Not to everyones taste but the old thread had a healthy post count and regular contributions so here is WMTB part 2. I'm gonna end up sticking all my old photo's on here but we'll start with some proper oldies :)

Castle Vale 1968 :banana:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/CastleVale1968.jpg

Duddeston/Aston flats 1953
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/Bloomsburystreetduddeston1953.jpg

Construction in Newtown 1967
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/GreatRussellStreetNewtown1967.jpg

Ladywood 1968
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/OslerStreetLadywood1968.jpg

Tame Valley, Castle Bromwich 1968
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/TameValley1968.jpg

Walsall 1962 :banana: :banana: :banana: (this is a big fucker so you're just getting the link)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/walsall.jpg

Back to present day...the mighty Hamilton House in Smethwick

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Hamiltonhouse1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/HamiltonHouse3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/HamiltonHouse2.jpg

Some of hamilton House's neighbours

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

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

Ere, check these out:


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=242812

;)

A few Edgbaston blocks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Edgbastonblocks2.jpg

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Edgbastonblocks3.jpg

Ladywood Blocks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/ladywoodBlocks.jpg

Salisbury Tower
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/SalisburyTower.jpg

Durham Tower
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Durhamtower.jpg

Canterbury Tower
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/CanterburyTower.jpg

hjksfdhfsdjkbfsdnkgfksdgsdgfsd

Black Country towers to fall Aug 9 2005







Two tower blocks in Walsall have been approved for demolition in the latest phase of a regeneration project.

The board of Central Walsall Housing Trust gave the go-ahead to plans to demolish Scrimshaw House and Taylor House, at Pleck, which means all six tower blocks on the site are to come down.

Stansbury House and Marshall House have already been cleared, and the housing trust is helping the last remaining tenant to find an alternative property, and those living in Darby House and Wesley House are in the process of moving to new accommodation.

The housing trust is now helping people living in Scrimshaw House and Taylor House to find suitable new homes before the blocks are made secure, ready for demolition.

Gary Fulford, chief executive of Central Walsall Housing Trust, commented: "It's excellent news that approval has now been given for the demolition of all six tower blocks at Pleck.

"The area deserves major regeneration and clearing the site will mean that we can continue to work with residents to decide how the whole area should be developed in the years to come."

^^

Oh cool they're all being blown up. That should be quite a sight coz they're quite a close little cluster of 6 blocks, four of them 17 storeys and the remaning two 12 storeys. I have got pictures of them but this is the only one I can find at the moment.

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

they all going?

Two we're going to be saved and be refurbished and reclad but as Woody's article says they're now coming down with the other 4. In all honesty the area's a complete shithole and needs to be torn down and rebuilt.
The flats can be seen on your right as you go up the M6 northbound and Ikea's to your left just past J9. I'll try to keep an eye on this to see when they're coming down coz it will be one hell of a spectacle.

I know walsall roughly, are these the blocks in that pic you posted on the old brum thread?

No those are the Paddock flats near the town centre. On the map below, Pleck is in the bottom left hand corner and the blocks are about 6mm NE of the 'k' in Pleck on that crossroads
http://tinypic.com/aadg5u

nice one cheers mate

The only time any of you lot pay attention to this thread is when a load of blocks are gonna be blown to bits :D

Here's that big mutha in Newtown, don't know the name of it though, sorry!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Newtown4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Newtown1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Newtown3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Newtown2.jpg

I thought they could have saved a couple of those blocks in Pleck.Until three years ago one of my best mates lived in Oxford St (in the shadow of these blocks).They were always run down but the council should have followed West Brom's Lyng regeneration plan.A lot of the blocks have been spruced up and have been given better security.People can't wait to get in them.Smiley,do you the Brown Lion pub which is on the Wednesbury Road (just in front of these flats)?It has(had)a wonderful facade....lovely tiling.

Yeah I know the Brown Lion Nacho though I've never been in it....even though I agree it has got a beautiful facade it fits in with the general area quite well and looks a really uninviting place.

