The Barbican

This strangely golden Buddha-like character points the way to the entrance to the Arts complex in The Barbican.

The Barbican was dedicated in 1972 by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (according to the plaque) and its architecture is in the concrete monstrosity style. It would be hard to love it (rather like the old Library in Birmingham). But it is a magical place and when I wandered through to get to Moorgate this morning, it was looking special.

The waterfalls, greenery, glass and sculpture caught the eye and I wondered what it might be like to live, work or study there.

The Guildhall School of Music is part of the complex, rather dwarfed by the soaring glass and concrete. But so close to such great performance spaces and so often visited by international maestros.

The concert given by Yo Yo Ma at the Barbican last night was magnificent. He's the most emotional and powerful cellist I've ever experienced. He played the first Shostakovich cello concerto and it was unforgettable.

I hate the concrete structure but I love this concert venue.

I had a look at prices of apartments to rent or buy. But I'd miss the nearness of open green spaces that I have in Staffordshire. And it's only just over an hour to London from Birmingham International Station - and that's without the infamous HS2