Urbos 100 tram observations during 2023.

 

Don & Roy Richardson: West Midlands Metro tram 39

On the 1st April 2023, at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on the Hagley Road. A ride of West Midlands Metro tram 39 to St Chad's Tram Stop. It has been named after Don & Roy Richardson.

 

Getting off tram 39 at St Chad's Tram Stop on the 1st April 2023. It got way to full beyond Corporation Street, with West Bromwich Albion fans going to The Hawthorns, was glad to get off it.

 

Tram 39 also seen on Broad Street on the 25th March 2023, opposite the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoon pub.

 

Theresa Stewart: West Midlands Metro tram 40

Seen on the 31st March 2023 on Stephenson Street, near the Piccadilly Arcade was West Midlands Metro tram 40. Named after the late Theresa Stewart (1930-2020). The second tram to be named after her (previously the now scrapped T-69 Midland Metro tram 11 was in heritage livery and named after her). A blue plaque was unveiled in her memory, to be placed on her final home in June 2023.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 41

On the 25th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 41, near Victoria Square and the Birmingham Council House.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 42

On the 29th January 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 42 at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop.

 

Tram 42 also seen at The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, heading for Wolverhampton.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 43

On the 7th February 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 43 was seen at Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 44

View from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham of West Midlands Metro tram 44 at Library Tram Stop on the 1st June 2023.

Video reel on Facebook.

 

Tram 44 also seen on the 26th January 2023 at Library Tram Stop, from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham.

 

CBSO: West Midlands Metro tram 45

Seen on the 1st June 2023, at Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square was West Midlands Metro tram 45, carrying the CBSO Birmingham, Make some noise! adverts! I then caught an X10 bus to Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

Should be an article up soon at Westside BID.

 

Was hoping to get tram 45 from Edgbaston Village Tram Stop, but by the time I got off the X10 bus, the CBSO tram had already pulled out, and heading for the Five Ways underpass from Hagley Road to Broad Street!

 

Two days later on the 3rd June 2023, I saw the CBSO West Midlands Metro tram 45 again, this time from the top deck of the no 24 bus stop at Paradise Circus.

 

Earlier in the year, I caught tram 45 to Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop in West Bromwich on the 19th January 2023, but this was before it had the CBSO advert sponsorship on it.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 46

From Pinfold Street on the 18th February 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 46 heading to Edgbaston Village.

 

About a week earlier on the 11th February 2023, I saw West Midlands Metro tram 46 at Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square, contrasting the Urbos 3 tram 23 with Urbos 100 tram 46.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 48

At The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 48 arrives to pick me up and take me back into Birmingham.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 51

Seen on the 28th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 51, departing Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square.

 

West Midlands Metro tram 53

From the 28th May 2023 on Broad Street, Was West Midlands Metro tram 53 at Five Ways Tram Stop, close to the Five Ways Entertainment Complex and Cineworld.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

1,207 state-of-the-art student accommodation would be delivered across two new build blocks: a ‘Canalside Block’ of 34 storeys and a ‘Courtyard Block’ at 14 storeys​.

Both buildings would be framed by new public open space and active frontages, reinvigorating an underutilised section of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

Cambrian Hall (below), an existing UCB student accommodation building constructed in the 1970s that no longer meets the aspirations of today's student market, is in line to be demolished.

Transformational change is ongoing in the area, with Paradise Birmingham and the 49-storey Octagon under construction, and the 46-storey Ora - next door - set to start soon.

A full planning application will be submitted in due course. In the meantime, the public consultation runs until Wednesday 14^th June.

Get your views in!

Images from University College Birmingham & the IYB Development Map.

 

Piling works is underway across the site, with Bespoke Construction tasked with the job of building out the six building, 278-home development​.

A two-phased affair, the Investin PLC development will deliver an initial 145 one & two-bedroom apartments in Phase I, across three new builds of four, six & 15-storeys. 

Phase II will deliver the three remaining buildings of five and six storeys. 

Residents will have access to a gymnasium and cinema, spacious lounges, co-working areas, a roof terrace, and a podium courtyard, all of which will set the standard for the city's burgeoning rental sector.

VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR LINK HERE.

Boulevard @ Southside, drone images from Stephen Giles; CGIs from Investin & Connells.

View the site on our development map HERE.

Birmingham City Centre

I'd always wanted to try and get photos of Birmingham City Centre from a plane window coming home from holiday. This was the first time I was able to achieve this. The BT Tower is the main building visible. Plus 103 Colmore Row was visible, and as we swung around Selfridges. Was a bit hazy though.

 

Birmingham Airport

After capturing London Luton Airport and Coventry Airport on the way home, I was hoping to see Birmingham Airport, before landing. Managed to capture it with the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull and the National Exhibition Centre. Would later leave the airport in a taxi going home via the A45 Coventry Road. You also have Elmdon Park.

 

Adderley Park

Flying over Adderley Park and the Birmingham Wheels Park. Between that is the West Coast Mainline.

 

Freightliner terminal - Landor Street, Birmingham

Also near Addereley Park is the Landor Street freight terminal. There is clear signs of HS2 works below.

 

Bloomsbury Park

Over Nechells you can see the former Aston Gas Holders, and Bloomsbury Park to the right.

 

Spaghetti Junction and Salford Park

Something I never expected to photograph from the air was Spaghetti Junction. It opened over 50 years ago. Salford Park looks tiny from up here, including Aston Reservoir.

 

Villa Park and Aston Hall & Park

To the left of Spaghetti Junction is Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club. Aston Hall & Park to the right. The Cross City and Chase Lines split near here. Cross City towards Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield, and the Chase Line towards Walsall and Rugeley.

 

Perry Barr Stadium

Passing Perry Barr Stadium, the home of Home of Greyhound Racing Club and Birmingham Brummies Speedway. Also nearby is the completed accommodation in Perry Barr, originally built for the Commonwealth Games as an athletes village, but was not completed in time. You can also see the new road layout since the Perry Barr Flyover was demolished a few years ago.

 

Alexander Stadium and Perry Park

The Alexander Stadium was of course rebuilt for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Perry Park is next to and around it, with the Perry Reservoir and M6 motorway behind. Hopefully park access around the stadium will be restored soon.

 

Walsall Arboretum

Passing over Walsall Arboretum, this was the furthest north we went, before turning around to the airport. Could see the Hatherton Lake from above, and was a fun fair in the park.

 

Witton Lakes

You could see the two sections of the lakes at Witton Lakes Park. With Perry Common behind.

