The return of the Floozie in the Jacuzzi - The River Fountain is turned back on

“The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, Birmingham’s most famous fountain, has been turned back on after being restored to working order.

The fountain, located in Victoria Square, was turned on by Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Muhammad Afzal this morning.

The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, or The Fountain, as it is formally known, is a much-loved piece of public art in the city.

It has been out of order for a number of years, but has now been fully restored and is working again. The fountain was turned on in time for the Commonwealth Games, which will be taking place in Birmingham this summer.

Speaking about the fountain, Ian Ward, said: “So Victoria Square - where we are this morning - is the most important Civic Square in the city. It has this wonderful piece of public art called The Fountain, or as brummies like to refer to it as - the Floozie in the Jacuzzi.

“It’s a much loved piece of public art in the city. It’s not been working for a number of years now. Here this morning, we’ve turned the fountain back on - it has been fully restored into working order, as you can see behind me, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to do that in time for the Commonwealth Games.”

Ward went on to say that the city is expecting a large number of visitors this year, due to the Commonwealth Games.

He said: “This city welcomes 42 million visitors each and every year. With the Commonwealth Games this summer, that number will be even higher. So I’ve always been determined that we will restore this piece of public art in time for the games and we’ve managed to do that. After the games we’ll carry on our work of upgrading the public realm across the city.

“We’ve set a new standard - a world class standard, in my opinion - for public realm in Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, we now need to replicate that here in Victoria Square and post games will be doing precisely that. We’ll push this square out into Waterloo street, pedestrianising the bottom end of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street to that same standard of public realm.

“And we will allow those bars and restaurants in those locations to come out into that public space.”

The news of the fountain being turned back on has been met with enthusiasm from members of the public.

Simon, who often walks past the fountain, said: “Well, it’s great to see it back up and running again. I come past often and you know, it’s been closed for a while, to actually see it working  again - it’s brilliant.

“ I was wondering if it would ever be up and running again. But it is really nice, particularly with the weather getting nicer and everything, to actually see it up and running again. It just adds to this place. It just completes it.

“And I was just commenting on the fact that there’s a number of new businesses sort of setting up around here. It seems to be a real boon for the area again.”

Mia, another member of the public, said: “I think it’s beautiful. It’s a nice main attraction. I think everyone can come out and enjoy the sun, sit down in the stairs and enjoy lunch. It’s really nice and it’s nice that it’s situated right outside the museum.”

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