Join the queue for a home in the sky
Once high-rise flats were shunned by council tenants. These days you'll be lucky to get hold of the keys to a tower block des res, says Mark Andrews
Jul 27, 2005, 07:45


Brian and Gladys Waller love their high-rise flat. With views over the Clent Hills, security levels that most house dwellers can only dream of, and a real sense of community, it suits them down to the ground.

Yet for years so-called experts have insisted that such contentment is impossible. They dismiss high-rise council flats as towers of misery, hated by those unfortunate individuals unable to find anywhere more suitable to live.


The former St Mary's Court, reborn as The Pinnacle

But as the concrete "streets in the sky" disappear slowly but surely from the Black Country landscape, is it now time to consider whether they are really the planning disasters they are painted?

The Wallers live in Baylie Court, a 13-storey tower block off the Stourbridge ring road, which has not been without its troubles in the past.

But after being transformed by a major refurbishment scheme, it is now designated a "mature block" occupied mainly by the over 60s.

"If you did a survey of the people living here, I think most would rather stay than live in a house," says 66-year-old Mr Waller.

"People like living in them; we have got a way of life. It's secure, it's safe, and there are a lot of people of our own age."

Mr Waller, who represents tenants on the Dudley High Rise Living Forum, says the borough council is now selling the benefits of high rise living to elderly people who live alone in two or three bedroomed council houses.

Tower blocks sprung up like mushrooms across the West Midlands in the 1950s and 60s, built by local authorities eager to meet the post-war surge in demand for housing. And people clamoured to live in the new state-of-the-art properties, which seemed like the future of British architecture.

Yet by the 1980s, these monuments to modern architecture were considered good for only one thing - demolition. Unpopular with tenants, plagued by crime, and thought by most to be an eyesore, high-rise flats vanished almost as quickly as they appeared. Across the Black Country, their demolition was invariably met with parties and cheering crowds. At least until recently.

When Sandwell Council decided last year to demolish Bearwood Tower in Smethwick, the decision was not met with celebration but with protests from residents angry about losing their homes.

There are now waiting lists of people wanting to move into many of the tower blocks that remain, many of which have been designated mature blocks. Building conservationists are also beginning to wake up to the idea that at least some of them may be worth preserving for future generations.

It is not just the older generation who are drawn to high rise living. In recent years, there has been a trend among young professionals in London to buy ex-council properties sold under the right-to-buy scheme.

Architecture expert Iain Borden says there is a certain section of fashionable London society attracted to the ex-council flats.

Mr Borden, an architecture lecturer at University College London says: "They tend to be young, tend to be childless, urban professionals - maybe graphic designers."

He says people choose to live in council blocks because they enjoy the dynamism of living in the city centre, and also the views from living in the sky.

They also benefit from good, spacious design, says Mr Borden, adding that people were now beginning to appreciate the work of some of the world-class architects who had designed the towers.

A prime example of this is Trellick Tower in Notting Hill, which was made a Grade II* listed building in 1998.


Dramatic views are a plus

Designed by celebrated Hungarian architect Erno Goldfinger, it came to symbolise all that was wrong with tower blocks during the 1970s, suffering from arson attacks, burglaries, vandalism and violence.

But after improvements to security and changes to the lettings policy, the 20-storey tower is today seen as the epitome of cool, with people queuing up to buy the trendy apartments.

Closer to home, a similar story can be told in Willenhall. Like many other towers, St Mary's Court in Gomer Street fell into a state of disrepair, and was even earmarked for demolition as Walsall Council found it increasingly hard to let the flats.

But the building was instead refurbished by D&B property developments, and under its new name, The Pinnacle, has proved a big hit with buyers.

Estate Agent David Warke, a director of property firm Goodchilds, said: "They are mainly young professionals and couples who want something new and modern, there's nothing like this elsewhere in Willenhall."

The debate about the merits or otherwise of high rise tower blocks will probably rumble on long after most of them have disappeared, but if nothing else, they are at least distinctive.

And as they are progressively flattened to make way for lookalike mock-Victorian and mock-Georgian properties, it is possible that one day people may admire rather than deride the architects who sought to look to the future rather than cling to the past.

After all, how many buildings, condemned as monstrosities during the 1950s and 60s, are now mourned after being demolished to make way for concrete tower blocks?

I take it the West Brom, Wolvo and Walsall threads all got wiped out :(

Yeah,I had to start a new thread.

May as well kick start this thread.....allrroight maiyte, yam cummin intow brrrum t' chekk owt sum tall bildins....koowool, see yow layta then...mukka

apparently, Woodhousen spaykes loike that

:rofl:

Q: What's a kipper tie?

Q: What's a kipper tie?

dunno Martin, what's a kipper tie :|

A: It's sumthing yow drink maiyte.

;)

we say 'tay' in Walsall that's why i was a bit lost in translation....we need some Dudley forumers on here

Dudloy??

Now we're talking!

Where's Lenny Henry when you need him most? ;)

Defrocking the Vicar of Dibley probably

Get back on topic yow lot!

First published on Friday 29 July 2005:
Plan to beat gridlock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.
A far-reaching transport plan, which includes a new Metro line through Dudley and a major trunk road in Brierley Hill, has been handed in to the government.

Traffic bosses for the West Midlands submitted the detailed document yesterday as a new survey revealed residents reckon transport is a more serious issue than health or education.

Drivers questioned believe congestion has got worse in recent years and tackling the problem should be a top priority.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, the West Midlands Transport Champion, said: "Their views confirm the challenge we face.

"More and more cars are using our roads and the region is predicted to have to cope with more than 165 million extra journeys by 2011.

"If we don't address this, gridlock looms."

The Local Transport Plan includes proposals to expand the Midland Metro tram system from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, via Dudley.

It also features the Keeping Brierley Hill Moving project to ease congestion around the town.

The construction of new routes, parallel to the High Street and from the A4036 Pedmore Road, will reduce traffic in the town and Level Street

Get back on topic yow lot!

First published on Friday 29 July 2005:
Plan to beat gridlock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.
A far-reaching transport plan, which includes a new Metro line through Dudley and a major trunk road in Brierley Hill, has been handed in to the government.

Traffic bosses for the West Midlands submitted the detailed document yesterday as a new survey revealed residents reckon transport is a more serious issue than health or education.

Drivers questioned believe congestion has got worse in recent years and tackling the problem should be a top priority.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, the West Midlands Transport Champion, said: "Their views confirm the challenge we face.

"More and more cars are using our roads and the region is predicted to have to cope with more than 165 million extra journeys by 2011.

"If we don't address this, gridlock looms."

The Local Transport Plan includes proposals to expand the Midland Metro tram system from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, via Dudley.

It also features the Keeping Brierley Hill Moving project to ease congestion around the town.

The construction of new routes, parallel to the High Street and from the A4036 Pedmore Road, will reduce traffic in the town and Level Street


I hope they stop being so tightfisted with their trunk road scheme like they've been with EVERY SINGLE OTHER PREVIOUS BLACK COUNTRY Dual carriageway proposal - if you care to cast your mind back a bit, you may recall that the following dual carriageway routes:

1) The Black Country Route (A463 Willenhall/Bilston/Coseley)
2) The Black Country Spine Road (A41 West Bromwich/Great Bridge/Wednesbury/Bilston/The Lunt)
3) The Dudley Southern By-pass (A461 Burnt Tree - Netherton)

were ALL meant to be built with grade-separated junctions throughout their length.

And as we all know, due to some pathetic penny pinching courtesy of the councils/highway authorities involved in all of these schemes, they were eventually built and opened with surface level roundabouts thus hardly alleviating any of the traffic congestion that they were designed to help avoid. What's worse, they are already way over capacity! The Black Country Route is a glaring example of what the intervening years can do to downgrade a scheme which was initially proposed as a fast all purpose near-motorway standard dual carriageway by-pass scheme with split-level junctions to avoid tailbacking for through traffic.....only three junctions that comprised the original [70s planned] stretch of this by-pass (before it became known as the Black Country Route in the mid-80s) were ever built as grade separated (M6 Junction 10 to the Keyway at Willenhall) - whilst the rest were bog-standard surface level roundabouts - even the intersection at The Lunt where the later-built Black Country Spine Road fed into it [though tellingly this has a wide central reservation at the junction which was designed to allow for future flyover provision - yeah - dream on baby...!]. What's even more galling was that the route around Bilston was revised and ran directly through the town centre along Market Street - instead of passing some distance to the south of it using the original [long protected] alignment.

So I don't know much about this new Brierley Hill Trunk Route, but my suspicions are it will in all likelihood be planned and built as yet another bog standard cheapo dual carriageway which will have loads of crappy surface-level roundabout intersections, traffic lights, bus lanes, pram lanes, cycle lanes, speed bumps and then meet its maximum capacity within weeks of opening cos it was under-engineered like the other aforementioned primary routes that went before it.

It's not enough!

The Black Country - despite its densely packed sprawl of towns large and small - has long had a simply dreadful road network and infrastructure - it doesn't have a single motorway or fast urban highway (with split level junctions) traversing its boundaries anywhere - the M5 doesn't count as it's a long-distance artery and NOT a local distributor. Considering how much derelict land the entire conurbation has as a result of its industrial past it's incredible that highways proposals over the decades have never seeked to build on these vast ribbons of otherwise unused land to at least improve transport links throughout the area and thus in so doing attract new development and businesses along their alignments. Motorway access from all parts of the Black Country to the M6 and M5 are monumentally poor - that is no exaggeration. To this day, the Merry Hill Centre remains shamefully alone amongst the UK's vast out-of-city shopping malls in that it's nowhere near a motorway or motorway-standard road of any sizeable capacity. One wonders if this oversight will ever be properly addressed.

Leather landmark set for makeover Sep 8 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



By Gurdip Thandi, Evening Mail


COUNCIL chiefs aim to turn Walsall's historic leather quarter into a conservation area of national importance to attract more investment.

Walsall Council's conservation officers believe the leather heritage area would not only protect historic buildings from demolition but also help them put together grant applications for government and European funding to restore these sites.

The proposed area consists of sites in Station Street, Little Station Street, Marsh Street, Charles Street and Navigation Street, which features the landmark Ravenscraig works building.

Ravenscraig was built in the late 19th century and is a five storey currying works, featuring a water tower.

This will be seen as a landmark site for the conservation area.

Other buildings in the area, including Avon Works and Crown Works in Marsh Street, were also built around the 1800s.

Between 1870 and 1900, half of the buildings in Walsall were related to the leather trade or associated industries. But in recent times the leather industry has declined and most of the buildings that were used for the trade are now put to other uses or lying empty.

Coun Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "For nearly 200 years Walsall has been the centre of the British leather industry and this is a great source of pride to people in the borough.

"We are committed to protecting and enhancing our heritage and we believe there is great support for a conservation area to help protect and develop this part of our shared history."

Public consultation on the proposals have started and an exhibition at the Crossing at St Paul's, in Darwall Street, will run next Thursday.

Scheme breathes new life into hotel Sep 15 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.






It's not much to look at now but the Georgian Molineux Hotel is described as a pivotal part of the regeneration process that, it is claimed, will help to make Wolverhampton one of the Midlands' most desirable cities.

The listed three-storey property overlooking Wolverhampton ring road is being given a second lease of life with a major renovation led by Wolverhampton City Council in conjunction with English Heritage and Advantage West Midlands.

The next step, according to commercial property agent Ian Mercer, partner at Bruton Knowles in Birmingham, is to find an occupier and then to clinch planning permission.

Swish offices? Perhaps, although would-be occupiers are said to be coming forward with a wide variety of possible uses for the 11,072 sq ft of space.

Mr Mercer says: "This building has excellent potential and we are receiving a good level of interest from bidders due to its heritage, prominence and location."

Coun Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for economic development and strategic housing, highlights the time and attention that is being lavished on the former hotel's interior.

"The Molineux Hotel presents a unique opportunity for new occupiers. It's a landmark building that has stood in the centre of Wolverhampton for over 250 years," he says.

"The current phase of the project is seeing the wood panelling, roof, clock tower and fine ornate plaster all being brought back to their former glory.

"We are considering proposals for a wide variety of uses and welcome further proposals."

His enthusiasm is shared by David Blake, director for the Black Country at AWM, who says: "This is a fabulous restoration project on a building which is incredibly important to the history and heritage of the city.

"The Molineux Hotel will be a valuable addition to the city's ongoing regeneration success story and is destined to become a landmark which local people will point out with pride in years to come."

The council has assembled a substantial package of funding to restore the building, which is being marketed with a longterm lease of up to 125 years.

Last used in 1972, the hotel deteriorated rapidly after it was vacated and was ravaged by fire in 2003, destroying the roof and most of the floors. Wolverhampton City Council purchased the property the following year and embarked on a meticulous restoration programme to bring the hotel back to life.

The first stage - concentrating mainly on the exterior - is due to be completed by the end of this year.

There was something in the B'ham Post a few days ago about the redevelopment of Wolverhampton Lower Station - looks really good - playing on the blue bricks of I.K.Brunel's design...

Mill revamp set to begin
By Kelly Parkes
Oct 31, 2005
Work will start on the £40 million first phase of the Shannon's Mill scheme in Walsall town centre within weeks, developers announced today.

They also unveiled plans for a 1,000 space car park and apartments on the site. An artist's impression of how the finished project will look was also revealed.

Proposals for the Shannon's Mill development were first made public in 2000, but in February this year the project was thrown into doubt when it emerged developers Goold Holdings and St Modwen Developments had scrapped original plans.

The blueprint included a £50m factory shopping outlet with 60 designer names, which would have created 1,000 jobs and provided warehousing for market traders.

The scheme has since been reconfigured and the details have now been finalised.