 

M6 motorway and The Fort Shopping Centre

Getting closer to landing now. The M6 motorway on the left, with The Fort Shopping Centre on the right. A strip of parkland to the left in the Bromford area, near Hodge Hill. More HS2 land to the top left hand corner in Washwood Heath.

 

Landing at runway 15

After circling over Birmingham, it was time to land. First passing Airparks Birmingham, then over the Sheldon Country Park. The former Monarch hanger is now STS.

After this our Jet2 plane taxied to the Jet2 area of the airport, and two buses would take us passengers back to arrivals for passport control and baggage claim. Was a minor fire incident, and the airport fire service was out, so the buses had to go on a minor diversion, but all was ok.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

S&K Buildings, a vastly underutilised site, is to be reanimated and remodelled with an attractive build to rent community containing 484 new homes.

EDR Demolition are now onsite demolishing the majority of the site (plan below), deemed in very poor state of disrepair, with the exception of the S&K building fronting Bradford Street.

Once cleared, six new builds of up to 10 storeys will be erected, each one set around internal courtyards, with the transformative scheme also bringing the River Rea into the mix with a fluid publicly accessible canal-side walkway, with terraces, cafes and restaurants.

The visually aesthetic S&K building is to be retained, converted and upwardly extended with a new two-storey extension.

The site will ultimately offer an attractive selection of one-, two- & three-bedroom apartments (c48 affordable), and spacious duplexes to cater to every lifestyle.

Yellow denotes retained, with demolition in red.

Drone images from Stephen Giles; CGIs (Riba 1-4) from Future High Street Living Ltd & Corstorphine & Wright.

 

Maker's Yard is located adjacent to Smithfield and the visionary Rea Valley Urban Quarter, which will be transformed into a truly sustainable and desirable neighbourhood in the coming years.

The six-build project (5-30 storeys) will accommodate a selection of one-, two- & three-bedroom apartments – 47 affordable – along with substantial street-facing commercial, new pedestrian routes, and a whole host of amenities to boost the living experience.

These include a series of connected green spaces for communal and private use, including a centrally located 'village square' that will serve as a community Hub to house a gym and yoga studio, a range of lounges and flexible workspace.

This will be reinforced by a vibrant, high quality landscape inspired by the site's industrial heritage.

There will also be a 24-hour concierge, large double height reception areas, podium gardens and a sky lounge.

Maker's Yard is Watkin Jones' largest build to rent development to date – with Get Living, the UK’s pioneer of large-scale BTR communities, forward funding and operating the site once it completes in 2025.

Images from Stephen Giles; CGIs from Watkin Jones, Howells & Stride Treglown.

For more on this and more: this is the city's first and only Interactive Development Map.

We're also on Twitter and Instagram - feel free to reach out.

 

The former Queen’s Hospital site on Bath Row is to be reimagined with 728 student beds and 189 Build-to-Rent apartments​.

The gated site, housing 1990s student stock that no longer meets the aspirations of today's market, will be demolished and opened up to make way for contemporary new builds – a 31-storey (100.8m), two 10-storeys, and two seven-storeys – each designed with a commonality but with subtle differences giving each its own identity.

With an emphasis on wellbeing and movement, each building will be set around two retained Grade II listed properties which face out onto Bath Row.

The 1873-built Western block (below) will be revived and transformed into a brand-new community hub with café, gym, workspace, and cycle storage. 1840-built Eastern block (second below) will accommodate 52 post-grad studios.

There will be four new courtyards and terraced gardens, offering fab new spaces for BBQs, games, and seating. Three of these will back onto the canal: two for PBSA, with one for BTR.​

The other will form a new community garden and social space, located directly to the centre of the site.

With spill out envisaged around the two heritage assets, an enhanced public realm to Bath Row will offer fluid routes into this vibrant central setting, allowing residents space to lounge, eat, and socialise.

You can follow this development here with us, as well as view it on Birmingham's first and only Interactive Development Map. You can also follow us on Twitter and on Instagram.

Plans are being brought forward via a McLaren Property and Aventicum partnership, with designs from Chapman Taylor and Churchman Thornhill Finch.

Images from Chapman Taylor, Turley, and Wellcome Collection Gallery.

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The proposed development will bring 220 bedrooms to two underutilised plots, adding to the existing 156 beds across the wider project, which will cater to the growing demand for high-quality, modern living spaces in the city.

Two new builds of 6-7 and 8-14 storeys (45m) will be built on existing vacant plots, delivering four different types of studio accommodation, along with energy and water efficient appliances, air source heat pumps and rooftop photovoltaics.

An 8-14 storey comprising 133 beds will be built to the corner of Hanley Street & Cliveland Street [here], with a 6-7 storey, delivering an additional 87 bedrooms, adjacent [here].

With the needs of students in mind, each unit will feature high-spec amenities, ample storage space, high-speed internet, and en-suite bathrooms, complemented by indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, including study areas, cycle spaces, and a gym.

Each build has been meticulously designed to complement the existing and emerging context, in both its red-brick materiality and massing.

After completing Phase I at 37 Hanley Street, in 2021, with Phase II at 41 Hanley Street currently well advanced for a further 108 bedspaces, Volume teamed up with Hortus Investments to deliver on the wider Volume Works project.

Founded in 2019 by members of the prominent Horton family, Hortus will finance the final phase and are perhaps best known in recent times for bringing The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row back into use.

“The student accommodation sector is changing rapidly, and today’s students expect a better level of product and service than ever before. At Volume.Property, we’ve been pioneering new ways of enhancing the student experience, and that’s been evident in our results.” - Anthony Laville, CEO of Volume.Property.

The application is now under review and, if approved, construction is expected to begin later this year with a scheduled completion for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

Images from Volume Property, Corstorphine+Wright & the IYB Development Map.

 

It positions Birmingham as the UK’s leading smart and sustainable city, and one that fully complements the forthcoming ‘Our Future City: 2040 Birmingham' masterplan – due to launch in the coming weeks​.

A process of over seven years of consultation with the Council, public, and a team of regeneration and built environment specialists, Curzon Wharf has secured outline approval for four new buildings. They include:

• up to 130K of Life Science floorspace over nine floors;
• up to 732 PBSA within Watt Tower (41 storey);
• up to 122 residential units within Galton Skytree (14 storey); 
• up to 498 BTR units with Boulton Tower (53-storey, 172m);
• and 3K SF of retail & over 15K SF of vibrant leisure across the site.

Full planning approval was also given for the partial removal of a listed canal wall, which enables the site to move forward with upgraded walking & cycle routes, as well as the delivery of a £2.49M public realm - the latter will now be secured via a S106 legal agreement.