Smiley do you mean inviting or uninviting ?

Definitely uninviting.....it's probably just the area but I've never felt the urge to go in there for a quick pint

No,it's not a great area for pubs.....continuing down the road towards Darlaston is much better.

Nacho, I'll try and get some photos of the Brown Lion with the flats in the background before they bite the dust

Saltley Blocks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Saltley_flats.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Saltley_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Saltley_flats_4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Saltley_Flats_5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Saltley_Flats_6.jpg

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

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

Some West Brom lovelies
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/40600008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/40600006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/40600005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/WestBromBlock1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/WestBromBlock2.jpg

Heath Town, Wolverhampton

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Heath_Town_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Heath_Town_4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Heath_Town_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Heath_Town_1.jpg

gorgeous ain't it :crazy:

look at the fat munta in the red 206 in the first Heath Town pic :drool: :crazy: :crazy2:

UGLEEEEEEE....OH YEAH!!!!!!!!

:rofl:

Hey, cheeky northerner. She'd be a bit of a catch if you were out on the pull in Wolvo :yes: :toilet:

I wasn't talking about her - I was commenting on the fucken' buildings ya klutz - and it's a VOLVO not a Wolvo, ya vench! ;)

Oh, so you think she's a bit of ok then? :crazy:

Heath Town, home of Goldie and rather dodgy at night, I always think of Heath Town as Wolverhamptons version of New Town in Brum. Only ever had the missfortune to walk through Heath Town once, it was at night with my brothers head full of stitches after he had been bottled in a fight, bad, bad night and walking through Heath Town at that time just made it even worse.

Oh, so you think she's a bit of ok then? :crazy:


Did I say that?? Did I fugging well say that? Stop putting words into my mouth sunshine!!
:no:

....besides, she looks like a bloke in drag to me anyway - very Little Britain or League Of Gentlemen in fact. :crazy:

Heath Town, home of Goldie and rather dodgy at night, I always think of Heath Town as Wolverhamptons version of New Town in Brum. Only ever had the missfortune to walk through Heath Town once, it was at night with my brothers head full of stitches after he had been bottled in a fight, bad, bad night and walking through Heath Town at that time just made it even worse.

Goldie's from Walsall you donk, he only lived in HT for 18 months and is only remembered there coz of the fine Graffiti he did on the estate

I didn't know that, I always thought he grew up in HT, where do you get that info from? cheers

His real name is Clifford price, his mom still lives in Croft Street Walsall, his brother still lives in the town, He went to school in Walsall, his first business was in stafford street walsall, most of his early graff is in Walsall and I've met him and seen a lot of his canvas's....you could always try sticking 'Goldie Walsall' in google

Incidentally do YOU appear in any of these Google images, baldy? ;)

I just did and got this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldie maybe you could add the info you know. I know people that knew him also but I have never met the guy myself, he played a local club and rumours spread of him being pushed around a bit after the gig.

Incidentally do YOU appear in any of these Google images, baldy? ;)

Martin, are you in a bad mood today, you seem to be quite antagonistic or are you messing around again, can never tell sometimes.

Everyone calls me baldy didn't you know :)

no! my bum is bald but I am not refered to as baldy, "baldy head" I could understand but simply baldy is not specific enough, I am going to pm you some music baldy :)

Martin, are you in a bad mood today, you seem to be quite antagonistic or are you messing around again, can never tell sometimes.

Not at all - I'm in a very very playful and positive mood actually - I've never had such fun in a long time! :D Seriously - I feel okay - things are fine. I'm just enjoying the craic, messing about as only I know how! :yes:

Everyone calls me baldy didn't you know :)

Well, you can always call me limpo if you like!!! "Baldy" certainly wasn't meant in any nasty way. :) It came out cos I wanted to rhyme it with Goldie! Cos we WERE talking about Goldie for a moment!