Asda has agreed to take a 118,000 sq ft store trading at two levels, each linked to a dedicated parking floor in a four-storey 1,000 space car park.

The car park will also serve the remaining parts of phase one comprising eight shops fronting on to George Street, and 41 apartments.

Shannon's Mill will constitute phase two of the regeneration which is likely to be launched to the public early next year.

The 105,000 sq ft of space is expected to be used for retail on the George Street frontage and a mix of office and residential uses on the upper parts.

Phase three, expected to follow two or three years later, will comprise the Lower Hall Street and Digbeth area which paves the way for more retailers.

Derek West of St Modwen Developments said: "The start on the first phase will give this end of town a major boost. George Street will become a new destination with Asda, specialist shops, restaurants and new apartments.

"The 1,000 space multi-storey car park will make access and parking very good."

Preserving town's past Nov 3 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.

AMBITIOUS plans have been drawn up to save landmark buildings from being demolished and preserve Walsall's rich industrial past.

A special Leather Heritage Conservation Area is set to be mapped out in Walsall around the traditional heartland of the trade that made the town world famous.

The area will protect dozens of 19th century buildings in Marsh Street, Station Street and Navigation Street.

If the scheme was granted, permission would be needed before any building in the zone could be demolished.

Coun Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This part of Walsall was once a thriving hub of the Leather industry that made the town a well-known and respected name across the world.



"This area is of international importance because of its historic links but we are in danger of losing some of our familiar landmarks unless some action is taken," he explained. "Many of the firms that made Walsall famous have moved or have closed and by taking this action we will safeguard our valuable heritage."


Among the properties the council is looking to protect includes The Crown Works, in Marsh Street, the Ravenscraig Works, in Navigation Street, and the former A.S. Smith & Sons, now the Homer Pressings site, works in nearby Charles Street.


The Station Street properties are the oldest in the proposed area and were built after the opening of the railway through the town in the mid-19th century. Council bosses are keen to see properties in the proposed area used for housing, leisure and office use.


A public consultation, held earlier this year, supported the proposal with backing also received from English Heritage, Walsall Civic Society and West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust.


The golden age of leather in Walsall was around 1870 to 1900 when more than half the buildings in the proposed conservation area were linked to the trade

New Cross £400m tower plan
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Exclusive by Health Correspondent Andy Rea
Nov 29, 2005
A space-age tower block costing £400 million is set to replace Wolverhampton's sprawling New Cross Hospital - and could be built miles from the Wednesfield site.

The 10-storey building would stack key departments on top of each other rather than the current situation of adjacent buildings, if it is given the go-ahead.

Now bosses are desperately searching to find a new home for the hospital on a brown field site in the city.

It is the second outline business case (OBC) to be put forward in a year by the hospital. The first - a £317m scheme - was shelved by health chiefs.

New Cross's chief executive David Loughton said he wanted to find a brown field site which would be a cheaper and more convenient option, but it had so far proved impossible.

The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust board will have to decide by January where it is going to build the new hospital, which will take three-and-a-half years to complete.

Plans have been drawn up for submission to regional health chiefs by March next year and, if approved, the future hospital will be built by the private sector as a private finance initiative (PFI).

Mr Loughton said it would cost £24m to provide temporary accommodation for departments if they built the new hospital on the existing site, but nothing if they found somewhere else.

"I have been looking for a brown field site since the day I arrived here and it would be the preferred option because it would be the least disruptive and the least expensive," he added.

"The chances are not good of finding a big enough site but we have got to explore this option to death."

He said the existing hospital was made up of buildings which were built at different times since the Victorian age and a new hospital was essential to providing 21st century healthcare in the city.

He added: "Being realistic it is not going to be easy to find a brown field site now because opportunities were missed in the past."

Civic Quarter near completion
Dec 10, 2005
A £1.4 million project to pedestrianise part of Walsall town centre and create a Parisian-style cafe culture will be completed next month.

Barriers and road blocks have been wreaking havoc in the area surrounding Leicester Street over the past few months as workmen carry out different stages of the Civic Quarter scheme.

The new layout will revitalise a key gateway into Walsall and provide the opportunity for continental-style cafes.

Work started in June and targeted several locations around Leicester Street, Darwall Street and Tower Street.

Contractors Birse CL have been working on laying out huge paved areas with inset lighting.

They have created new pedestrian routes along most of Darwall Street and disabled parking spaces have been relocated around the town.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Adrian Andrew said: "Work on this key gateway into Walsall is on schedule, as we create a stunning new location for civic and public services."

He also claimed the project would be a springboard for future improvements to Lichfield Street and was vital for attracting more businesses and investment to Walsall.

Council officers will also be planting a coppice of 20 birch trees around the Gala Baths in Tower Street and larger trees will be planted outside the Civic Centre.

Councillor Andrew said the plants would bring a flavour of the countryside to Walsall.

"We have made a commitment that any trees we do remove during the work will be replaced. It is a key vision to make Walsall greener and this scheme does just that."

The other, larger plants include a cut leaf plane tree that can grow to 50 feet and a colourful tulip tree. An American sweet gum has also been earmarked for outside the Civic Centre.

The plans come after four trees in the Civic Quarter were removed due to weak root systems.

The entire scheme is being built to a design produced by urban designers Gillespies.

I drove around West Brom the other day and was really impressed with the ornate old buildings and the recently finished ones. I couldn't get near to THEpUBLIC but it looked like a funky Mill Point from afar. The bus station is class, the other purple building's fine too (didn't know the name), the Metro stop, and a high rise Days Inn too! It's got quite a lot going for it, and should be the catalyst to really develop the links between here, Oldbury, Brierley Hill all the way to Wolvo. And then there's Walsall.....

what do we think of the public? i personally think it is the single most vile piece of crap ever built - completely overbearing, boring and well... pink. plus its in debt

I hope they stop being so tightfisted with their trunk road scheme like they've been with EVERY SINGLE OTHER PREVIOUS BLACK COUNTRY Dual carriageway proposal - if you care to cast your mind back a bit, you may recall that the following dual carriageway routes:

1) The Black Country Route (A463 Willenhall/Bilston/Coseley)
2) The Black Country Spine Road (A41 West Bromwich/Great Bridge/Wednesbury/Bilston/The Lunt)
3) The Dudley Southern By-pass (A461 Burnt Tree - Netherton)

were ALL meant to be built with grade-separated junctions throughout their length.

And as we all know, due to some pathetic penny pinching courtesy of the councils/highway authorities involved in all of these schemes, they were eventually built and opened with surface level roundabouts thus hardly alleviating any of the traffic congestion that they were designed to help avoid. What's worse, they are already way over capacity! The Black Country Route is a glaring example of what the intervening years can do to downgrade a scheme which was initially proposed as a fast all purpose near-motorway standard dual carriageway by-pass scheme with split-level junctions to avoid tailbacking for through traffic.....only three junctions that comprised the original [70s planned] stretch of this by-pass (before it became known as the Black Country Route in the mid-80s) were ever built as grade separated (M6 Junction 10 to the Keyway at Willenhall) - whilst the rest were bog-standard surface level roundabouts - even the intersection at The Lunt where the later-built Black Country Spine Road fed into it [though tellingly this has a wide central reservation at the junction which was designed to allow for future flyover provision - yeah - dream on baby...!]. What's even more galling was that the route around Bilston was revised and ran directly through the town centre along Market Street - instead of passing some distance to the south of it using the original [long protected] alignment.

So I don't know much about this new Brierley Hill Trunk Route, but my suspicions are it will in all likelihood be planned and built as yet another bog standard cheapo dual carriageway which will have loads of crappy surface-level roundabout intersections, traffic lights, bus lanes, pram lanes, cycle lanes, speed bumps and then meet its maximum capacity within weeks of opening cos it was under-engineered like the other aforementioned primary routes that went before it.

It's not enough!

The Black Country - despite its densely packed sprawl of towns large and small - has long had a simply dreadful road network and infrastructure - it doesn't have a single motorway or fast urban highway (with split level junctions) traversing its boundaries anywhere - the M5 doesn't count as it's a long-distance artery and NOT a local distributor. Considering how much derelict land the entire conurbation has as a result of its industrial past it's incredible that highways proposals over the decades have never seeked to build on these vast ribbons of otherwise unused land to at least improve transport links throughout the area and thus in so doing attract new development and businesses along their alignments. Motorway access from all parts of the Black Country to the M6 and M5 are monumentally poor - that is no exaggeration. To this day, the Merry Hill Centre remains shamefully alone amongst the UK's vast out-of-city shopping malls in that it's nowhere near a motorway or motorway-standard road of any sizeable capacity. One wonders if this oversight will ever be properly addressed.


friggin hell mate - you hit the nail on the head with that statement. i'm sad to admit that i've lived around bilston most of my sorry life and i couldn't have summed it up any better. the sooner i get out of this place the better - i only have to find a decent road that'll get me out fast then i'll go!!

I drove around West Brom the other day and was really The bus station is class, the other purple building's fine too (didn't know the name), the Metro stop, and a high rise Days Inn too!


That is a very good bus station Tha Alsop art work is spot on too.Wednesbury opened its new bus station last year....that's the dog's BLX too!!

That is a very good bus station Tha Alsop art work is spot on too.Wednesbury opened its new bus station last year....that's the dog's BLX too!!

West Brom has got a lot going for it - however the pUBLIC is now in administration (it was already late, over budget and in 'financial discrepancies') and they are looking at finding better uses for part of the building. I think a large performance area/theater would be the best idea. The purple building is on the Lyng, its a health centre.

http://www.linkwaymedicalpractice.co.uk/pagepix/surgeryimage.jpg

The new Sandwell College site, 2007 start date
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/collins56/e_sandwell_f4.jpg

Now the Lyng is a good example of urban regeneration.They did a good job on those flats too.

From Wednesday's Express and Star

How the Black Country will be transformed
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Black Country should be a better place to live over the next 15 years. Deputy Business Editor Simon Penfold explains why
Mar 22, 2006
Imagine a region with better homes, thriving town centre shopping centres and jobs for all. That is the vision put forward by the Black Country Study.
Bilston town centre - the plan says it and
other traditional shopping centres need
to be revitalised as part of the vision
put forward in the study

This is a report two years in the making that maps out the future of the area over the next 15 years. Idealistic it may be, but the report should spark into life parts of the region that desperately need investment. Today's draft proposals are intended to transform the Black Country's landscape and economic fortunes, and keep people from leaving the area.

It earmarks office and shop development focused on the centres of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich and Brierley Hill and around 30,000 houses built alongside the Metro and railway network.

Industry and manufacturing should be built in "investment corridors" linking the four local centres, while new sites are identified to attract hi-tech companies.

Under the plans, housing growth will be concentrated on 12 'public transport corridors' - railways and tram lines that offer people an alternative to the car.

Run-down council estates will be revamped, while old industrial land will be cleaned up for housing.

The proposals, which cover development in the Black Country up to 2021, will be finalised and submitted to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott by the end of May.

Consider

They have been put together following consultation with local people as part of a process led by the Black Country Consortium, the organisation comprising the area's councils and business leaders, given the job of planning the area's future.

Mr Prescott will consider the plans and a formal consultation process, involving the Government and the public, will take place later this year or early 2007.

If it gets the go-ahead, it will become part of the planning framework for the whole of the West Midlands for decades to come.

Consortium chief executive Sarah Middleton said: "No change is not an option."

She said the Black Country had a proud heritage but an underperforming economy.

"We need to provide clear plans and messages to developers and investors," she said.

"We want more people to move in to the Black Country than move out."

"Consultation has revealed that people are generally supportive of our proposals."

How about Merry Hill bringing their planned huge tower (late 80s) back to life, to mirror the new theme park one in Brum!

Do any of you peeps know of a place called Mostyn Street, Whitmore Reans in Wolverhampton, if so, whats it like up there ?

Do any of you peeps know of a place called Mostyn Street, Whitmore Reans in Wolverhampton, if so, whats it like up there ?

Shouldn't that be 'Bostyn Street' ? :)


Sorry Cargo,no idea.

Do any of you peeps know of a place called Mostyn Street, Whitmore Reans in Wolverhampton, if so, whats it like up there ?
Take a flak jacket.

Do any of you peeps know of a place called Mostyn Street, Whitmore Reans in Wolverhampton, if so, whats it like up there ?

You know that song 'welcome to jamrock' ? Could well be about Whitmore Reans.... Dunstall just round the corner isn't too bad tho...

The largest Wolverhampton project is about to start construction soon - the 260m summer row development, it is a mixed retail/residential scheme in the city centre, and will include a new debenhams department store, around 80 new shop/cafe units, and a cinema, this is what it will look like:

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_03.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_01.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_05.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_07.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_04.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_02.jpg

http://www.victoriasquare.com/filestore/images/news/wolv_06.jpg


Whilst it will improve the retail offer in Wolverhampton, I really do think it's a bit of a missed opportunity to provide something more 'city like' - this scheme looks like a development you'd find in a small/medium sized town, actually it reminds me of the redevelopment of Corby town centre lol.

What do you all think of it?

I like it! :)

Wolverhampton has a wealth of Victorian buildings so something ultra-modern wouldn't fit well...

Thanks for those.

Seems like the works for the Civic Quarter have finished.Smiley,have you seen it.....any good?

http://www.walsall.gov.uk/news/walking_the_fair_and_the_opening_of_walsall_s_new_civic_quarter.htm

I last saw those models of Wolverhampon a good two year ago. I think it has changed now. The cinema has pulled out and Debenhams are thinking of still pulling out.