With outline planning now secured, a Reserved Matters application providing more in-depth information for each building (accommodation numbers, layouts, etc.) will need to be submitted.

Following a three-phase strategy, together with a strict design code, all buildings will be highly energy-efficient and powered by renewable energy sources, but would also be capable of operating more traditionally.

Luxury and leading student and Build to Rent (BTR) operators for these buildings have already been secured, according to Woodbourne.

COSTS: The basic costs have been laid bare: CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) will cost £2.1M (paid on the 41-storey/ equivalent to 9% affordable housing); public realm upgrades will cost in the region of £2.5M (equivalent to 11%); and Net Zero Carbon (NZC) could cost a whopping £11M.

Should the public realm improvements cost less than £2.5M, then the difference will be provided to the Council to be spent on off-site affordable housing.

Incorporating affordable dwellings into the site has materialised, despite the huge costs. It has impacted on viability, but has stopped short of scuppering it. Woodbourne has agreed on 5% (31) – up from 3% – with a deal also in place for 51% of the homes to be two and three-bedrooms.

A mechanism will also be put in place for an increase in affordable homes should Woodbourne deviate away from NZC.

Curzon Wharf was approved unanimously.

Be sure to follow this project and speak with us on Twitter and on our Instagram.

“Birmingham is now at a turning point and our generation has the opportunity to transform the city into one of the most sustainable and leading cities in the world. The support received by Curzon Wharf is a reflection of that. It has taken us years of hard work to get here, and I hope the committee supports these unique proposals.

“This isn’t just another development, it’s a manifesto that will position Birmingham as the UK’s leading smart and sustainable city – as demonstrated by the highly successful eco-friendly delivery of the Commonwealth Games – helping to pave the way for the country’s Green Revolution. 

“It will act as a catalyst for the wider transformation of the Eastside area where a number of masterplans have been earmarked which otherwise would not be possible. It signposts Birmingham’s route to delivering transformational change to the city, promoting social, cultural and economic exchange in a truly transformative urban neighbourhood.”

Tani Dulay, Chief Executive, Woodbourne Group

Curzon Wharf images from Woodbourne Group + Associated Architects.

 

Woodbourne Group is seeking outline consent for the demolition of the above site, to be replaced with four new net zero carbon (NZC) buildings comprising:

• up to 130K of Life Science floorspace over nine floors;
• up to 732 PBSA within Watt Tower (41 storey);
• up to 122 residential units within Galton Skytree (14 storey); 
• up to 498 BTR units with Boulton Tower (53-storey, 172m);
• and 3K SF of retail & over 15K SF of vibrant leisure opportunities across the site.

 

Full detailed planning is also sought for the partial demolition of a listed canal wall, enabling the site to undergo walking and cycling route improvements, as well as the delivery of a new £2.49M public realm - the latter will be secured via a S106 legal agreement.

With a three-phase strategy in place, together with a strict design code, all builds are to be built to be highly energy efficient and powered by renewable energy sources, but would of course also be capable of operating more traditionally using non-renewable energy.

Luxury and leading student and Build to Rent (BTR) operators for the buildings have already been secured, says Woodbourne.

More details on each building, accommodation, layouts, etc., will come via a Reserved Matters application should planning consent be achieved on Thursday.

What we do know is that at least 51% of the residential units to be built is required to have two or three-bedrooms, with the affordability offering now up to 5% (31 homes).

A mechanism will be put in place for an increase in affordable provision should Woodbourne not move forward with NZC in any of the phases.

This increase particularly impacts Curzon Wharf's viability. Why? CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) will cost c.£2.1M, to be paid on the PBSA element (equivalent to 9% affordable housing); public realm improvements will cost £2.5m (equivalent to 11%); and implementing Net Zero Carbon (NZC) will cost around a cool £11M.

Should the public realm improvements cost less than £2.5M, then the difference will be provided to the Council to be spent on off-site affordable housing. Much more to come here!

“Birmingham is now at a turning point and our generation has the opportunity to transform the city into one of the most sustainable and leading cities in the world. The support received by Curzon Wharf is a reflection of that. It has taken us years of hard work to get here, and I hope the committee supports these unique proposals.

“This isn’t just another development, it’s a manifesto that will position Birmingham as the UK’s leading smart and sustainable city – as demonstrated by the highly successful eco-friendly delivery of the Commonwealth Games – helping to pave the way for the country’s Green Revolution. 

“It will act as a catalyst for the wider transformation of the Eastside area where a number of masterplans have been earmarked which otherwise would not be possible. It signposts Birmingham’s route to delivering transformational change to the city, promoting social, cultural and economic exchange in a truly transformative urban neighbourhood.”

Tani Dulay, Chief Executive, Woodbourne Group

Curzon Wharf images from Woodbourne Group + Associated Architects.

Be sure to follow and speak to us on Twitter, and on our Instagram.

Get the train from Birmingham New Street to Smethwick Rolfe Street, if starting near the Engine Arm Aqueduct. If you buy your tickets to Smethwick Galton Bridge, they should be valid for getting of at intermediate stations. 

From Smethwick Rolfe Street, walk up Rolfe Street to Bridge Street North, near the Smethwick Locks.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

The Engine Arm Aqueduct is near Rolfe Street in Smethwick. It starts at the junction of the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line, then crosses over the Birmingham Canal New Main Line. It was built in 1825 by Thomas Telford to carry a water feeder, the Engine Arm from Edgbaston Reservoir. It is Grade II* listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Photography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Leave the canal at the Brasshouse Lane Bridge, then walk down North Western Road to Rolfe Street.

 

Smethwick Rolfe Street Station

The railway station at Rolfe Street  in Smethwick, was opened in 1852 on the line between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton. It was rebuilt as it is now in 1890. A mural was painted at the station in 2017 under the direction of artist Steve Field. West Midlands Railway took over from processor London Midland in late 2017. Since 2022, the station has step free access.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

From Rolfe Street, cross the footbridge over Tollhouse Way, then head down High Street in Smethwick to the statue of a Sikh WW1 soldier.

 

Smethwick Cross Tollhouse

The tollhouse was built in 1820 on the Smethwick High Street. The road was part of the Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley Turnpike 1760 - 1876. A Grade II listed building.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick

A former church building at 130 High Street, the Smethwick Sikh community bought and opened it in 1961. It is a total rebuild from the church to gurdwara.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Lions of the Great War statue

The bronze statue by Luke Perry was unveiled in November 2018, between the Smethwick High Street and Tollhouse Way. It depicts a First World War Sikh soldier. It's close to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Other buildings of note on the Smethwick High Street include: Smethwick Library and the Blue Gates Hotel.

