Network Rail has revealed plans for the Raging Bull, which was the star of the spectacular opening ceremony at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, to be erected at Birmingham New Street station.

The Raging Bull was designed to pay homage to the West Midlands’ contribution to the Industrial Revolution. It stunned crowds at last year’s opening ceremony, and afterwards while it was on display in Birmingham city centre’s Centenary Square. It was later moved to a temporary storage facility in Ladywood, and is currently in a workshop in southeast England.

As the Raging Bull was never intended to be a permanent exhibit, designers are currently making modifications to make it more robust to withstand the up to 800,000 people who pass through Birmingham New Street station every week. New Street station is an ideal location for the Bull, as it was originally built 172 years ago and was fundamental to Birmingham’s industrial growth during the later stages of the Industrial Revolution.

In order for Birmingham New Street to become the Raging Bull’s permanent home, Network Rail has worked closely with Birmingham 2022, Birmingham City Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Raging Bull is currently undergoing checks and repairs to adapt it into a static sculpture and ensure it is fit for its new home. Final details to make sure it complies with building and fire regulations are now being worked through, and it is hoped that Raging Bull can be in place sometime this summer.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chair of Network Rail, said: “As soon as the Raging Bull appeared in the Commonwealth Games’ opening ceremony it captivated the nation, cementing itself as an icon for host city Birmingham. When the opportunity came to provide a permanent home for this brilliant artwork, there could be no better place than Birmingham New Street’s huge concourse and atrium, which welcomed 1.4m people during the multi-sport event last summer.

“When the Raging Bull is proudly in place, tens of thousands of people every day will be reminded of the time the best of the West Midlands was on show to the world, as a lasting legacy to the unforgettable Birmingham 2022 Games.”

Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022 said: “The response to the Raging Bull both in Birmingham and beyond was incredible and all Games partners have been keen to ensure that we were able to permanently display this Birmingham 2022 icon in the host city.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Network Rail for taking on ownership and responsibility for the Raging Bull and we hope that his presence will be an ongoing reminder of the superb summer of 2022 and that he will continue to be a key attraction for visitors to Birmingham for years to come.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to find a home for the Raging Bull in the heart of the proud host city for Birmingham 2022.

“There were many stars during our unforgettable summer of sport and culture – but none were bigger and bolder than the bull. We had five million visitors to the city centre during the period of the Games and the interest has remained at a high level ever since.

“We are shaping plans to recreate the same exciting atmosphere we enjoyed last year because culture is a key part of the Games’ legacy and we will be announcing more details soon. I can’t wait to see the Bull back in Birmingham in such a prominent place. Congratulations to everyone who has made this happen.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games were a spectacular moment of collective celebration right across our region and nothing captured public imagination quite like that magnificent Bull. That’s why it’s such wonderful news that it will soon be making its triumphant return to Brum – taking pride of place within our iconic New Street Station.

“My thanks go to Network Rail for helping to make this possible and I look forward to this now beloved Bull being enjoyed, marvelled at and photographed by local people and visitors alike in the months and years ahead.”