Wolverhampton City Centre desperately needs some tall towers. I can't believe that it hasn't even planned any for the foreseeable future considering it's been made a city for a few years now and civic pride should have soared with this distinction sufficiently enough for some new ambitious landmark additions to the skyline to be proposed. As it stands it has one of the most disappointing city centre-scapes you're likely to see anywhere - the tallest office block / tower structure of any kind in the city centre remains Mander House - and that dates back to the 1970s and only stands a piddling 8 storeys high or something. I wonder why the developers haven't seized on some sort of initiative to think taller? What is stopping them? Is the CAA height restriction 50 metres here or summat? Perhaps there's an old ruling that forbids any building to rise higher than the tower of St Peter's Church? Like the old Philadelphia one where nothing was allowed to surpass the City Hall in height for decades...

I last saw those models of Wolverhampon a good two year ago. I think it has changed now. The cinema has pulled out and Debenhams are thinking of still pulling out.

Simon,

Debenhams 'signed up' around 2 weeks ago, the lastet plans still include the cinema although I'm not sure which chain.

Perhaps there's an old ruling that forbids any building to rise higher than the tower of St Peter's Church? Like the old Philadelphia one where nothing was allowed to surpass the City Hall in height for decades...


Yes I think I read somewhere that no building is allowed to be built higher than St Peters church.

Must be a different chain. I know one did drop out.

You have to remember that Wolverhampton is one of the poorest cities in the UK and some surounding areas is the most deprived in the UK. I think it's more about money than having a choice for high-rise buildings. The council are forking out a much as they can.

Regenerating a hill top May 11 2006
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
By Steve Pain, Commercial Property Editor


World class offices, a new square for West Bromwich town centre as well as a new road paving the way for a whole new business estate at Hill Top are among the early projects unveiled by RegenCo.

"Bringing about a transformation of a whole area is, by nature, slow but I'm delighted to report that just over two years into our remit, we already have some early successes," said Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the urban regeneration company responsible for West Bromwich, Smethwick and Hill Top.

"We now have solid plans for bringing world-class offices back to West Bromwich," she added.

"The last time we saw those built was back in the 1970s with Intersection House -where we're based now. We're assembling a perfectlypositioned site at the first island off the Expressway as you leave M5 at Junction 1.

"We've named the former Sandwell Homes Depot site All Saints. If you consider rents around here are only £10 to £12 at the moment, we believe these could lift to £16 and still compare very favourably with Birmingham rents. Junctions 3 and 2 have their office parks, it's now junction 1's turn."

David Higson from Challinors said: "We've been based in West Bromwich for nearly 100 years. It's an excellent base from which to do business.


"We seem to get the best of both worlds being just down the road or tramline from Birmingham and also at the gateway to the Black Country.


"The prospect of having better office accommodation would encourage more professional organisations into the locality and encourage economic growth for all those involved. We see this as the final brick in the wall, into making West Bromwich a vibrant professional centre."


Ros Kerslake continued: "Building has started on the new square linking Queen's Square with The Public and Tesco-led development.


"You can already see how it's going to give West Bromwich town centre a proper heart and focal point. It's due to be completed by autumn this year. It will be the first, physical evidence of the difference we're making - we saw the need for it, helped design it as well as played a role in its funding and implementation.


"We've worked with SMBC to downgrade all the roads surrounding the square to create a relaxed atmosphere where people will enjoy sitting and watching the world go by. It's a sizeable area suitable for markets and street entertainers. The high quality design and materials really set the standard for others to follow."


Allan Lockhart of developers Halladale also said: "The new Queen's Square proposals follow the positive lead given to the regeneration of West Bromwich town centre by Sand-well Council and RegenCo. West Bromwich town centre has an exciting future and the new Queen's Square will complement the proposed new Tesco-led development, as well as blending in well with The Public."


RegenCo also announced that it had clinched £800,000 of funding for two, detailed, implementation studies on several projects including the designing of a new road to open up Hill Top and pave the way for a new business park there.


Among RegenCo's other early plans are bringing forward a major new business park at Junction 1, aspirational housing and plans for a learning village with a university presence.

Urban village is a step closer
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.
By Victoria Nash
Jun 17, 2006
The creation of a spectacular urban village in Bilston is moving closer to reality after the Government handed out more than £8 million towards the transformation.

Officials have rubber-stamped the sum which will go towards the ambitious scheme, set to mark a new era for the town.

The project - one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the Wolverhampton area - will include 1,000 homes, health and leisure complexes, shops and pubs and the creation of up to 900 jobs.

Bosses at Wolverhampton City Council said news of the grant was "a major step forward".

Work to clear former scrapyards at Brook Terrace is now close to completion and the latest funding will now kick-start two major reclamation projects on seven acres of brownfield land in the town.

Advantage West Midlands is set to forge ahead with stabilising shallow mining voids and providing new roads and services at the site so that work can begin on the council's new leisure centre for Bilston.

Development work will also be carried out on a pedestrian link between the Urban Village and Bilston's town centre high street.

The work is set to start in July and will take around 12 months to complete.

More than 100 acres of wasteland in bilston is set to be transformed as part of the full project.

A report by the council, Advantage West Midlands and the regional development agency has showed plans to rid the south side of the town of a legacy of centuries of industrial and mining ravages.

It shows plans to rid the south side of the town of a legacy of centuries of industrial and mining ravages.

Allotments, upgraded playing fields, about 30 acres of parkland, a boulevard link to the High Street, provision for a new Metro tram stop and pedestrian and cycle networks are also planned.

Regeneration boss councillor Peter Bilson said: "This is a major step forward and will raise both confidence and aspirations for Bilston and the surrounding areas.

"In affect this funding will allow the first phases of work to commence. This really gives the green light for the whole project and for a better Bilston.

"It will dramatically improve the area for businesses and everyone living there. We are very pleased with this funding. It is excellent news."

Positive news :)

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=17423474%26method=full%26siteid=50002%26headline=golden%2dhopes%2dfor%2dblack%2dcountry-name_page.html

Golden hopes for Black Country

An alliance of industry and politicians has thrown its weight behind "visionary" plans to bring about long-term economic transformation across the Black Country.

Business groups and MPs all pledged their support for a campaign calling on Government to support investment plans which would create new jobs, revitalised housing and much more efficient transport links throughout the region.

Led by West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey, MPs signed up to a parliamentary motion which congratulates the Black Country Consortium on its work in pressing the case for a new economic strategy.

Backed by Dudley, Sand-well, Walsall and Wolver-hampton councils, along with voluntary sector partners and business chiefs, the Black Country Study was recently submitted to Government and will now go forward to a crucial planning review which will set the framework for the long-term future.

Mr Bailey said the Black Country Study charted a powerful and compelling case for driving up regional prosperity in the four main centres of Brierley Hill, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton along with other traditional town centres such as Dudley and Stourbridge.

Consortium chief executive Sarah Middleton said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we have seen such a strong and consistent body of opinion emerging across the region in the development of the study and in the period since it was submitted six weeks ago."

One of the region's biggest businesses - Merry Hill owners Westfield - also welcomed the MPs' support.

Steven Hassel, Westfield's Brierley Hill development executive, said: "The company is committed to the vision of an integrated Brierley Hill that maximises the potential of the area and plays a significant role in the renaissance of the Black Country."

Very good news ^^

Also, I didn't see this until today...

You have to remember that Wolverhampton is one of the poorest cities in the UK and some surounding areas is the most deprived in the UK. I think it's more about money than having a choice for high-rise buildings. The council are forking out a much as they can.

...And I must say that everything about that post is bollocks.

^^

I don't know whether Wolverhampton is one of the poorest cities but you have to admit most of it is pretty poor.

Positive news :)

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=17423474%26method=full%26siteid=50002%26headline=golden%2dhopes%2dfor%2dblack%2dcountry-name_page.html

Backed by Dudley, Sand-well, Walsall and Wolver-hampton councils, along with voluntary sector partners and business chiefs, the Black Country Study was recently submitted to Government and will now go forward to a crucial planning review which will set the framework for the long-term future.

What's with "Sand-well" and "Wolver-hampton"?? :?

Maybe that was where the newspaper version went down to the next line? :?

I think it was mentioned on this thread a while ago, but it was in the papers recently again saying that plans for the Bilston urban village are coming along nicely.

Norwest Holst are building one of the first phases of Walsall regeneration - Shannen's Mill to include an Asda, car park, shops and flats. And they are upgrading the road system.

I wonder how Urban Splash's Walsall Waterfron Masterplan is coming along?

Great news, the development in Dudley is taking shape. For once Dudley council have said yes to something being built, however they are still hanging on to derelict offices and shops right the way through the town as they have no vision and will not allow people to do anything. You have it, the new building next to Frankie and Benny's is taking shape. Unsure what it is, could be a KFC or Burger King, but this is progress for Dudley. Something productive for once, the council have stopped sitting on their hands and being in denial... for now.

Hmmmm..... yeah, hooray for Dudley and it's development. :sleepy:

The old six or seven storey office block Cavendish House has stood empty since 1994 - it stands 'proudly' by the southern bypass, vandalised and boarded up for all to see. In fact, judging by its name on the side in big letters it's now just called "dish House"...... :lol:

I would get some photos, but...... I can't be arsed to!

Norwest Holst are building one of the first phases of Walsall regeneration - Shannen's Mill to include an Asda, car park, shops and flats. And they are upgrading the road system.

I wonder how Urban Splash's Walsall Waterfron Masterplan is coming along?

I really ought to get my arse in gear and take some photos of my home town

^^

I don't know whether Wolverhampton is one of the poorest cities but you have to admit most of it is pretty poor.

I lived there for 10 years, I can't believe that to be true. Take a look at the whole west side of Wolverhampton (Tettenhall, Compton, Finchfield). To me, those are some of the most beautiful suburbs in the UK. The only 'bad' parts of Wolves to me are the area around New Cross Hospital and anywhere along the railway line and the area along the A4123 corridoor. Other than that, the rest is extremely liveable.

I lived there for 10 years, I can't believe that to be true. Take a look at the whole west side of Wolverhampton (Tettenhall, Compton, Finchfield). To me, those are some of the most beautiful suburbs in the UK. The only 'bad' parts of Wolves to me are the area around New Cross Hospital and anywhere along the railway line and the area along the A4123 corridoor. Other than that, the rest is extremely liveable.
Most of those areas are Staffs though, so they do not count.

^^

No, the areas nothingman mentioned are in Wolverhampton and are decent places. Tettenhall is nice - a nice green with the pool and luxury houses a-plenty onto the Wergs Rd. The Bridgnorth Rd area is nice also.

I just usually think of Heath Town, Low Hill, Whtimore Reans, Blakenhall, Ettingshall and the like. But it's a town/city that grew up around industry so whad'ya expect??

From Architect's Journal:

http://www.ajplus.co.uk/Images/Articles/280706_Walsall_main.jpg

The future of the first defining building by one of the UK’s most internationally-acclaimed young architects is under threat from a Will Alsop masterplan, it has emerged.

Sergison Bates’ 1998 Wharf Bar pub in Walsall is set to face the wrecking ball if Alsop’s proposals, drawn up for Urban Splash, come to their full fruition.

The building, which is adjacent to Caruso St John’s New Walsall Art Gallery, was critically acclaimed when it opened – to this day architecture students make international trips to visit it.

The practice credits it with launching it onto the international scene, which culminated in a joint professorship at Zurich University.

But Alsop describes the building as ‘horrible’. ‘I don’t like it at all,’ he said. ‘It’s not up to much.

‘Also, it’s falling apart,’ he added. ‘It wasn’t built well and this needs to be done. It won’t happen in the first phase but it will happen eventually.’

Alsop’s plans would see the demolition of a whole swathe of Walsall and the construction of a series of new buildings by Alsop himself, Shed KM and rising Austrian stars Querkraft.

Urban Splash was more reticent about condemning the Sergison Bates building outright. ‘We are in a dialogue with the owner of the long-lease of the bar about its future,’ local director Nathan Cornish said.

‘Our thinking is that the Gallery Square does not work very well at bringing people into the waterside site. We believe another public building such as a hotel might work better there.

‘But if we can’t come to an agreement with the landowner then we’ll have to complete our scheme with the bar in place – the masterplan works with or without the pub.

‘This is not about architectural merit – I really like it as a building. But the point is that we might get 15 or 20 better buildings if it goes and that must be remembered,’ Cornish added.

Alsop is a tit.

But the Waterfront looks OK :)

http://www.ajplus.co.uk/Images/Articles/280706_Walsall_T3big.jpg

From Architect's Journal:

http://www.ajplus.co.uk/Images/Articles/280706_Walsall_main.jpg



Alsop is a tit.

But the Waterfront looks OK :)

http://www.ajplus.co.uk/Images/Articles/280706_Walsall_T3big.jpg
Looks identical to the one Express and Star says will be in Brierly Hill. Ur-errr, they are as bad as Birmingham Post.

Got a question for you Black Country forumers - I'm a fairly new member to the site although I've been a keen watcher for about 6 months now - what would you think to having an "Official Black Country Thread" at the top of the page next to the Birmingham one? It's always struck me that there are a number of different threads covering the length and breadth of the Black Country so why not bring them together in one?
If you class the Black Country as the four boroughs, as many do nowadays, then you have a polulation execeding that of Birmingham (I think!). I don't think anywhere else of note in the country has the set up we have in the West Midlands where there exists two city size areas side by side in one conurbation possessing distinct identities and histories but which complement each other so well. As an example, Manchester is the main city of that conurbation but the other towns have very little in common with each other, they have simply grown up 'around' Manchester. They don't have a corperate identity.
I think that the "Birmingham Metro Area" could support both an Official Birmingham Thread and an Official Black Country Thread. I've checked the other city threads and each has only one officially sanctioned thread. Maybe someone could put it to Woody?
I'm a proud inhabitant of these parts and have been bred and schooled in both Birmingham and the Black Country. Both areas have proud histories and exciting futures and I think this site should reflect that. But I'm only asking the question! Tell me what you think.

