site have been unanimously approved.

The Paradise Circus scheme has been approved by the council's planning committee. Proposals include building new offices, shops and public squares.

The 1970s library in Chamberlain Square is due to close next summer.

Birmingham's new £189m library in Centenary Square will open on 3 September 2013.

Prince Charles once referred to the existing Central Library as looking like "a place where books are incinerated, not kept".