Now retrace your steps, and return to the Brasshouse Lane Bridge and walk back down to the canal towpath. There is also a nearby park to check out if you want to.

 

Lewisham Park

Not far from Brasshouse Lane, is Lewisham Park. It's between Great Arthur Street, Perry Street and Darmouth Road. It has a play area, tennis courts and sports pitches.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Galton Valley Pumping Station

The pumping house was built in 1892 between the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line on the Wolverhampton Level (developed by Smeaton in Smethwick) and the Birmingham Canal New Main Line on the Birmingham Level (developed by Telford). It's now a museum and is Grade II listed. Was also called the Smethwick New Pumping House. It replaced two earlier pumping stations on the Engine Arm. The engines were removed in the early to mid 20th century. Restored between the 1980s and 2000s. Open for monthly open days, once a month between April and October each year.

Photography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Galton Tunnel

When Telford Way was build over a canal, a new tunnel had to be built on the BCN New Main Line. The Galton Tunnel is made of concrete, and is 122 yards long, between the SE portal and NW portal. Above NW portal is a towpath that leads up to the Galton Bridge on Roebuck Lane.

Photography by Jonathan Bostock

 

 

Galton Bridge

The Galton Bridge is on Roebuck Lane in Smethwick. It crosses the Birmingham Canal New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Made of cast iron, it was opened in 1829 as a road bridge, and built by Thomas Telford, in a deep cutting. It's 70 feet above the canal, and was the highest single-span arch bridge in the world when it was built. It carried heavy vehicles for almost 150 years until the 1970s. Since then it has only been open to pedestrians and cyclists. It was named after a local businessman, Samuel Galton, who was a major investor in the Birmingham Canal Company. The ironwork was cast by Horseley Ironworks at its canal-side factory near Tipton.

Photography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

The Jewellery Line was built and opened in 1995, this included three stations at Jewellery Quarter, The Hawthorns and Smethwick Galton Bridge. The station in Smethwick has a high level on the Snow Hill lines between Birmingham Snow Hill and Worcester via Kidderminster, and the low level between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton. The station has four platforms. The Smethwick Railway Bridge crosses the Birmingham Canal New Main Line, with the Snow Hill lines above. The opening of this station, led to the nearby Smethwick West Station closing down in 1996.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Leaving the station, walk up Oldbury Road, then turn right up Spon Lane South. For some gems to do with the Chance Brothers, who made glass during the 19th century in Smethwick.

 

Chance House and The Old School House

Located on Crystal Drive off Spon Lane South in Smethwick is Chance House and The Old School House. The Gothic House on the left dates to sometime after the 1850s, while Chance's School dates to around 1850, by the architect Charles Wyatt of Oxford. It has a picturesque Tudor Gothic porch with a stone belfry. Chance House is used to mark a blue plaque about the Chance Brothers, whose Chance Glassworks was nearby from the 1820s to the early 1980s.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Chance Glassworks

It was opened in the 1820s, but was closed down for good in the 1980s. A Grade II listed building. The warehouse and offices was built in 1847. While another set of warehouses was built circa 1853. It is between the M5 motorway and the Birmingham Canal New Main Line, as well as close to the Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton railway line. It is hoped that in the 2020s that the buildings will be restored, after being derelict for decades.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Leave the canal at Spon Lane South, then walk down Oldbury Road, and head into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station. If you haven't already bought your train tickets back to Birmingham, do so here at the ticket office, ticket machine, or on the West Midlands Railway app (you will get a QR code ticket). Take either the high level to Birmingham Snow Hill (or Moor Street), or the low level to Birmingham New Street.

 

The nearest tram stop is Kenrick Park Tram Stop, which is adjacent to Kenrick Park in nearby West Bromwich.

Oldbury Road is on the 80 and 87 bus routes from National Express West Midlands.

 

The project, fully funded by PRECap VII S.à r.l. (PGIM Real Estate), one of the world’s largest funds, will see the creation of two environmentally friendly and interlinked new builds of 15 and 46 storeys (31 affordable).

With McAullife Group set to remove large portions of the car park, and a well-known contractor in the frame to build out the entire project, Brindley Drive will deliver a new community comprising 581 (255) one- and (336) two-bedroom apartments (1-4 persons).

Both builds will be connected via a shared, centralised landscaped podium, and will benefit from solar, smart metering and a range of energy efficiency measures, as well as a double fire escape strategy with sprinkler systems to each residence.

The 46-storey will offer 432 homes across 44-storeys, with amenities – club lounges, cinema room, flexible social spaces – on split levels at floors 44 & 45.

The 15-storey ‘Garden Mansion Block’ will provide a further 149 units across 14-storeys, with the added benefit of a 15th-floor amenity space.

At lower levels, there will be even more facilities, including a reception/concierge, lounge, gym, co-working spaces, and 590 cycles across three storage rooms.

Provision for 100 vehicle spaces will be re-provided under a lease agreement and will be made available for tenants of Baskerville House only. The car park will be below the courtyard (No.4 below) and will be accessed via Brindley Drive.

Materiality: Designed to relate to its immediate context, level one upwards on the tower will consist of an aluminium frame, with glass reinforced concrete (GRC) at its base along.

The ‘Garden Mansion Block’ is conventional and will be finished in a red/orange textured Birmingham brick, with a glazed brick base, GRC, and bespoke artwork at street level.

Brindley Drive, images from Court Collaboration & CallisonRTKL.

To get to Sandwell Country Park

If you are travelling from outside Sandwell, catch the West Midlands Metro from Birmingham or Wolverhampton to West Bromwich Central. Alternatively catch the no 74 bus to West Bromwich Bus Station.

Note:  We recommend you buy a day ticket on the My Metro app before you travel.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Outside the station you could hire a West Midlands Cycle bike if you do not fancy walking.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Turn left onto the West Bromwich Ringway, then pass West Bromwich Bus Station. Turn right onto St Michael Street, continue onto New Street into the New Square shopping centre. Perhaps stop for coffee.

If you missed West Midlands Cycle Hire before, there is another docking point outside of Central St Michael's Sixth Form College.

West Midlands Cycle Hire at Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue through New Square and turn left towards Cronehill Linkway Car Park. Next walk up Cronehills Linkway, stop at the lights and cross over the Cronehills Interchange Bridge.

Cronehills Interchange Bridge. Photography by Elliott Brown

Near The Expressway follow the path onto Sandwell Road North, then onto Taylors Lane and Woodward Street until you get to Dagger Lane.