I think the Black Country is Birmingham. Well, a part of Greater Birmingham.

Ding Dong!

I agree, I'm not trying to suggest we take the Black Country out of Birmingham (cheeky!) but that the West Midlands is a special case. Yep, there is already a Black Country Thread... and a Wolverhampton thread, and a Dudley thread, and a Walsall thread which occasionally disappear off the front page due to lack of posts. Why not bring them together in an official thread so that folks from around the country as well as locally know exactly where to go for news on Black Country developments and concerns? I think it's about appreciating what we have here - and flaunting it.

I agree! Woody - would you care to modify the title? Or is it against the rules?

Love the signature btw Paulo ;)

Shucks

I went through the very heart of West Bromwich for the first time in ages on Saturday and I must admit, it was horrid.

My impressions were that it looked dirty and polluted. Even 'the public' arts centre was a big disapointment due to it's dull facade and hideous surroundings.

The only highrise building that I saw and liked was the one with bondwolf sign slapped on the top of it. A tower I have admired for many years.

I agree! Woody - would you care to modify the title? Or is it against the rules?
Thanks for the support, Bio. In my humble opinion, anything that raises the profile of the magnificent place in which we live has got to be a good thing. Doing this just might help! Anyone else care to comment?

Woody??? Can we have an "Official Black Country Thread" amendment pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease? :)

Fanks.

I know you've got people to save from burning buildings, cats to rescue from trees and a holiday to take on Krypton but... thankyou, Woody.

Now Woody, sincere apologies for not asking before, but could you bring yourself to make this a sticky as well? The Black Country (along with Wolves) is as big as Birmingham after all :)

How about one for Coventry as well?

Disappointing, but not unexpected news from BBC Birmingham -

Plans to build a landmark piece of art spanning the M6 in the Black Country have been scrapped after an £18m lottery bid was turned down.
Walsall Regeneration Company planned to build a Black Country Gateway over the motorway between junctions 9 and 10.

The stainless steel structure was intended to symbolise the engineering heritage of the area.

The organisation said it would now concentrate on smaller works of community art instead.

The agency's chief executive, Dr Peter Cromar, said: "It's highly unlikely we will go ahead with the major piece of art that we'd talked of.

"But the lessons I draw from this bid is it's been very important in raising the area's profile and showing we're serious about regeneration."

_________________________________

The Black Country needs an icon and god knows the M6 needs something...

I didn't know something like this was being considered and then, when I did, to find out that it's been trashed is all too typical (just my luck). I'm in agreement with you Zig, this area needs something highly visible to recommend it to the country, otherwise folks will continue to pass through oblivious to what's just beyond the hard-shoulder.

I wanted to resurrect this thread to get some opinion on a few things I've been thinking about these last couple of days.

I was thinking (at about 3am this morning!) how underrepresented the Black Country was on this site - not by the number of forumers posting from that part of the world, but IMO by the absence of the name in our conversations and general ponderings, both locally and nationally. I have a soft spot for the BC, having gone to school with lots of Black Country folk, and consider myslef to have some heritage in that direction, but I don't understand why we do not hear more about the BC and why the BC voice is not louder.

Please consider the following fact - if the Black Country constitutes the 4 boroughs, as many people accept now that it does(!) - then there are more Black Country folk than there are Brummies: that also means that there are more BC folk than there are Glaswegians, Liverpudlians, Mancunians, Geordies, Leedsonians(?!!!), Sheffieldites (sorry, I have no idea!) etc, etc, etc. It probably even means there are more of them than genuine Cockneys. In fact they are the largest number of 'urban-identified' people (if that is a word) not to be represented on SSC in a concrete way (you all know about my desire to make this thread a 'Sticky' at the top of the page!)

Now, before you remind me, I am aware of the conversation recently had about the 'Heart of England City Region' and that many of the Black Country forumers are in favour of uniting under the (Gtr) Birmingham banner. I am also aware that SSC is about skyscrapers and, generally, large developments which are often focussed around large cities (though not exclusively). It is also likely that the Black Country may not ever get a skyscraper to rival those in the recognised 'smaller city areas' but is this a good enough reason for the BC's noticable absence?

I'm not really sure the point I'm making here other than that I think I want to start a bit of a debate about it. I want to hear Black Country forumers' (or anyone's) opinions on the subject and about how they feel they are represented, or not. It may be that no-one agrees with me and that's fine.

I guess my main points are these:
- For it's size, the Black Country is poorly represented on the site.
- I feel that Brum needs to promote itself with an integral and recognisable Black Country on board - after all, I have said before that the way things are in this area are unique in the country - nowhere else is like the West Midlands. We do our area a disservice when we forget this.

So, I'd be interested to know what you think - coz I feel safer talking about it among friends!

I'm technically from the Black Country as I was born in Wordsley and I think another reason (other then the lack of tall buildings) why it's not a common talking point on these forums is because outside of the Midlands, it's not really known all that well.

Last month, Albion played Wolves in the first Black Country derby in several years and I was expecting to see a lot of coverage on the T.V about the game but it seemed to be over shadowed by the Man United v Liverpool match, a common fixture that happens 2 to 3 times a season. It's as if no one really knew or cared about how important the Albion v Wolves game was.

A few years back, I was in a UK chatroom (sad I know) and someone asked me where I was from, I said the Black Country and the next thing I knew, people were accusing me of being a racist. Another time, I was added into an MSN conversation with some retards from Liverpool and when they found out I was from the Black Country they started calling me a... well... I don't want to repeat what they said, but they used a nasty, racist, term. :ohno:

What the area needs is the two big football clubs (Wolves and Albion) in the Premiership, aswell as Walsall competing in the higher regions of the Championship because football is a big business and get's a lot of coverage. Also, the most iconic building in the area (Dudley Castle) needs to be protected. I've herd that they want to build houses on the castles grounds. :evil:

It sepends on what you mean by "the Black Country". I think officially it covers a smaller area than is largly thought. I may need Stockport-dweller Martin G's help on this but I think, for example, Wolverhampton proper and Walsall proper are officially not in the Black Country. Whereas the likes of Bilston and Darlaston are. Dudley is, Sedgley isn't. Stourbridge, Wordsley and Kingswinford aren't but Lye is. Something like that anyway!

Last month, Albion played Wolves in the first Black Country derby in several years and I was expecting to see a lot of coverage on the T.V about the game but it seemed to be over shadowed by the Man United v Liverpool match, a common fixture that happens 2 to 3 times a season. It's as if no one really knew or cared about how important the Albion v Wolves game was.



Wolves and WBA fans are kind of split down the middle here in Sedgley which can make it awkward. My dad's family always supported Wolves but the other side of my family who live just round the corner are WBA supporters. Same at school. I once took a Wolves bag to school with me when I was about 7 or 8 and got quite aggressively teased about it. I never took it again even though other people took theirs. I hated football from that day I think. :(

Ah - I love the Black Country. I think it has retained a sense of history much better than Brum.

One of the problems is that the BC is riddled with deprivation, and as mentioned in the posts above, doesn't actually know what it is. I have always know the BC as everything west of Brum (in the conurbation of course) minus Walsall and Wolves.

Now, it isn't a solve-all, but IMO there are a few things that the BC needs to do/sort (and this applies to Walsall/Wolves too):

- Transport. Each town should have a direct link to Birmingham. It is crazy that a place like Dudley does not allow its commuters to get to the largest city in the area quickly. A clear distinct BC Spine Road is required, as is a connection to Brum without the hassle of places like Soho Road and all the traffic.

- Council. Maybe the BC councils should think about doing things differently? Should Sandwell & Dudley merge? Maybe the councils can be structured differently? Maybe it's my perception, but Wolves and Walsall councils seem to be getting their act together whereas Sandwell and Dudley are floundering. IMO it is damaging to Sandwell having the council spread across the towns. The council should be focussed on one, which will boost that particular town (probably West Brom?) and the other towns should focus on providing local facilities.

- Image/Marketing. The BC should advertise itself as a place to do business/manufacture/distribute goods. That is what it is good at and is still a strong point. In order to attract business it will HAVE to provide local amenities for culture, sport, leisure, education, and should do that and advertise it. It should be a proud statement for a business to be located in the Black Country.

- Education. BC education is notoriously poor. Government money is required, new schools (they are in the pipeline) and a clear path from school to empolyment (via college/uni/training). Pairing up companies and schools would be good. Any why not be daring and insist that the BLACK COUNTRY IS THE FIRST PLACE IN THE UK WHERE MINIMUM SCHOOL LEAVING AGE IS 18?

But generally - tie-up with Brum as the 'anchor' advertise proximity to Birmingham, and BC will be seen as an alternative to Brum.

Oh, and get a couple of footie teams high in the premiership - great advertising :)

Thanks for all your intial comments guys.

Yeh, I think there will always be a problem with incorperating the Black Country into SSC because of what this site first and foremost deals with - BIG buildings! But I don't think it will be impossible and may be easier than we think considering the vastness of the BC and the number of people who are affected by transport, construction, sport issues etc, that are often hotly discussed topics elsewhere on this site.

I'm technically from the Black Country as I was born in Wordsley and I think another reason (other then the lack of tall buildings) why it's not a common talking point on these forums is because outside of the Midlands, it's not really known all that well...

...A few years back, I was in a UK chatroom (sad I know) and someone asked me where I was from, I said the Black Country and the next thing I knew, people were accusing me of being a racist. Another time, I was added into an MSN conversation with some retards from Liverpool and when they found out I was from the Black Country they started calling me a... well... I don't want to repeat what they said, but they used a nasty, racist, term. :ohno:

I am absolutely astounded by this! I can't believe that folks are that naive, idiotic, sheltered, bigoted etc, etc and that this sort of misunderstanding about the name 'Black Country' still exists. It does show we've got some work to do and that maybe SSC could be a starting place for this.

It sepends on what you mean by "the Black Country". I think officially it covers a smaller area than is largly thought. I may need Stockport-dweller Martin G's help on this but I think, for example, Wolverhampton proper and Walsall proper are officially not in the Black Country. Whereas the likes of Bilston and Darlaston are. Dudley is, Sedgley isn't. Stourbridge, Wordsley and Kingswinford aren't but Lye is. Something like that anyway!

I'm aware of the contention that exists around this! The Black Country was historically a lot more compact than it is now. However, all four of the councils have come together under the BC banner to promote tourism in the area and many people from elsewhere will just asume that Wolves or Walsall are entirely within the BC simply because they've put there name to it.
The Black Country Museum are another very important player to throw in to the mix - a few years back I heard the then manager of the museum say that the BC now consited of all of the four boroughs (his words!). The museum also takes buildings from across the area, such as Rolfe St Baths in Smethwick, which was definitely not in the historic BC but seems to be in the modern one.

Ah - I love the Black Country. I think it has retained a sense of history much better than Brum...

...But generally - tie-up with Brum as the 'anchor' advertise proximity to Birmingham, and BC will be seen as an alternative to Brum.

Oh, and get a couple of footie teams high in the premiership - great advertising :)

This I think is the key point. I don't think the Black Country would appretiate being 'absorbed' into Birmingham, and I don't think anyone on this site has ever suggested that it should be. I agree that Birmingham should be the anchor for national and particularly European funding bids (coz this is what it all comes down to in the end isn't it? £££'s!)
The Black Country is more useful to Birmingham as a supportive partner than a reluctant one. And Birmingham is more useful to the Black Country as the magnet or hub that brings people to the area so that it can show off what it's got!

Finnally, one way to up the profile could be a 'Black Country' Sticky at the top of the Brum Metro Area thread. I used to know BC folk who wouldn't talk to you if you called them a Brummie and many may be put off joining the site when they see themselves being grouped in with them (I know there only so many things you can call the West Mids!). What do people think, it might be a way of getting more local people to join and bolster the Midlands numbers on SSC?

WOODY! Sticky please:)

WOODY! Sticky please:)

Thanks Bio. It's only a suggestion however and I would only want it to happen if it was agreed by all!

I just want to raise the genaral profile of the Black Country. When we're in conversation with other forumers from elsewhere, if we're talking about Brum then we're generally NOT talking about the BC. How do we widen the conversation with others and big-up the BC in the process to make people realise how important it is? - cause if there's one thing I'm sure about it's that the Black Country is vital.

We just need to be kept abreast of what is going on in the BC. Many of us see Birmingham City Centre everyday so wonder what is goig on here, there etc. Visits to the BC are more infrequent.

Any progress pics on The Public in West Brom would be nice, and once the Waterfront in Walsall is underway I think interest will be piqued :)

Well, as you can probs tell from my name I'm Black Country born and bred, but if truth be told I never tell people I'm from the BC, I always tell people I'm from Brum. I'm not ashamed or anything, it's just that people (even Midlanders) have not heard of the area. I started at Aston uni in October and when I said I was from the Black Country I was accused by a geordie of being a racist, she thought I was making some sort of statement about Brum's black communities. After I explained she was totally fine, but she'd never heard of the area ever.

I think the BC councils need to get their acts together to promote our area better. One idea might be to have our name in the new title of the City Region, eg. Birmingham and Black Country, not too long and a good way of getting the name out there.

I am absolutely astounded by this! I can't believe that folks are that naive, idiotic, sheltered, bigoted etc, etc and that this sort of misunderstanding about the name 'Black Country' still exists. It does show we've got some work to do and that maybe SSC could be a starting place for this.

