CIRP GA2019 VENUE

The 69th General Assembly will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), which is situated in the heart of Birmingham and a 10 minute walk from the central railway station – Birmingham New Street. The ICC is a purpose-built, world class conference facility that hosts an average of 400 events per year, which has 10 flexible halls equipped with modern audio-visual systems that can be tailored to specific requirements. The venue is also in close in proximity to various attractions including numerous restaurants, museums, theatres, shops and a wide selection of hotels available to book during the GA.

Conference venue address:

The International Convention Centre (ICC)
8 Centenary Square
Birmingham
B1 2EA

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK with a population of around 1.2 million. As the principal hub of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, it now has the biggest economy outside of London with planned investment in the city of £13.2 billion between 2015 and 2020. Birmingham is also recognised as a major centre for academic, industrial, cultural, entertainment and sporting activities.

For further information about Birmingham and what to see and do, click here.

TRAVEL

Flying to the UK

The Organising Committee strongly recommends that where possible, overseas delegates arrange to fly into Birmingham International Airport (code: BHX), which is served by over 50 airlines with more than 150 direct routes as well as other worldwide connections via several major international hubs.

Other options include flying into London or Manchester, but which would necessitate further travel (usually by train) to Birmingham that takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours, see details below:

For delegates arriving at Heathrow airport (code: LHR), the quickest way into central London is to catch the Heathrow Express train from Terminals 2 & 3 or Terminal 5 to London Paddington station (15 to 21 minutes). From Paddington station, take the Underground (either Hammersmith & City or Circle line) to Euston Square station (12 minutes) followed by a short 200 m walk to Euston station to catch a direct national rail train to Birmingham New Street. There are 4 to 5 trains per hour with journey times varying between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service. A map of the London Underground network can be found here.

Delegates arriving at Manchester Airport (code: MAN) can first take a train from Manchester Airport station to Manchester Piccadilly (20 minutes) and then from here catch a national rail train to Birmingham New Street. There are 2 direct services per hour with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.

Transfer to ICC and city centre hotels from Birmingham International Airport

The airport is connected to Birmingham International train station via the free Air Rail Link monorail located on the first floor (follow signs directing you to ‘Trains’). The train journey from Birmingham International to Birmingham New Street station in the city centre is approximately 10-20 minutes with up to 9 trains per hour (depending on time and day). The price of a standard class single ticket is between £3.10 and £3.90. Specific guidance for getting from Birmingham New Street station to the ICC and nearby hotels can be found here.

Alternatively, there are ample licensed “Black Cab” taxis available at the taxi rank outside the arrival terminal. The drive to the city centre is approximately 30 – 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions and is relatively expensive with typical fares of £40-£45.

Delegates can also hire private cars through the airport’s official private hire company – Arrow Cars. The booking office is situated directly outside the terminal or the link below can be used to obtain a quote and to book online.

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/directions-and-transport/by-private-hire-or-taxi/