Turn right onto Salters Lane and continue heading down to the gate.

Enter Sandwell Valley Country Park. 

At the gates, enter Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Salters Lane entrance to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue along Salters Lane through the park. The path/road here is a bit rough.

Along the way you will pass the fields of Sandwell Park Farm.

Sandwell Park Farm. Photography by Elliott Brown

You will then cross the first bridge over the M5 motorway.

Bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

You are now on the other side of Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Now turn left onto Beacon Way and follow the path all the way around the Swan Pool.

Swan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After you've gone around the Swan Pool, turn left which takes you back onto the main path /road towards Park Lane. You will pass the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

At the end of this path, turn right alongside Park Lane, heading to the gate.

Note: If you want to leave the park here, you can, but there are no pavements on Park Lane.

Park Lane gate at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Let's continue along the path towards the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall.

They were built in the 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich.

Located next to the 'Sand Well', a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name, it was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 during the Reformation, and later demolished.

It was excavated between 1982 and 1988.

Sandwell Priory Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Next to the Priory is the ruins of Sandwell Hall. The land was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished the existing buildings to build his house.

The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

Remains of Sandwell Hall at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After this, continue along the path, and then cross over the second bridge over the M5 motorway.

Alternatively if you have time, check out the Ice House Pool and Cascade Pool.

There is also another path that takes you back towards the Swan Pool.

Second bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After the bridge, there is a path where you can take your exit towards Europa Avenue, or you can continue onto Dartmouth Park or Sandwell Park Farm.

The Europa Avenue exit goes past a Mercure Hotel near M5, Junction 1 and The Expressway.

Leaving Sandwell Valley Country Park at Europa Avenue. Photography by Elliott Brown

From Europa Avenue, take Beeches Road to Birmingham Road. If you want to catch a bus instead of the tram, the 74 stops on Birmingham Road.

Here you can either go down Roebuck Street or Roebuck Lane. Go onto Devereux Road, and get onto West Bromwich Parkway.

This is the end of the trail.  We hope you enjoyed it!

If you need a tram, follow the path to Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Look out for trams.

West Midlands Metro tram at West Bromwich Parkway. Photography by Elliott Brown

It shouldn't be too long to wait for a tram at Kenrick Park Tram Stop.

West Midlands Metro tram arriving at Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Israel-based Ashtrom Properties acquired the building from Aviva Investors UK, for a reported £39.5M, in September 2021.

At the time the building was 60% unoccupied with rents averaging at £24 per square foot with a capital value of just over £200 per square foot.

Ashtrom plans to reinvent the building to create a world leading workspace that meets and exceeds the needs of modern occupiers.

The plan is to “recycle and extend” rather than to replace, enabling the construction of a sustainable low/zero carbon structure.

Incorporating a new high-performance façade throughout, the existing seven storey along Bull Street will be extended by four floors and refurbished, offering enhanced office floorspace and a large attractive rooftop amenity space with tiered corner terraces.

The main building will also be extended to its side, rear and peak, taking it up to 22 floors – a slight decrease from original plans.

All car parking spaces will be removed from the basement and all existing rooftop services moved down there, along with cycles, storage, showers and changing rooms.

At street level two new entrances will adorn Colmore Row and Bull Street. Within, Colmore Gate will offer new meeting rooms, co-working spaces, booths, a lounge and an auditorium.

The existing pedestrian thoroughfare will, rather controversially, be stopped up and rerouted around the building, whilst a commercial unit will be formed to the corner of Colmore Row and Bull Street.

A pre-application consultation is now underway ahead of a former planning submission. Website: www.colmoregate.com

Colmore Gate, images from Ashtrom Properties, Buckley Gray Yeoman, Tony Hisgett & Daniel Sturley.

Start at Brindleyplace. Pass the National Sealife Centre, then cross over the footbridge, passing the Oozells Street Loop. 

At Old Turn Junction will be a view of The Malt House and the Library of Birmingham. The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal starts here, but it was the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations as far as Farmers Bridge Locks / Cambrian Wharf.

Old Turn Junction and The Malt House

 

Pass the Arena, and turn left past the Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, head down the towpath onto the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline.

Utilita Arena Birmingham - Old Turn Junction

 

At Old Turn Junction is also the start of the Oozells Street Loop at this bridge near Brindleyplace. Part of the Old Mainline.

Oozells Street Loop Junction Bridge - Old Turn Junction

 

Walk under the Sheepcote Street Bridge as you pass The Distillery and the Roundhouse.

Sheepcote Street Bridge

 

The Distillery

 

The Roundhouse

 

Before leaving the City Centre you pass Ladywood Junction, where the end of the Oozells Street Loop joins onto the BCN New Mainline.

Ladywood Junction Bridge - Oozells Street Loop

 

Head out of the City Centre under the St Vincent Street Bridge into Ladywood.

St Vincent Street Bridge

 

After passing under Ladywood Middleway, at the Monument Road Bridge, you will pass the start of the Ickield Port Loop at Sandy Turn. There is also the Monument Road Basin Bridge, also called Monument Lane Basin, just before Ladywood Middleway.

Sandy Turn bridge - Icknield Port Loop

 

The new Port Loop development is between both ends of the Icknield Port Loop near Rotton Park Street.

Port Loop development

 

The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is at Rotton Park Junction.

Rotton Park Junction Bridge - Icknield Port Loop

 

You will pass over the Eyre Street Junction Bridge, which is at the start of the Soho Loop, near the Soho Wharf development. The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is opposite here, plus the railway bridge that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Eyre Street Junction Bridge - Soho Loop 

 

Pass under the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge, continue past the Site of Harborne Branch Railway Bridge, until you get to the Lee Bridge.

Lee Bridge

 

Continue up to the Winson Green Bridge, which has Winson Green Road crossing overhead.

Winson Green Bridge

 

The other end of the Soho Loop is at Winson Green Junction. This is near the Soho EMU Depot, home of the Cross City Line's famous Class 323 Electric Multiple Units!

Winson Green Junction Bridge - Soho Loop

 

The Winson Green Gauging Island is next to the Winson Green Roving Bridge, as you pass the Soho EMU Depot (either side of the canal, there is a towpath on both sides here).

Winson Green Roving Bridge

 

Continue walking up to the railway bridge, as you will soon cross into Smethwick in Sandwell.

Soho Railway Bridge

 

Between here was the site of Soho Foundry Basin, and the site of Smethwick Gas Works Basin, and the French Walls Basin Bridge.