The name "the Black Country" really should be as famous as "the Potteries". Or maybe that's more famous because of the likes of Royal Doulton... :dunno:



The Black Country was historically a lot more compact than it is now. However, all four of the councils have come together under the BC banner to promote tourism in the area and many people from elsewhere will just asume that Wolves or Walsall are entirely within the BC simply because they've put there name to it.
The Black Country Museum are another very important player to throw in to the mix - a few years back I heard the then manager of the museum say that the BC now consited of all of the four boroughs (his words!). The museum also takes buildings from across the area, such as Rolfe St Baths in Smethwick, which was definitely not in the historic BC but seems to be in the modern one.

I think I thought that Smethwick was in the Black Country anyway, along with Oldbury and perhaps all the rest of Sandwell! But you're right, the Black Country has seemed to have gotten bigger over the years.

I can't think of any buildings at the Black Country Museum that are from Wolverhampton or Walsall, except maybe the trolleybuses!


Finally, one way to up the profile could be a 'Black Country' Sticky at the top of the Brum Metro Area thread. I used to know BC folk who wouldn't talk to you if you called them a Brummie and many may be put off joining the site when they see themselves being grouped in with them (I know there only so many things you can call the West Mids!). What do people think, it might be a way of getting more local people to join and bolster the Midlands numbers on SSC?

I joined this place knowing that it was about "Birmingham and the West Midlands" meaning that it wasn't just Birmingham. I get a bit irritated by people not from Birmingham who get "offended" by being called a Brummie. Just correct them by saying "well, I live [this and that many] miles away". There's worse things to be called!

Same as calling someone with a London sounding accent a "Cockney", when they could be from Essex for example! Anyone outside the region doesn't really care anyway, and can't tell the subtle differences between the Midlands' accents.

Anybody got any interesting facts about the Black Country. I've looked quite hard and can't find a list anywhere. The only ones I'm really aware of are that New Invention may have been the apocryphal birthplace of the steam engine, and Abraham Darby (of Ironbridge) was born in Dudley.

...

Well done El Paulo for successfully campaigning to getting this thread stickyfiedddd!

Oh my, Bio! Can't say I envisaged it happening so soon - I hope the Black Country is better known across the land as a result. Well, thankyou Woody.:master:

Might as well start by posting one or two pictures of my first visit to Walsall. Y'know, 32 years in these parts and I'd never visited the place!!

Watch this space...

From the Birmingham Post:
Governor hails resurgent Black Country
Arguably Wolverhampton's most powerful son, Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, returned to his roots last night to hail the resurgence of the Black Country.

Presenting the Best of Black Country Awards to local businesses, he described their successes as the story of a region being born again after the loss of much of its traditional manufacturing that he recalled from his boyhood, when "flames from the blast furnaces lit up the grey sky on winter afternoons".

Dr King praised the character of the area, which enabled the region to come through and enter a new era of regeneration.

"The products of the 21st century may not be the nails and bolts, screws and fasteners of the past," Dr King said. "But they will require the use of manufacturing know-how and business ingenuity to service the needs of consumers.

"I have been struck, as I travel to a different part of the country each month, by how many firms are producing imaginative and innovative products for which there is a real demand around the world."


That did not mean that all successful firms make high tech products, rather there is a market where low wages are not the most important competitive advantage.


"The Black Country tradition of numerous small firms operating cheek by jowl is exactly the model so successful in Silicon Valley and Bangalore, in science parks and film studios, and in financial centres round the world".


Winners of the Black Country awards included both new and established companies spanning manufacturing, services and construction.


"Of course, some of the old ways have gone and many manufacturing companies have perished, Dr King recalled. "Recent years have not been easy for the Black Country, especially as profit margins have been squeezed by greater competition from overseas.


"But there are – as you yourselves demonstrate – many examples of the regeneration of the Black Country, be they new businesses or older ones re-focusing their activities."


Dr King noted, too, changes beside the Black Country's economic revival. The University of Wolverhampton – "impossible to imagine that there would be one when I was a boy" – now has more than 23,000 students.


It had put its motto "Innovation and Opportunity" into practice through partnerships with Wolverhampton Science Park and the Telford-Wolverhampton Technology Corridor.


There was also Walsall's New Art Gallery in its internationally acclaimed building.


Turning to the role of sport, Dr King highlighted the Chance to Shine campaign, where he is president, to regenerate cricket in state schools. Twelve Wolverhampton and Walsall schools will be participating next summer, he noted.


"Given that in business the need to work in teams is of the essence, it is sad that competitive team sport in our schools has declined," he added.


"The aim of Chance to Shine is to give young people from all our communities, boys and girls, a chance to experience what it is like to be in a team and to learn how to win and how to lose."


He described the Bank's interest-setting Monetary Policy Committee as the referee for the economy. "We want to allow you to focus on running your businesses – you are the players – while the MPC quietly gets on with its job."


"The Black Country is where it all began," Dr King concluded. "But now we must look to the future.


"The Black Country has entered a new era. And you are making it happen.


"If we can retain the degree of stability that we have seen now for more than a decade, then you will have the opportunity to start and expand businesses that will compete for Black Country business awards in the years to come."

Don't think it's been posted before but you can find sketchy details of ‘A Million People – The Black Country as Urban Park’ submission for the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme here.

http://www.blackcountryconsortium.co.uk/NewsStory.asp?PageRef=20&NewsRef=15

and these are a good place to start if you want to know what's going on the Black Country
http://www.regenco.co.uk - West Bromwich
http://www.walsall-regeneration.co.uk/ - Walsall
http://www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk/content.php?c=2&cp=page/category.php&content_id=470177501710765 - Wolverhampton

O great!! Finally got this thread made sticky!!! That's great. Glad to see the BC is being praised by Mervyn King, he's an important figure. Thanks Foxtrot for that info on the Urban Park scheme, sounds good. Shame it's up against Birmingham's Eastside City Park reallly, would have been nice to have seen both get the go ahead.

Went to Walsall on Saturday and took some pix. It was a bit dark and they all came out rubbish except this one. Such a great building

http://i9.tinypic.com/47xkm1h.jpg

Imagine if Brum & BC were led by Digby Jones & Mervyn King :drool:

Sorry if some of these shots have been seen before on this thread, but I was so impressed with Walsall that I wanted to share my experience with you!

http://i9.tinypic.com/4gxse1w.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/2zfkf2x.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/4gdoozo.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/4fuaurr.jpg
http://i7.tinypic.com/2nsujyv.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/2njfu3d.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/4gg1boi.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/314rsig.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/4cih7bd.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/4csz0ab.jpg

Anyone got any info on St Matthew's Quarter?

Great work El Paulo! Were those high up photos taken from a multi storey car park or something?

On the 8th pic I think I can just about see Butterfield Court in Dudley on the horizon. :happy:

Taken from the Art Gallery - lovely building.

Great pics. I should go up there too! Nice selection of tower blocks in them pics too :tongue2:

Let's all have a meet up in Walsall instead of boring old Brum:) great photos El Paulo and Foxtrot. You're both putting me to shame coz I live only a fart sniff away from the centre and I never hardly venture there with my camera...a few of my random efforts for the hell of it.:banana:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0003-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks%202/PICT0008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks%202/PICT0018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks%202/WalsallAutumn5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0055.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0069.jpg

My mate Chris adding a bit of artistic value to the photo's!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0084.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0086.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/R.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0002.jpg

few more.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0011-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0017.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/WalsallAutumn8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/WalsallAutumn13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/WalsallAutumn53.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/WalsallAutumn55.jpg

I'm sure my girlfriend won't mind if she appears in just one - only photo I can find of the Bus station!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/Walsall21.jpg

few more....photobucket
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/PICT0055.jpg

I like how Walsall Town Hall/Council House more than resembles Birmingham's Council House :)

http://i10.tinypic.com/4fuaurr.jpg
I looked though that window and thought about taking a shot of the gallery from the carpark. I went to the wharf bar instead :) Lovely building. Didn't especially look at the art, just stroked the walls and bannisters and looked at the ceiling. Must have looked a right freak.

Not sure if i'm going to be around this weekend but a Walsall meet/drinking session in the future sounds good Smiley. Is that woman slightly crossed eyed? I'm talking about the one on the front of the council house not your wife

I also discovered a Road I'd never deen down called Leicester Street with some splendid old buildings

Here's a bit of info from Houseladder for St Matthew's Quarter:

A £40 million St Matthew's Quarter regeneration scheme in the centre of Walsall is set to transform the area and boost the housing market.

The first phase – a joint venture between St Modwen Properties and Goold Estates - is now underway and should be completed by May.

It will see a 118,000 square feet Asda store, a series of shops and 41 apartments, according to St Modwen. There will also be a 1,000-space multi-storey car park that will be built on the site of the former Sainsbury's store.

The second phase, meanwhile, will see 45,000 square feet of offices built in the rear of the Grade II listed Shannons Mill. The front of the building will be the site for 50 apartments, with both developments adding impetus to the local property market.

Derek West, development director of St Modwen, said: "Phase two is an exciting regeneration and re-use of the old Shannon building to create open plan, character offices and apartments, as well as bringing the George Street retail frontage back into use."

Here we are:

http://www.stmodwen.co.uk/dev_library/walsall%20annotated.jpg

Here's the first phase of St Matthew's:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/Biosonic/Renders/BPStMatthewWalsall.jpg

Those photos from Smiley make me happy. :happy:

Am I the only person in the world who wants to "Escape to the... Walsall"?? ;)

Thanks for those titbits of info Bio. It's a hell of a chunk of land by any big city standards so will make a great impact in Walsall's ever improving and pleasent town centre... or could it end up as a city eventually?!

I think there have been several attempts by Birmingham council to incorporate it into Birmingham.

I think there have been several attempts by Birmingham council to incorporate it into Birmingham.

I mean in its own right. Wolverhampton managed it.

Yeh I knew what you meant but I was just saying that there have been attempts. Give it some more expansion room and time and I think it'll have a fighitng chance.

^^

It would be a crime if Walsall expanded and "filled in the gaps"! Walsall's townlets (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Brownhills etc) are mostly separate from each other with greenbelt which gives them individuality. You don't get that in many metropolitan boroughs ...apart from Solihull perhaps!

EG reports that Walsall Council have backed the detailed planning application for the £70m first phase Walsall Waterfront with Urban Splash :)

144 000 sq ft offices, 130-bed hotel, 150 dwellings, 2 public squares, 41 000 sq ft leisure & retail.

Work must be starting fairly soon!

Hi Bio,

As posted in the Walsall Waterfront thread on site start is due in in Q3 2007. The updated renders were published in the Express & Star and looked awesome btw. I think your claim that Walsall is the place to be is looking very good indeed.

There is one hiccup with proceedings and that remains the Wharf Bar, this should be resolved in the next few weeks I believe.

My black cat was just watching Bio's avatar! :lol:

^^do you have any other coloured cats?

Thanks for the info hammer. Now that Urban Splash are wrapping up Fort Dunlop, they will be looking for something to pour their efforts into.

US seem very philosophical about the Wharf Bar - they say it won't hinder them if it stays. I hope it does stay tbh.

As for Walsall, well, it is closer to Brum than Wolves, it has some great old architecture, some exciting new architecture, and a stong history. Seemingly good civic leadership too :)

IMO Walsall BADLY needs to upgrade its railway station (don't we all?) and ensure there is a good and permanent link to Brum & Wolves.

Btw - I heard something about The Public in West Brom on the news today but didn't quite catch it. Anybody hear anything?

IMO Walsall BADLY needs to upgrade its railway station (don't we all?) and ensure there is a good and permanent link to Brum & Wolves.

Did I hear right that the service between Walsall and Wolves was being withdrawn or did I dream it?

They tried, but they were reinstated.

I think there's also an extra bit of hope for that line. Aren't they hoping to reopen services to Sutton from Walsall and then onto Walmley, joining the Nuneton line back into Brum (with a station at the Fort)?

I heard something about a station at the Fort. Not sure what came of it though.

The Public thing is that a broken window cost £40k to repair. A snip! :bash:

Didn't Ayli die last week?

^^do you have any other coloured cats?


Shall I start a new thread called "West Midlands cat chat"?? ;)

I have the black cat that was trying to catch your avatar and a tortoiseshell cat in beige and brown with a bit of pink on her nose and pads. :happy:

I heard something about a station at the Fort. Not sure what came of it though.

The Public thing is that a broken window cost £40k to repair. A snip! :bash:

The architect designed the windows but did not take into account the cost of a broken one. There was a picture in the Metro and The Times of it. Aparently the local authority are seething, rightly so too.

I think there's also an extra bit of hope for that line. Aren't they hoping to reopen services to Sutton from Walsall and then onto Walmley, joining the Nuneton line back into Brum (with a station at the Fort)?

Great, something to keep me awake at night!

It's Sandwell council, it will end up costing £40k for a window anyway.


Here it is...Copyright 2006 Midland Independent Newspapers plc
All Rights Reserved
Birmingham Evening Mail
December 6, 2006, Wednesday
Black Country Edition
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 19

LENGTH: 354 words

HEADLINE: I'm paned by lies about 'pounds 40k glass';
WEST BROMWICH: Window repair will be more like pounds 2,000, says council chief

BYLINE: Steve Johnson

BODY:


A FURIOUS Sandwell Council leader today hit back at claims that a controversial pounds 54 million arts centre in West Bromwich had been landed with a pounds 40,000 bill to replace a single broken window.

Coun Bob Badham, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said that the reports were "utterly ridiculous" and "grossly misleading."

It had been claimed that the massive bill at The Public, in the town centre, had resulted from the trendy design of the futuristic pink and purple building, which meant workmen had to dismantle part of a wall to get to the broken glass.