Rabone Lane Bridge

 

Smethwick Junction on the BCN is where the New Line and Old Line splits. The New Mainline is to the left on the Birmingham Level, while the Old Mainline is to the right on the Wolverhampton Level.

Smethwick Main Line Turnover Bridge - Smethwick Junction

 

The Rolfe Bridge in Smethwick is at Bridge Street North. One of the towpaths is fenced off here.

Rolfe Bridge

 

Passing the Rolfe Pipe Bridge and Smethwick Stop, and then pass under the Engine Arm Aqueduct.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

 

The next bridge to walk under is the Brass House Bridge, which is on Brasshouse Lane in Smethwick.

Brass House Bridge

 

The Smethwick Pumping Station, also called the Galton Valley Canal Museum, or the New Smethwick Pumping Station. It was built in 1892. The lower level is on the New Mainline, while the upper level to the right is on the Old Mainline of the BCN.

Smethwick Pumping Station

 

Walking up to the Galton Tunnel from the southeastern portal, then walk through to the northwestern portal. It was built of concrete, and is below Telford Way.

Galton Tunnel

 

Cross under the famous Galton Bridge. Opened in 1829 and designed by Thomas Telford. It has been pedestrianised since the 1970s. A Grade I listed structure.

Galton Bridge

 

The next bridge is the Smethwick Railway Bridge. This was converted into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station in 1995, with the opening of the Jewellery Line, it carries the Snow Hill lines on the high level, while there is also a low level that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

 

The next bridge carries Spon Lane South, not far from the remains of the Chance Glassworks.

Spon Lane Station Bridge 

 

This was where Jonathan ended his walk, and turned back towards Birmingham. Beyond here is a couple of bridges next to Chance Glassworks, and Spon Lane Junction, where the Old Mainline crossed the New Mainline on the Steward Aqueduct, followed by the M5 motorway.

 

You can either walk or cycle back, or leave at Spon Lane South, and walk to Smethwick Galton Bridge Station, to catch the train to either Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham New Street (your choice, remember to buy your train tickets before travelling). Also various nearby bus routes.

 

Post by Elliott Brown. Photos from Jonathan Bostock.

Getting the train from Birmingham New Street to Walsall on Saturday 15th April 2023. New Art Gallery Walsall was minutes walk away from Walsall Station, and at first went to Costa Coffee for a drink, before a look around the gallery. My first visit in around 9 years.

Then after I left the gallery, walked up the Walsall Town Arm, before going onto the Walsall Canal. Aimed to get as far as the M6 motorway at least, and the James Bridge Aqueduct. Was thinking of going a bit further, but it was far enough. Then though about a walk to Bescot Stadium Station, but saw a no 39 bus coming on James Bridge, and caught that back to the Saddlers Shopping Centre for the shortcut into Walsall Station.

 

New Art Gallery Walsall

View of the Walsall Town Basin at the end of the Walsall Town Arm from an upper level at the New Art Gallery Walsall. Premier Inn hotel with Brewers Fayre restaurant on the right. Behind is the Waterfront retail park, with The Light Cinema Walsall and The Waterfront bar (Hungry Horse). Below on the left is Piri Fino.

 

Walsall Town Arm

The Walsall Town Arm is a short branch off the Walsall Canal to Walsall Town Centre, with modern developments. But just before the basin, appears to be algae at the moment, so not sure if this canal is currently navigable or not. Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre on the left, with Costa Coffee and The New Art Gallery Walsall straight ahead.

 

 

Walsall Locks

Just after the end of the Walsall Town Arm, is the actual Walsall Canal. The Southern Locks of the Walsall Locks is Grade II listed, and is near the Wolverhampton Road Bridge. I did not go that way, but only briefly crossed the Bridgeman Street Bridge to see a mural in full from the other side of the canal.

 

Bridgeman Street Bridge

You leave Walsall Town Centre under the Bridgeman Street Bridge. The towpath switches sides here. If you head north, you go to Birchills Junction, where the Walsall Canal joins the Wyrley and Essington Canal. This walk though headed in a south west direction.

 

Rollingmill Street Bridge

The first bridge you pass heading south between Bridgeman Street and Rollingmill Street is the Rollingmill Street Bridge. Just beyond here is Queen Street Cemetery & Sister Dora Gardens.

 

Branch to Old Gas Works

To the left is an old basin, bit of a waste dump, and overgrown now. On the right is an old canal side warehouse building.

 

Pagett's Bridge

The next bridge to come across is the Pagett's Bridge. On Pleck Road above is Champy's Bradford Arms.

 

Woodward's Bridge

On Woodward's Road is Woodward's Bridge. Near here is a Sikh temple called the Nanaksar Gurdwara. The Pleck Sikh Community Centre is on Wellington Street.

 

Scarborough Road Bridge

The last residential bridge is on Scarborough Road, the Scarborough Road Bridge.

 

Reservoir Place Bridge

Starts to get a bit industrial and derelict, when you get to the Reservoir Place Bridge, with is on Reservoir Place of course. This bridge was built in 1992.

 

Spinks Bridge

The Spinks Bridge is concrete, and out of use by the looks of it. Development to the right, and getting close to the M6 motorway. South Staffordshire Tramway Generating Station used to be to the left of here.

 

M6 Motorway Bridge

Getting to the west of Walsall, is the M6 Motorway Bridge, which of course carries the M6 motorway overhead.

 

James Bridge Aqueduct

I was aiming to walk at least as far as the James Bridge Aqueduct, although originally thought of going a bit further. The aqueduct was opened in 1797, and is Grade II listed. Below is Bentley Mill Way.

 

Beyond which I did not get to see, was another aqueduct over a railway line, plus a couple more bridges. But the walk was long enough, plus had to see the aqeuduct from road level, and the River Tame was down there. Bus stop was on James Bridge, and got the 39 back into Walsall Town Centre, then went into the Saddlers Shopping Centre, to catch a train back from Walsall to Birmingham New Street.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Crown Works, on Hanley Street, is Mitsubishi Estate’s (Europa Capital) forward-funding build to rent debut in Birmingham.

Close to both the Central Business District and to Snow Hill station and tram stop, Crown Works will soon offer:

• 203 high-spec one- to three-bedroom apartments & penthouses;
• Four new buildings of 4-8 storeys (138K SF);
• 5.9K SF of high-quality amenities;
• Contemporary design offering an enhanced interpretation of the GQ.

With works progressing, homes will be set around a raised courtyard, with facilities including a concierge, two gardens, terraces, dining and meeting rooms, a gym, and WFH areas.