But Coun Badham said today that the actual cost of replacing the glass was likely to be about pounds 2,000.

"The claim that a single window at The Public will cost pounds 40,000 to replace is utterly ridiculous and grossly misleading.

"The cost of replacing the glass will depend on a number of factors, but we would expect it to be in the region of pounds 2,000.

"We have not yet had a quotation for this particular repair as the council is currently in the process of taking over responsibility for the completion of the project following the parent company going into administration."

Coun Badham added: "The pounds 40,000 figure in fact refers to the contingency budget built-in for the repair of any damage to all of the windows at The Public over a three-year period.

"Any project on this scale requires such contingency budgets to allow for repairs likely to be needed over the life cycle of the building."

Coun Badham said that a full assessment of the building's condition would be made when work was ready to re-start on the site and it was therefore more economical to delay replacement of the broken window until all work needed was identified.

"The glazing panel in question was broken some time ago through vandalism.

"Laminated glass has been used throughout the building and the damaged panel does not present a danger," he added.

Work on The Public was halted in March because of a cash crisis and the project was out in the hands of administrators.

Sandwell councillors hope that work on the striking building will re-start in the New Year.

GRAPHIC: CONTROVERSIAL... The Public arts centre with its smashed window (bottom right). Inset, Coun Bob Badham

LOAD-DATE: December 6, 2006

Shall I start a new thread called "West Midlands cat chat"?? ;)

I have the black cat that was trying to catch your avatar and a tortoiseshell cat in beige and brown with a bit of pink on her nose and pads. :happy:

Aw I like cats :)

Anyway, back on thread:

From Construction News.

Go-ahead for Brierley £27 million road scheme

Transport Minister Gillian Merron has given the go-ahead to a £27 million road improvement scheme for Brierley Hill in the West Midlands.

The Government will contribute £20.32 million of the cost to the Brierley Hill Sustainable Access Network which will aim to reduce congestion away from the Brierley Hill shopping area.

Gillian Merron said: “This is good news for the people of Brierly Hill. The improvements will help to ease the problem of heavy through traffic in and around the shopping area, improving safety, especially for families with young children, and make the area a far more attractive place to live, work and shop.”

Construction is set to start in February 2007 and will take around 18 months.

Does anyone know when the New Wolverhampton Shopping centre is going to be started? When do the Bull Dozers come in? Has the funding been approved? Are the architects plans in place, are tenants registering their interest yet? I know nothing about the place these days. I even fly back every 3/4 weeks but I normally run straight through town to the train station off to Bham, or in the car down the Birmingham New Rd.

^^

I don't know anything about what goes on there and I permanently live about 4 miles away. ;)

Garcha,

Not sure on start dates but I know Debenhams are signed up as the anchor, gives them quite a presence in the Midlands with stores at the Bull Ring, Merry Hill, Walsall and soon Wolvo.

Can anyone point me to an informative website!

Thank you Hammerb24, perhaps when the boards start appearing and the existing tenants in the areas start closing down I will believe. Not that I refuse to believe, I'm sure things will happen. It seems like big plans are made to arouse interest and support and media attention. Then plans get scaled down when reality (i.e. Budgets/Cost Analyses etc) finally hits home. A Debenhams might not be too bad, as long as its a little more compact. I don't think it needs to be the same size as Beatties. And if Wolverhampton could bring in another well known Department Store it would anchor the development more. I'm sure a John Lewis wouldn't go down too badly, especially if more Grade A/B office space can be provided around the St.Johns development. Something for planners to consider maybe. I'm sure they have.

Speaking to some of the tenants, they do not know themselves.

I heard a few months back the money had run dry, architects may pull the designs. Also, Wolverhampton is struggling in the retail sector (counted 17 shops empty), so may not be a good thing to build within the next 5-10 years.

There is not much interest for office space either. City is going the same way as Dudley IMHO.

Debenhams are anchoring the new shopping centre in Telford too (or was it Lichfield...?)

Speaking to some of the tenants, they do not know themselves.

I heard a few months back the money had run dry, architects may pull the designs. Also, Wolverhampton is struggling in the retail sector (counted 17 shops empty), so may not be a good thing to build within the next 5-10 years.

There is not much interest for office space either. City is going the same way as Dudley IMHO.


I do wonder if in a year or two when they introduce car parking charges at Merry Hill things may improve a bit at Dudley and Wolverhampton with people not wanting to pay at Merry Hill and therefore returning to the "original" towns, but not always the best. :|

You have to pay in Dudley though mate. Is free this xmas time though.

Yeah I know, but Dudley and Wolverhampton would then be more equal with Merry Hill - in terms of parking fees of course - so a few peeps might return cos the free parking at Merry Hill won't lure them anymore. But of course parking isn't everything.

Nice pic of the Oysters Building that goes with this - we have have it on this thread already.

From the Birmingham Post:

AWM cash will trigger £50m for waterfront

The multi-million pound Walsall Waterfront project - the flagship regeneration scheme aimed at transforming the heart of Walsall town centre - has moved a step closer after Advantage West Midlands approved a key package of funding.

The regional development agency's injection of £13.8 million will be the catalyst for the first major phase of construction on 2.9 acres of vacant and derelict land.

A programme of clearance work will make way for a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use development that will include 103,000 sq ft offices, 34,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, 154 apartments and 630 car park spaces.

First phase construction work includes plans for the iconic Oysters buildings - so called because of their shape - which are in effect a single oval-shaped multi-storey building cut in half by the canal.

The scheme also includes a four-storey office building on stilts, innovatively designed commercial buildings and a 'living green' car park covered in plants.

Walsall Council has already granted planning permission to the scheme, which is being delivered by award-winning developers Urban Splash and promoted by the Walsall Regeneration Company.

More good news for the Black Country (from the Evening Mail):

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icbirmingham/jan2007/2/1/05F0DC40-9A43-CA41-DC1E46157EE44242.jpg

WORK is finally set to start on a US-style leisure and retail complex creating 1,750 jobs - ten years after the huge scheme was first mooted.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott gave his seal of approval to The Junction project at Oldbury in November 2004 after "calling in" the £100 million scheme and ordering a public inquiry.

The Junction is modelled on a scheme in Los Angeles which revived a rundown area.

It has taken until this month to finalise details of the scheme, and the developers of the complex have announced that work will start in the summer.

The massive complex on a derelict 32-acre site near the A457 Dudley Road will boast skating rinks, a football centre, shops, restaurants and bars. Developers hope it will finally be up and running by November next year.

The Junction has been given planning consent for revised proposals which will breathe new life into land bounded by Dudley Road, Roway Lane, West Bromwich Street, Bromford Road and Fountain Lane.

Ian Harris, director of development at The Junction, said today: "We are going to have a mix of national retailers, sports facilities, football pitches, bars and restaurants and offices.

"We are delighted with the Sandwell Council decision to approve our enhanced proposals for regenerating Oldbury town centre and the team is now hard at work to take this scheme forward.

"We hope to start work on site this summer with November 2008 as the target for completion.

"The Junction Oldbury Shopping Park will link into the town centre, significantly improving the retail and leisure facilities on offer in the area while creating considerable employment, economic and social benefits for the community.

"The re-submission for planning consideration was in response to changes in the national retail market and our planned amendments support the deliverability of this exciting proposal."

Coun Bob Badham, of Sandwell Council, said: "I welcome the fact this important scheme is finally getting off the ground.

"The scheme now proposed is in keeping with the spirit of the original development and even an improvement on it."

I remember hearing about this ages ago and I drive past this site every time I drive into Birmingham and always wonder when they're gonna start this. So thanks for that Bio. :)

Debenhams are anchoring the new shopping centre in Telford too (or was it Lichfield...?)

Not us mate, we've had Debenhams for about 15-20 years.

^^ Ah. 'tis Lichfield then!

Brillant! :banana:

From BBC News

Major redevelopment moves closer

Dudley Zoo and Castle is to be redeveloped
A £38.7m redevelopment project for the Black Country, including a plan to build a version of Cornwall's Eden Project, has moved a step closer.
Advantage West Midlands (AWM) said putting forward £5m was the "last piece of the jigsaw" to enable the project in the Castle Hill area, Dudley, to start.

A natural history attraction, a garden centre, shops, restaurants and homes are also set to be built.

Work is due to start later this year and be finished within five years.

The project, which is expected to create nearly 650 jobs, will be managed by a joint venture company formed between Dudley Council and developers St Modwen.

Dudley Zoo and Castle would be redeveloped to include a tropical dome in the style of the Eden Project, Asiatic forest, two aquatic facilities and aviaries.

Shops with a historical feel, restaurants and a garden centre are to be built at the bottom of Castle Hill on the site of a former rail depot.

Land is being released for a development of homes, apartments, creche and leisure facilities, bars and restaurants.

The natural history, science-based attraction would be called Origins.

An internal miniature railway would connect the zoo and Origins sites to the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust attractions.

AWM, the regional development agency, said providing more than £5m will trigger other money for the project.

St Modwen's chairman Anthony Glossop said: "A number of issues need to be resolved on our planning conditions and the final agreement settled with the Zoo.

"We have continuing confidence in the project and hope to start on site later this year."

Finally! I went there as a child and loved it. But the entrance hasn't really invited me in. Thanks for that Bio :D.

Oooh controversial!

I haven't been to Dudley Zoo since about 1998 and although I enjoyed it, it was somewhat run down, paint peeling, lack of animals in certain areas etc. We used to go as children and even then I remember my parents commenting on lions pacing the same area all day, gorillas in small cages and the like.

However, my mom met and spoke to the Queen there some years ago which decreases its skanky factor somewhat. :yes:

I look forward to seeing what goes on here, but I hope none of the Art Deco buildinglets gets demolished, and that includes the ENTRANCE!!

Entrance
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/44036184_6e9dc1703a_o.jpg

One of the many unused kiosks
http://www.riskybuildings.org.uk/img/22zoo/07.jpg

I think this is the infamous "polar bear pit"! :shocked:
http://www.riskybuildings.org.uk/img/22zoo/01.jpg
http://www.shedhalle.ch/eng/archiv/2005/karnevaleske/kuenstlerische_beitraege/dudley_zoo.jpg

Needs no introduction
http://www.silverdalehotel.com/Images/Castle1.JPG

Sheesh, the whole place is barren! I long to see the day crowds pack out the place and arrive there by the Midland Metro tram going down Castle Hill. The lions are roaring the pit is filled to the brim with polar bears (OK maybe an overexageration). The kiosks are heaving and the cable car is spruced up.

That'll be the day :).

Oh and thanks for the pics :).

Bear pit and sea-lion area will have to stay as they are now grade I listed. Rest stayed grade II. Built by some famous architect IIRC.

If you really want to know how dumb Dudley council are they were given £400M to redevelop the castle and zoo along with quite a large bit of the shopping area. They rejected it as they thought what there was currently was good enough. Jeesh, that was 5 years ago, and Dudley has been suffering bad for a lot longer than that.

This was on Midlands Today and it showed the patch of land they were considering for this big bubble greenhouse thing and other developments. It looks quite substantial.

We'll have to have a forumers meet up at Dudley Zoo when it's completed so we can push FLD into the lion enclosure. :yes:

I really hope this development pushes others to come to Dudley to design and make other developments. Sounds very attractive.


Castle Gate hasn't really worked. It's too cheap and not attracting the big guys. Only thing it has going is a call centre, which is set to close.

^^

Are you sure? Showcase Cinema always seems popular plus the Village Hotel and leisure complex is quite exclusive so I hear from my sister.

We'll have to have a forumers meet up at Dudley Zoo when it's completed so we can push FLD into the lion enclosure. :yes:

:lol: I don't think he'll dare show his face around there unless Arena Central is well underway.

Slightly off topic but is the old Victorian Building opposite the Bingo hall on Castle Hill open because it appears to have been converted into a mosque only half the letters in the name are missing so you get something like Kh l d Mah od R a Tiu Dud y Mos e.

I should go to Dudley more often. Most of my family live in Sedgley (well thereabouts). Shame we don't all get along :|.

Erebus I live in Sedgley - in one of the more leafy areas. ;)

That mosque in Castle Hill is more gothic looking, not sure when it's from. The windows in it always seem smoshed but I think it's still in use. However, I think it's them who want to build the giant mosque beside the Dudley southern bypass so who knows what the future holds for the old building. :dunno:

Ok thanks for that.

I have no idea about the areas of Sedgley. All I know is that they either live in or very near it. I havent been there for a good while though.

Cinema is below par for standards. Wouldn't say the leisure complex is 'exclusive' either. Lots of people go there, mostly chavs. Cheap to join.

^^

Are you sure? Showcase Cinema always seems popular plus the Village Hotel and leisure complex is quite exclusive so I hear from my sister.

Cinema is below par for standards. Wouldn't say the leisure complex is 'exclusive' either. Lots of people go there, mostly chavs. Cheap to join.

Erebus I live in Sedgley - in one of the more leafy areas. ;)

That mosque in Castle Hill is more gothic looking, not sure when it's from. The windows in it always seem smoshed but I think it's still in use. However, I think it's them who want to build the giant mosque beside the Dudley southern bypass so who knows what the future holds for the old building. :dunno:If the BNP do not keep on protesting. :bash: I'd love for it to go ahead.

Hmmm how do I reply to this...

For a start, cinemas always attract chavs, be it in Dudley, Derby or Drumnadrochit. And okay, the Village hotel may not be "exclusive" but it's nice enough. :|

The new mosque doesn't really bother me, I like new buildings but I want the Muslims to integrate better and not be so separate. Nobody seems so bothered about the building of Hindu temples and the like, I just think the word "mosque" scares people!

The bubble is to be 65ft tall (about 20m) :banana:

I've been meaning to post this for ages - bye bye Cavendish House office block in Dudley!

http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:m2fG5ahHPinI7M:http://www.fifieldglyn.co.uk/uploads/CavDudleyNew_2_small.jpg
(This was the only pic I could find!)

I think it's been empty for around 13 years and looks awful, standing there by the Dudley Southern Bypass. I'll miss it though because it's quite high up and is one of the tallest buildings in Dudley.



From the Express & Star (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2006/12/07/run-down-building-to-go/) on December 7th, 2006:


Run-down building to go

One of the Black Country’s biggest eyesores will be demolished and replaced with apartments and offices after funding was secured. Cavendish House has been a blot on the Dudley skyline for decades.

But after Dudley was included in a government pilot scheme to regenerate brownfield sites across the country, funding was agreed to transform the area at a meeting with English Partnerships, the group behind the project, earlier this week.

The Cavendish Quarter project will see the former social security offices torn down and replaced with 130 homes and 840 square metres of commercial space.

It is seen as a key part of the overall regeneration of the town centre.

Members of Dudley Council’s cabinet will meet on Wednesday to approve the issuing of compulsory purchase orders for the demolition of the whole site.

Council spokesperson Clare Marshall said: “There was a meeting with English Partnerships and ourselves on Monday, where they agreed to part fund the development of Cavendish Quarter.”

Dudley Council’s former cabinet member for regeneration, councillor Les Jones, is a long-time campaigner for the transformation of the area.

He said: “It will make a hell of a difference to the town centre and its skyline because we have got to be honest, Cavendish House is a real mess.”

Dudley seems to be really getting its act together! :)

Fantastic news for Dudley, this building is hideous and falling apart and is such a prime location.

Next is to get the train line connected again. Dudley really suffers from not having a train station.

I wish...

I've not thought of the proposed "City Region" as a good idea myself. I'm from the Black Country (Sedgley), and, while I've got nothing against Birmingham- I really like shopping in the city and I think it is a vibrant place- I think the Black Country's identity needs to be promoted independently. Unlike Greater Manchester, where many towns around the city are seen as "satellite towns", the same can't be said about Walsall and Wolverhampton in relation to Birmingham. The four Black Country Boroughs aren't dependent on Birmingham and I can't see why central government think it's a good idea for these City Regions. I've heard that they want Telford and Wrekin to join the proposed region- Telford is around 20 miles from Wolverhampton and separated by countryside.

The Black Country is a very distinct area in terms of identity, heritage and dialect. I can't understand why an elected mayor would benefit the region better.

Hello Matt and welcome! :wave: I'm from Sedgley too!

I'll go one further and say that I'm all for bringing back the traditional counties, even if it's just to make addresses that bit more interesting, ours being something like:

Mr Blah Blah,
Blah Blah Street,
Sedgley,
Staffordshire,
near Dudley,
Worcestershire,
near Birmingham,
Warwickshire

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

;)

Hello Matt and welcome! :wave: I'm from Sedgley too!

I'll go one further and say that I'm all for bringing back the traditional counties, even if it's just to make addresses that bit more interesting, ours being something like:

Mr Blah Blah,
Blah Blah Street,
Sedgley,
Staffordshire,
near Dudley,
Worcestershire,
near Birmingham,
Warwickshire

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

;)

But, I live in Erdington!

^^

:lol: :lol:

D'ya know, after I wrote that last night I wondered if you would notice!

I've not thought of the proposed "City Region" as a good idea myself. I'm from the Black Country (Sedgley), and, while I've got nothing against Birmingham- I really like shopping in the city and I think it is a vibrant place- I think the Black Country's identity needs to be promoted independently. Unlike Greater Manchester, where many towns around the city are seen as "satellite towns", the same can't be said about Walsall and Wolverhampton in relation to Birmingham. The four Black Country Boroughs aren't dependent on Birmingham and I can't see why central government think it's a good idea for these City Regions. I've heard that they want Telford and Wrekin to join the proposed region- Telford is around 20 miles from Wolverhampton and separated by countryside.

The Black Country is a very distinct area in terms of identity, heritage and dialect. I can't understand why an elected mayor would benefit the region better.Welcome Matt.

Have a good read of the Greater Birmingham thread.

^^

Don't you mean Our region to be called the Heart of England (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=363117) - a thread created by moiself?? :bowtie:

I think bringing back original counties would be a good idea. The identity of towns formerly in shire counties is stronger in the North West, with addresses such as "Stockport, Cheshire" and "Bolton, Lancashire" regularly used. I never really see much post addressed to "Wolverhampton, Staffs" or "Dudley, Worcs".

At least when the West Midlands was formed, its name reflected the diverse areas which it contained, ie not just Birmingham.

I think bringing back original counties would be a good idea. The identity of towns formerly in shire counties is stronger in the North West, with addressed such as "Stockport, Cheshire" and "Bolton, Lancashire" regularly used. I never really see much post addressed to "Wolverhampton, Staffs" or "Dudley, Worcs".

At least when the West Midlands was formed, its name reflected the diverse areas which it contained, ie not just Birmingham.

I think bringing back original counties would be a good idea. The identity of towns formerly in shire counties is stronger in the North West, with addressed such as "Stockport, Cheshire" and "Bolton, Lancashire" regularly used. I never really see much post addressed to "Wolverhampton, Staffs" or "Dudley, Worcs".

At least when the West Midlands was formed, its name reflected the diverse areas which it contained, ie not just Birmingham.

That's old school! :okay:

From your posts you sound a bit like me in that it's not an easy thing to sort out - Birmingham needs the Black Country and vice versa. There MUST be some way of promoting the two WITHOUT detracting from the distinct attributes of either! We don't fit the "accepted model" in the Midlands and for some reason the rest of the country can't handle it - well, we've been like this for centuries - they will have to get used to us!

I agree. It seems logical that the two separate identities of Birmingham and the Black Country need to be focussed upon. It's quite different, as I said, in Greater Manchester where many (but not all) of the surrounding towns are much more dependant on Manchester and are what are ofetn referred to as "satelllite towns".

I don't think everyone in other regions always think the Black Country and the Birmimgham are the same. When people from other areas ask me where I'm from and I say near Wolverhampton, they seem to know where I'm talking about and they don't say "Oh, Birmingham". I think some people in other areas are aware that Wolverhampton is separate from Birmingham, although I'm not as sure how they perceive Dudley.

I agree. It seems logical that the two separate identities of Birmingham and the Black Country need to be focussed upon. It's quite different, as I said, in Greater Manchester where many (but not all) of the surrounding towns are much more dependant on Manchester and are what are ofetn referred to as "satelllite towns".

I don't think everyone in other regions always think the Black Country and the Birmimgham are the same. When people from other areas ask me where I'm from and I say near Wolverhampton, they seem to know where I'm talking about and they don't say "Oh, Birmingham". I think some people in other areas are aware that Wolverhampton is separate from Birmingham, although I'm not as sure how they perceive Dudley.

My suggestion for the name of our City Region was "Birmingham & The Black Country" or "The Black Country & Birmingham" if you want!

With that, everyone wins (well, apart from Coventry!) The Black Country keeps its identity, and the uneducated heathens from the rest of the country know instantly where it is.

My suggestion for the name of our City Region was "Birmingham & The Black Country" or "The Black Country & Birmingham" if you want!

With that, everyone wins (well, apart from Coventry!) The Black Country keeps its identity, and the uneducated heathens from the rest of the country know instantly where it is.

These are good suggestions. I still find it strange about Coventry being in the proposed city region, it should have a region of its own- it seems strange enough how it was put into the West Midlands, with areas like Nuneaton and Bedworth left in Warwickshire when they are very close.

News on the developments in Wolverhampton city centre. CPO has been given out, tenants have 1 year to relocate.

Everyone go to Sevenoaks there and buy your music/tv systems ASAP.

I'm outraged at Dudley council. They have closed all schools tomorrow because of snow. News just said some could expect 25mm. WTF, my school (St Peter's Collegiate in Wolves) would never close no matter what, and I had to get public transport from Dudley to Compton.

They just want to get the school run off the roads to avoid the chaos which is most likely gunna happen in the morning rush hour. I do admit it is ridiculous.

Make the kids walk. Lazy buggers. I walk almost 4 miles to get to university and back, and catch the train. Never understood why some parents take their kids by car when they live a few street away.

Make the kids walk. Lazy buggers. I walk almost 4 miles to get to university and back, and catch the train. Never understood why some parents take their kids by car when they live a few street away.

I'm outraged at Dudley council. They have closed all schools tomorrow because of snow. News just said some could expect 25mm. WTF, my school (St Peter's Collegiate in Wolves) would never close no matter what, and I had to get public transport from Dudley to Compton.


Except it is!!! :lol:


http://www.brmb.co.uk/Article.asp?id=147406
about half way down:
St Peters Collegiate School Compton Park (Wolverhampton)

Oh LOL, how things change.

I remember, if you didn't turn up you got a detention, unless you had a note from a doctor. Hehe.

I remember always being 2 hours late, and we would finish an hour early because Centro would not let the bus' turn up at 4pm because of the heavy traffic. Bus' had to be ready for the normal rush-hour chaos at 4:30pm.

that office building above wilkinsons is coming along nicely, the windows are a nice sky blue which makes it look so much younger :)

^^

Which Wilkinsons??

^^

Which Wilkinsons??

In Walsall, next door to the future Urban Splash waterfront development.

Ah okay, it's just there's more than one Wilkinsons but I s'pose it's obvious seeing as flying tackle is from Aldridge. :)

I used to go sailing in Aldridge...

Ooh! I've always wondered where the sailing club is, I spent a lot of time in Aldridge in my teens having family there but never saw it. I do however remember a pool of swans. :happy:

We considered moving there about 3 years ago but when my mom had to change divisions we had to give up and end up in Erdington/Sutton Coldfield.

Oh and Butterfield - I found out why I find your avatar fast. When she clicks her fingers on her right hand/ arm (on the left for us) she moves that faster than her left! :happy:

Anyone seen this? Near the Leather Museum I think:

http://www.walsallfirst.co.uk/content/image/plans_02(2).jpg

http://www.walsallfirst.co.uk/pink.php?story_id=17

Ooh looks nice! Thanks Bio :happy:!

I hear that there maybe an exciting design cropping up in Dudley. And I mean up. Not too sure how possible it is though :|.

Oh and Butterfield - I found out why I find your avatar fast. When she clicks her fingers on her right hand/ arm (on the left for us) she moves that faster than her left! :happy:

:lol: I'd not noticed that! She certainly has some fast right arm action. :|

After a little grilling by email, I've found out that three large (tall) buildings are tipped for the Black Country in one major development. Don't expect anything over 100 metres!

I think the refurbishment and redesign of tower blocks in the last 2 or 3 years has been an excellent move. The Merridale flats in Wolverhampton look totally unrecognisable to their old appearance and their new red and white colour scheme is very attractive. I think many blocks could really benefit from this. The tower block in Willenhall near the town centre looks even more attractive with its white and blue colour scheme and it's hard to imagine that it was once just another tower block. The block near the motorway in West Bromwich also has a really good appearance.

The Willenhall block is very attractive to see from a distance. I live near Sedgley Beacon and whenever I'm on the Beacon, the flats always catch my eye. I also noticed last week that the office building on the corner of the Wolverhampton Road on the Sandwell-Birmingham border has had similar treatment- again completely transforming it from its old drab appearance

A nice little study on our local tower blocks there Matt. :happy:

I too like the new looks of the ones you mentioned there, it really has brought them up to date. Those red blocks on Wolverhampton ring road are SO different to how they were - they used to look so bricky and fragile! And "The Pinnacle" in Willenhall really was a monster before its reclad. :shocked:

That block in West Bromwich by the Expressway looks great at night lit up in neon blue!

I can't remember where they are in Aldridge. Sail at Himley Hall now.

I was there last Saturday. :yes:

Hi Butterfield

I didn't know that the West Bromwich flats are lit up at night- they must look beautiful. The red colour scheme on the Merridale flats looks brilliant, it really gives them character.

I can also remember what The Pinnacle used to look like. Its redevelopment has probably been the most notable in the Black Country when its old appearance is considered.

Ian Austin MP for Dudley North has been given the job to be Gordon Brown's personal assistant. Hope this will be good for Dudley and area when Mr. Brown becomes PM.

Hi Butterfield

I didn't know that the West Bromwich flats are lit up at night- they must look beautiful. The red colour scheme on the Merridale flats looks brilliant, it really gives them character.

I can also remember what The Pinnacle used to look like. Its redevelopment has probably been the most notable in the Black Country when its old appearance is considered.

Yeah the West Bromwich block looks great at night! I think you may be able to see it from Sedgley on the horizon as you head down the Tipton Road.

I only saw what is now called the Pinnacle once before its makeover. I can't help but think it's in the wrong place now - a modern block of "apartments" is more suited to a city centre than a backwater townlet! No offence to anyone from Willenhall! The penthouse is for sale on Rightmove (http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-7617292.rsp?pa_n=8&tr_t=buy) if you haven't already seen it - I could almost marry the view from the top floor but I'm not overly keen on the blue kitchen! :ohno:

Butterfield you council block encylopedia, what can you tell us about these blocks? All I know is that they're in West Bromwich.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/WestBromwich.jpg

They're the blocks at Kenrick Park/Kenrick Way right next to the M5 where I presume the photo is taken from. Not sure what their individual names are but last year a group of girls got stuck for an hour or so in one of the lifts!

Most of the blocks in West Bromwich were identical to these, that includes the one Matt was commenting on with the neon lights although that looks completely different now.

Is that enough info for you??

Indeed, thanks.