These will no doubt prove attractive to prospective renters looking for a new home so close to work.

Complementing the scheme and adding an outward touch to provide additional vitality to the area will be two flexible commercial units, totalling 3.7K SF.

Crown Works is slated for completion in 2024. Watch this space for more.

Drone photography from Stephen Giles; CGIs from White Ink Architects.

Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline

This was an afternoon walk from Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley via the BCN New Mainline, starting at Dudley Port, near the Ryland Aqueduct, down to the Albion Bridge at Oldbury Road. Could have stayed on to Bromford Road, but found the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, and walked around past some steel works.

 

Dudley Port

Getting the train on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 from Birmingham New Street to Dudley Port. The exit is via some steps and a small subway to a car park, and the Dudley Port road. Walking under the Dudley Port Station Bridge and the Ryland Aqueduct, found a towpath access path up to the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline. With this view of Dudley Port Station. Trains are every half an hour in both directions, when I arrived on my train to Wolverhampton, was another train going to Walsall via Birmingham New Street. This is the ideal start for a canal walk on a sunny afternoon.

 

Ryland Aqueduct

The Ryland Aqueduct crosses the Dudley Port road, and is next to the Dudley Port Station Bridge. There is a view to Dudley in the distance up this road. The no 74 bus between Dudley and Birmingham passes under it.

 

Rattlechain Bridge -  Site of Dixon's Basin

This bridge is just after the Ryland Aqueduct. It is cut off, so you can't walk over it, the towpath is to the right of it. The basin was probably behind where the fence is now.

 

Dudley Port Junction

A short walk down from Dudley Port Station and the Ryland Aqueduct, gets you to Dudley Port Junction. Two bridges here, the Dudley Port Junction Bridge and the Dudley Port Roving Bridge, under which is the start of the Netherton Tunnel Branch

 

Netherton Tunnel Branch

The Netherton Tunnel Branch is part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Starting here at Dudley Port Junction with the BCN New Mainline, it goes towards Windmill End Junction, where it joins onto the BCN Old Mainline. It was built from 1855 and was opened in 1858. One of the last canals to open. The canal was repaired in 1983 and 2013.

 

Rattlechain Bridge and the site of the Rattlechain Brickworks Basin

Another bridge here, and a small pool of water next to the BCN Mainline. Not much to see here now, nature has reclaimed the land here.

 

Dunkirk Toll Island

This is also called  the Dunkirk Stop Island. Narrowboats can go either side of it.

 

Albion Junction

At Albion Junction is the Albion Junction Bridge. It is where you can find the Gower Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

 

Gower Branch

The Gower Branch Canal starts here at Albion Junction with the BCN New Mainline, and is another part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It was authorised in 1768, but was not completed until 1836. It goes towards Brades Hall Junction with the BCN Old Mainline. On the day of this visit, in April 2023, the towpath was closed. The canal lock beyond was probably closed for repairs.

 

Union Furnace Bridge

This bridge is on Union Road, but is cut off now by the railway. Nearby is William King Ltd. They are a steel stockholder and supplier in West Bromwich.

 

Albion Railway Bridge

This railway bridge is between Sandwell & Dudley and Dudley Port on the Stour Valley Line, it is at this point that the railway and the BCN New Mainline switch sides.

 

Albion Bridge

It was a long walk from Dudley Port, and I decided to get off at the Albion Bridge on Oldbury Road, for a walk to the nearest station of Sandwell & Dudley. I would have headed to the right, but headed to the left via Albion Road, and found the nearby Wednesbury Old Canal (see below).

 

From the Albion Bridge

I exited at Oldbury Road, on the Albion Bridge, near Oldbury. This was the view from the other side of the bridge. Pudding Green Junction is on the left, and this is the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal (see below). This is the direction towards the Bromford Bridge.

 

From the Bromford Bridge

The Bromford Bridge is on Bromford Road, close to Oldbury, and Bromford Lane in West Bromwich. This is the closest part of the canal to Sandwell & Dudley Station.

 

Wednesbury Old Canal

Saw a bit of the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, on the Izon Bridge. The canal was opened in 1769, but parts abandoned between 1955 and 1960. So only the section between Pudding Green Junction and Ryder's Green Junction is navigable now.

 

Pudding Green Junction Bridge

This bridge is at Pudding Green Junction, at the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal and the BCN New Mainline.

 

Trident Steel Works Conveyor Bridge

This bridge can be seen from the other side of the Izon Bridge on Albion Road in West Bromwich.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Images from Stephen Giles.

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The Cadbury Crème Egg car can be seen near the Pershore Road in Stirchley, close to Stirchley Gearbox Services. I've only managed to see it during the week (it wasn't there the weekend I tried to get close to it). It is almost Easter, so only a week or two left before Cadbury stop selling them, until after Christmas next year!

Seen on the 28th March 2023. I had previously seen it earlier in the month, and once aware of it, travelled to Stirchley on the 4th March 2023, but it wasn't there. Saw it again from the bus almost a month later, so made my way back to Stirchley to see if it was still there!

 

On the snow of 9th March 2023, I got a train from Birmingham New Street to Bournville. Had a snowy walk past the Cadbury chocolate factory, and around to Cadbury World.

I found this Cadbury Dairy Milk Big Taste, Mini Monster Truck. Well its a former taxi / Hackney carriage, jacked up as a monster truck! Seen covered in snow. It was really cold that day in Bournville.

Photos by Elliott Brown

 

Brought forward by CEG on behalf of Dooba Investments II Ltd, hybrid plans (full & outline) were lodged in November '22 to fully redevelop and inject new life into a vital part of the city centre.

The development aims to reinvent and reconnect the site back with the city, through all-electric energy-efficient homes, and unlocking disconnected areas with vibrant new street uses, offering a more aesthetic environment.

Each phase promises an all-electric energy strategy, with minimised energy use and heat loss, air source heat pumps and PV cells.

Plans also include a new public realm, one that will help to green the city core and initiate new ties with the New Street area, Chinese Quarter, Gay Village, and Smithfield.

Should works commence, it is expected that other tired sites will be brought forward in the surrounding areas, further enriching Southside - and the wider city.

PHASE ONE + BEFORE AND AFTER CGIs.

Full detailed plans include a 151m build-to-rent tower of 48 storeys (closest to Bullring), comprising c. 571 new homes. They will be sat above a selection of retail, commercial and leisure uses.

A delivery partner and investors are already on board to deliver these plans.