After a little grilling by email, I've found out that three large (tall) buildings are tipped for the Black Country in one major development. Don't expect anything over 100 metres!

I'd like to know more about this too.

I've noticed as well that many of the West Bromwich tower blocks are the same style, and many of the blocks in Dudley are also the same, apart from the Eve Hill block. Wolverhampton, though, has a range of designs- the Vauxhall flats near the Tettenhall Road are quite attractive in design as they are very early, but there were also the Blakenhall flats of course (that won't be here for much longer). It seems that the designs became more bland as the sixties went on.

Yeah you're kind of right! I actually think Butterfield Court in Eve Hill, and the two that stood by it until 1999 were the same design as most in Birmingham. Wolverhampton has some of the oldest high rise flats in the country - just behind the reclad red blocks on the ringroad. They're not that tall but are from the 1950s yet they are quite interesting to look at unlike some of the later "slabs" that were built (although I prefer the latter ;)). I think they're actually listed now but are in a poor state. :(

a group of girls got stuck for an hour or so in one of the lifts!


only an hour :lol: they were lucky !


thankfully i don't work in Sandwell .... living there is bad enough :nuts:



http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u276/72bluebus/sandwell1.jpg

think 1 of them is called lissemore, or something similar.

I'd like to know more about this too.

Whatever is going on, it's in the very very early stages of planning.

Yeah you're kind of right! I actually think Butterfield Court in Eve Hill, and the two that stood by it until 1999 were the same design as most in Birmingham. Wolverhampton has some of the oldest high rise flats in the country - just behind the reclad red blocks on the ringroad. They're not that tall but are from the 1950s yet they are quite interesting to look at unlike some of the later "slabs" that were built (although I prefer the latter ;)). I think they're actually listed now but are in a poor state. :(

I saw smoke coming from Butterfield Court today on the way home from Sedgley! I was quite spooked. Also, someone's been killed on their bike at 'The Grange' as my cousin said.

Dudley spooks me and makes me feel very unsafe at times! Especially Gornals and Sedgley!

only an hour :lol: they were lucky !


thankfully i don't work in Sandwell .... living there is bad enough :nuts:


think 1 of them is called lissemore, or something similar.

I think you're right, and I think the big mutha might be called 'Kenrick House'. I love any photos of this lot! :happy:

I saw smoke coming from Butterfield Court today on the way home from Sedgley! I was quite spooked. Also, someone's been killed on their bike at 'The Grange' as my cousin said.

Dudley spooks me and makes me feel very unsafe at times! Especially Gornals and Sedgley!

Oh my x2!! :shocked:

Well, all I can say is I'll be reading the Express & Star tomorrow evening! I think there's been trouble at 'The Grange' (or 'Grange Park' as I think it's properly called if I'm thinking of the same place) before. Well, the new climbing frame was vandalised the day before it opened or something. :nono:

So I hope you enjoyed your short stay here. :hahano:

^^Well my nan lives in the nicer parts of the council estate (if thats possible). She's done the place up nicely but its the people from the other end of the estate make it a misery! Good selection of pubs in Gornals though!

In August I was on a single decker bus doing 30mph that ran someone over at the Grange.

^^Doesn't sound too nice around there then!

Good selection of pubs in Gornal though!

And churches! :yes:

btw I deleted the 's' on Gornal - you can say the Gornals when referring generally to Upper Gornal, Lower Gornal and Gornalwood but what most people say is just 'Gornal'.

In August I was on a single decker bus doing 30mph that ran someone over at the Grange.

Yikes! :shocked:

Someone from these forums comes from there. Who was it?

I don't know anyone on here from Gornal. Most of my family originate from there and I live about a mile away!

Most of my family originate from the Gornals or Jamaica. As for my dad's side - I don't have a clue.

^^

A unique combination! :yes:

Most Gornal people's ancestors originate from Gornal. Everyone seems to have the same few surnames and the chavs are all identical. I don't think there's much movement - even my dad only relocated to the next townlet. :|

^^Well my mom was sent to a children's home as a baby so we are one of the very few who didn't leave the area.

I certainly agree about the chavs! Terrible lot. Shame my cousin is one of them :|. He's written off 3 cars and he's still 21. I don't know how he gets insurance.

Noo, I was on about the grange.

From the Express and Star (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/02/28/mosque-bid-thrown-out/):

Mosque bid thrown out

An £18 million mosque and community centre for Dudley has been thrown out against the advice of planning experts – but the battle will almost certainly continue with an appeal.

One man was arrested during scuffles outside the meeting to consider the plan which prompted the biggest protest campaign in memory.

Anti-mosque campaigners cheered after proposals for a £6 million mosque with 65ft minaret and £12 million community centre were rejected by all nine members of the planning committee.

But chairman of Dudley Muslim Association Khurshid Ahmed today said the bid to build the mosque would almost certainly continue.

“I’m fairly certain we will go to appeal because we have no other option. It’s our land, we paid for it and we bought it.

“We have complied with all the conditions and satisfied professional assessors at great cost to get to this stage.” He had earlier told the meeting: “We have gone to some lengths to meet all these objections that the residents made and we have made amendments.

“We have been extremely tolerant and patient.”

Planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval after finding there were “exceptional circumstances” for ignoring guidelines. Speaking on behalf of protesters, Councillor Malcolm Davis told the meeting it was “most concerning” that officers had recommended approval.

Planning committee members from Labour, Conservative and the Liberal Democrats parties insisted the planning policy could not be broken and voted to reject the application.

there's a lot of muslim opoosition to the mosque frok people in birmingham too, many cants see why 18 million should be sepnt on another mosque when thier are already countless mosque that are ruinning at half capaicty, it would eb better to send that money to a poor scholl a build some soprt of school there,whcih could have links to schools in birmingham

most muslims see that new mosque as nothing more than some people with big egos

There's not even that many Muslims in Dudley. :dunno:

i find it quite awkward that they want to appeal and back this all the way, it feels like they are almost implying the council have rejected it because its muslim or something which is not the case at all but anything like these days is so sensitive. pirlo has a great point that it could be invested elsewhere, i mean there is already a small mosque in the area and from what ive heard its not over crowded, and it wasnt when i visited as a school kid but then again that was a long time ago!

How about a trip on the scenic Walsall to London railway.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6404983.stm

Plans to provide a direct rail link for passengers from Walsall to London have been announced.
The Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway Company is putting forward the plans for five services a day from Tame Bridge Parkway station, near Walsall.

The proposal is part of revised plans for a direct service from Wrexham through Shrewsbury to London.

The company is set to submit the proposals to the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) later this week.

The company originally submitted plans for a service from Shrewsbury to London to the ORR in December.

But after objections by other regional rail firms, the company has revised the plans, adding in the extra stop at Tame Bridge Parkway.

The new plans will have to go through consultation which means the service will not begin until December this year.

i find it quite awkward that they want to appeal and back this all the way, it feels like they are almost implying the council have rejected it because its muslim or something which is not the case at all but anything like these days is so sensitive. pirlo has a great point that it could be invested elsewhere, i mean there is already a small mosque in the area and from what ive heard its not over crowded, and it wasnt when i visited as a school kid but then again that was a long time ago!

Didn't Dudley MBC receive thousands of letters of objection about it too?

I thought it was a multi-faith centre that happened to look very much like a mosque? Oh well, I'd say that is good news. I don't see why they had to use public money to pay for it!

It's a nice looking building, but if the area is desginated for employment then it is unsuitable. The council should have emphasised this when they sold it to them though.

Maybe they should create a Faith Quarter around the main church and put it there? :)

From the Express and Star (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/02/28/mosque-bid-thrown-out/):
BNP were behind it all, they have been causing racial hatred against the project since day one.

Well that's no surprise. I think if it was a Hindu or Sikh temple that was being built for example, there would be a much smaller protest.

Is this different to the big multi-faith centre they were going to build then?

Yeah, but you see the scale of the project? It was massive. Far, far too big for a christian neighbourhood.

It was deliberatly designed to over shadow the local church.

No wonder locals were offended by it.

23,000 signed a petittion against it didn't they? Can you imagine what would have happened if they had approved it in the face of that?

Jesus, you might as well just hand Dudley MBC on a plate to the BNP!

Is this different to the big multi-faith centre they were going to build then?

It is the same one but it was always a Mosque, just that it was open to all faiths.

^^Ooh thanks. I think it was right to oppose. It was needless.

Jesus, you might as well just hand Dudley MBC on a plate to the BNP!
Sad as it sounds they are. BNP have quite a few seats in the council.

Yeah, but you see the scale of the project? It was massive. Far, far too big for a christian neighbourhood.

It was deliberatly designed to over shadow the local church.

No wonder locals were offended by it.

Build a bigger church then!

This is the sort of thing that got 2 huge 20th centry Cathedrials in Liverpool built, lets get more compertition in building bigger and more impressive religious buildings!

On second thoughts, let's not.

^^But when I look at the size of Birmingham's cathedral (St. Philips), it really maybe wise to build bigger. Though St. Philips is quite impressive architecturally. One of the few examples of Baroque we have left.

That reminds me, they had quite a bit on St. Chads on the Channel 4 Program on Pugin.

Not quite as impressive internally as some of his later stuff. may have been made a while ago as the underpass was still there.

^^That's where I remember the name! I was flicking through the channels and I saw something about Pugin and I knew I remembered the name from somewhere. I didn't watch the programme...

Not quite as impressive internally as some of his later stuff....

Maybe it's not quite as busy as some of his later stuff! ;)

Considering that Pugin is known for his part in the Gothic revival, St Chad's - obviously influenced by European Gothic - is quite simple and clean in appearence. One author commented that it resembled a tent due to it's slender pillars in a single space (there are few side-chapels to draw the attention). It might not be one of his most intricate designs but it is one of his most beautiful imho.

Maybe it's not quite as busy as some of his later stuff! ;)

Considering that Pugin is known for his part in the Gothic revival, St Chad's - obviously influenced by European Gothic - is quite simple and clean in appearence. One author commented that it resembled a tent due to it's slender pillars in a single space (there are few side-chapels to draw the attention). It might not be one of his most intricate designs but it is one of his most beautiful imho.

Also, it was his first 'big' commission, also found out watching the programme that for almost everything he did he used a select group of suppliers, one of them was Hardeman's of Birmingham. They made all the metal work for his designs.

Really interesting programme.

From the Express and Star:

Zoo ready for spring clean

It is the gateway to one of the Black Country’s most famous attractions - and Dudley Zoo bosses today admitted it is in need of a spring clean.

Passers-by say the grubby banner outside the popular Castle Hill site presents a poor image of the town and a former member of the zoo’s board claims the attraction deserves better.

The zoo remains one of Britain’s best animal attractions, and Douglas Winterborn says it deserves an entrance that draws people in.

Mr Winterborn, who as well as past connections with the zoo is the current Black Country Society vice chairman, said: “If it’s a shabby looking sign, people will think it’s a shabby place. I think the sign could be much bigger and brighter because if it was it would lead more people in to the zoo. The zoo is a fantastic place and the sign should reflect the fact it is one of the Black Country’s finest landmarks.”

Passer-by Nathan Hancock, from Gornal, said the lack of upkeep reflected badly on the town. “It’s somewhere we’re all proud of in Dudley, so they really should look after it better,” he said. “The town is trying to improve its image but everyone can see that sign as they drive up the main road.”

Bosses at the zoo say the winter weather had left the sign looking worse for wear, but promised their regular cleaning programme would have it gleaming again very soon. Chief executive Peter Suddock said all the signs at the zoo were now due for a post-winter wash. “It does get dirty at this time of year, when we tend to go around and look at all the displays at the zoo,” he said.

“We’ll give all of them a good clean over the coming weeks and I’ll make sure I have a word about that particular sign.

“We are grateful the people of Dudley are proud of the zoo and agree that it should maintain its excellent image in the region.”

Plans are being finalised for a £100 million zoo revamp, creating up to 650 jobs and featuring a 20m-high rainforest dome.

I must go to Dudley Zoo ASAP to take some photos of how it looks now before it has its revamp. I haven't been for about 8 years and it was quite run down then and apparently has been for a lot longer than that. We used to go as a family when I was a child in the mid to late 80s and I always loved going then but as you get older you notice how skanky it really is. :cry:

The castle always looks great up on the hill though. :yes:

I went as a kid and it was the first real time I realised animals might have feelings. The polar bear pit was the clincher... How could they keep them in there?!

Don't worry Erebus, they only have about 10 animals now.

There's a really good lemur enclosure nowadays. You actually get to go in the enclosure with the lemurs! And there's a similar thing with the wallabies at Dudley Zoo, but the lemurs let you get right up next to them :banana: - just don't touch!

Sounds good! I like lemurs and lickle monkey things, marmosets and tamarins. I like the way they look at you and swivel their heads round all the time. :happy: I'm actually borderline obsessed with them and want to sponser one.

http://www.exzooberance.com/virtual%20zoo/they%20walk/lemur/Lemur%20471031.jpg

http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/biosafety/animalworker/pics/marmoset.jpg

http://educ.csmv.qc.ca/MgrParent/vieanimale/mam/tamarin/animation1.gif

Are they the ones that hop on their hind legs to move around? I like sleepy meerkats too :yes:

^^

Erm, no, those are called Kangaroos. :|

^^

Erm, no, those are called Kangaroos. :|

No there's these little black and white monkeys that hop around on their hind legs with their front legs up in the air. Quite funny when you see it :yes:.

They're badgers, and they go on all fours and walk, don't hop...

:hilarious

Okay, time to stop teasing Erebus. I think you do mean lemurs and what you're talking about is like this:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:7rd1RJIvoOmqNM:http://iris.biosci.ohio-state.edu/sci/lemur.jpg