PHASES TWO & THREE

Full detailed plans for the 48-storey in phase 1 & the outline 44-storey both adhere to the same design code, whereas the 56-storey is seen as a pinnacle and is slightly different. Both builds aim to deliver an additional 1,000-plus homes, catering for every lifestyle.

Phasing is flexible both in order and timing. Interestingly, the 44-storey (SBQ1) is in (early) talks with a prospective delivery partner - designs could change moving forward.

THE EXISTING SITE

In stark contrast to these plans, the existing Ringway Centre is reaching the end of its expected design life. It is widely seen as a relic of the failures of post-war modernism which created a car-dominated dystopia.

It continues to act as a physical blockade between two emerging parts of the city, hindering progress for a comprehensive and fully integrated Southside and New Street.

RETROFITTING

With retrofitting costly, and as a result, unviable, as well as carrying its own carbon footprint, the reality is that the Ringway Centre will never be able to attract and accommodate anything at full capacity again, with occupiers looking elsewhere for their modern-day requirements.

The possibility of upward extensions to the existing site has also been deemed unfeasible as it would not be able to provide a sufficient load-bearing capacity.

HISTORIC ENGLAND

Historic England, acting as the government’s expert advisor on heritage, assessed the existing buildings – in 2016 and 2022 – and deemed the buildings were not of sufficient architectural or historic interest to merit listing. They have since granted its immunity for five years. 

Image from Daniel Sturley; CGIs from Corstorphine+Wright.

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Known as Neighbourhood, the 414-home development will be spread across five new buildings – and styles – providing an array of one-, two- & three-bedroom apartments to cater to every lifestyle.

BPN Architects has designed each building to acknowledge its location within an all-important conservation area, as well as facing onto the city fringes.

Builds will start at three storeys within the Jewellery Quarter, before rising up to nine storeys facing onto the city.

Both residents and visitors will be able to take advantage of new public spaces and a bustling mixture of independent bars and eateries.

There will be four commercial units (568 sqm) – three within the publicly accessible courtyard, with the other fronting Newhall Hill – along with a new public realm.

A host of resident amenities include an on-site concierge, private gardens, five roof terraces, lounges, a gym, 320 bicycle spaces, and WFH areas within a double-height winter garden.

Neighbourhood is HBD’s second high-profile Birmingham project, with Setl, also within the Jewellery Quarter, making great progress on Ludgate Hill.

HBD expects work to start on site early next year, with completion sometime in 2026.

Neighbourhood, images from HBD & BPN Architects.

Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds and Court Collaboration, a leading UK property developer, officially broke ground on the 51-storey One Eastside build-to-rent development in the city yesterday (23 March).

The event, also attended by Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward, marks a significant milestone for the exciting project which PIC has forward funded with a £200 million investment and which will be one of Birmingham’s first skyscrapers.

One Eastside will comprise 667 high-quality new homes for rent. The development will also feature a top-class co-working space and amenities for residents such as a landscaped garden, cinema room, sky lounge and gym.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, Hayley Rees, Managing Director of PIC Capital, and Alex Neale, Managing Director of Court Collaboration, both emphasised their commitment to providing quality, innovative and sustainable BTR schemes in the region, as well as their strong ESG credentials.

One Eastside will create over 300 new jobs, as well as provide opportunities for hundreds of local students. Work placements, on-site courses and experience, will be provided at One Eastside part of Court Collaboration and PIC’s joint commitment to supporting future talent in the city and the next generation of professionals.

Hayley Rees, Managing Director of PIC Capital, at PIC said: “With this, our fourth Build to Rent scheme, PIC is firmly establishing itself as a significant and purposeful investor across the UK’s infrastructure and housing footprint.

“With 667 new apartments being developed here in Birmingham we will be helping to grow a thriving community while contributing positively to the local economy, including creating hundreds of new job opportunities and supporting the training of local students. The development will provide long-term, secure cashflows underpinning our policyholders’ pension payments for many years to come.

“We look forward to our continuing partnership with highly experienced developer, Court Collaboration, on this best-in-class scheme and remain actively engaged on a number of similar opportunities across the UK.”

Alex Neale, Managing Director of Court Collaboration commented: "We are delighted to have broken ground on our truly ambitious and exciting One Eastside development today, and it’s an honour to welcome the Leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward, to help us celebrate. This project is a reflection of our and our council’s commitment to help drive this city forward, creating wonderful, sustainable new places and spaces, and the homes for the next generation. Thanks also to Pension Insurance Corporation and other guests who have joined us today to mark this special occasion.”

One Eastside is targeting a 2026 completion. Keep watching our social media channels for more.

The Heroic Age in Birmingham History

The Heroic Age in Birmingham History is part of the Everything to Everybody Project. It started on the 27th February and runs to the 12th April 2023. A collaboration between the Jewellery Quarter Research Trust and Everything to Everybody. They have worked together to explore the formation of Our Shakespeare Club and the people behind it. Free entry.

A quick look at this exhibition on Saturday 4th March 2023, was a lot of people in there, only really came up for the George Dawson blue plaque, which wasn't outside the room that day. There is images of Dawson, Timmins and Bunce on three of the walls up here. There was books in the glass display tables.

 

A return visit to the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Thursday 16th March 2023, this time got the room to myself. Mission accomplished this time, as I got the George Dawson blue plaque, now on the wall outside of the room that he inspired. Probably best to see it during a weekday, compared to a Saturday (closed on Sunday's).

Link to Everything to Everybody 

Birmingham City Council page on The Heroic Age in Birmingham

 

Samuel Timmins

Samuel 'Sam:' Timmins (1826-1902) lived at 18 Elvetham Road, Edgbaston. Also called Elvetham Lodge. Timmins was a co-founder of the Shakespeare Memorial Library. Timmins was a learned industrialist, lover of libraries and literature. The blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society was unveiled in the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 28th February 2023, and was placed a few days later on his former home in Edgbaston. Seen on the 4th March 2023.

 

George Dawson

On the 4th March 2023, the George Dawson blue plaque was not yet screwed to the wall outside of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, but the existing tablets, from the old Central Libraries, and the previous blue plaque up here for Marie Bethell Beauclerc were on the wall.

 

I waited a couple of weeks for them to put the blue plaque up, and returned on the 16th March 2023. George Dawson (1821-1876) was a champion of the Civic Gospel, promoting responsible local government and education, arts and culture for all. He inspired the world's first great Shakespeare Library. Dawson bust has been up here on Level 9 in the Skyline Viewpoint room since it opened in September 2013, but the glass case for that and the other marble busts is a recent addition.

 

Previous post on the Shakespeare Memorial Room

 

Photography by Elliott Brown