Not at all - I'm in a very very playful and positive mood actually - I've never had such fun in a long time! :D Seriously - I feel okay - things are fine. I'm just enjoying the craic, messing about as only I know how! :yes:

Good, enjot the good times.

here are the tower blocks at Cambrian Wharf....these are guaranteed to destroy the feelygood element that has crept onto this thread :devil:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/CambrianWharf4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/CambrianWharf3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/CambrianWharf2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/CambrianWharf1.jpg

here are the tower blocks at Cambrian Wharf....these are guaranteed to destroy the feelygood element that has crept onto this thread :devil:

I always quite liked those ones, set at a nice Jaunty angle, and I always thought when going pass them from the Flapper and Firkin, "If I lived there I'd be home by now".

I like those blocks;they should remain standing.

Smiley,do you know the flats in the following article?

The end for Bronx flats
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.
Aug 25, 2005
Demolition has begun on flats on a Kingstanding estate dubbed Birmingham's Bronx because of its high crime rate and deprivation.

Around 30 families on the Wyrley Birch estate have been relocated to allow a mass clearance of run-down blocks of flats.

At least four blocks of low-rise flats on Lakes Road are scheduled for demolition following a year of protests from residents at how unsightly and poorly maintained they were. The project was brought forward following a roof top protest by residents last year.

But tenants are concerned about a rise in vandalism in the emptying blocks, a city councillor has said.

City councillor Zoe Hopkins said: "People are generally happy about being rehoused but we are trying to ensure that they will get somewhere appropriate for their needs.

"One of the difficulties we are facing is that as people are moved out there are fewer residents in the old blocks and this has led to a rise in vandalism.

"We are currently working to get added security to the blocks while we arrange for the residents to be moved.

"The first stage of the clearing process started on Tuesday and we are looking to demolish the dilapidated flats so we can develop the estate. There is one three storey block coming down at the moment with about 20 families looking to get moved as we get rid of the most unsuitable properties and open up the estate."

Lakes Road resident Ken Burgess, aged 80, said the side entrances to the flats had been used as toilets by yobs who drank and took drugs there.

The retired Land Rover worker said: "When the flats were first built more than 40 years ago there were no problems.

"But the council ended up moving some very troubled people in there.

"They tried to improve things by adding double glazing, which is more than we have now in the houses, but it didn't solve anything."

He added: "I hope the demolition will improve things but the council could build Buckingham Palace here and it wouldn't make a difference if they just let more yobs live there."

Lorraine Cox, who organised a roof top protest last year to get the council to act, refused to comment.

Her friend Carol Frost, who also lives on Lakes Road, said: "It's great news that the flats are coming down as we have been waiting a long time."

Construction has also started on a long-awaited children's centre, which is set to be completed next year. Top housing councillor John Lines said the city council had opened discussions with the new owners of the derelict Chase pub on Lakes Road to try to agree demolition of the property.

Yeah I know those blocks Nacho.....they're only about 6 stories high but they are a really weird design and very run down. I'd get some pics for you but I don't fancy hanging round that estate with my camera......good riddance to them.

Did you know that those flats near Cambrian Wharf go for over 100k each? :crazy:

:crazy:

EXCELLENT photos Smileyface! *Long live the tower block* I'm new here so please forgive me for asking this question on two threads but I was wondering if anyone had any photos of Castle Vale before (almost) all the tower blocks were demolished.

EXCELLENT photos Smileyface! *Long live the tower block* I'm new here so please forgive me for asking this question on two threads but I was wondering if anyone had any photos of Castle Vale before (almost) all the tower blocks were demolished.

Cheers mate, this is the only one we have taken in 1968 though
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/CastleVale1968.jpg

Great photo of Castle Vale, it's a shame there seems to be not many more around although I found this pic but it only shows 19 of the 34 (?) tower blocks.

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/8751/castlevaleaerial4om.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I should be adding my own photos over the next few days

Ok so here is Butterfield Court in Dudley (named after me of course :tongue4:) Surely it has the most impressive views of any tower block in the country! East it looks over towards Birmingham and west over Shropshire, Worcestershire and the mountains of mid Wales on a clear day.

I hope you won't be TOO bored by these photos. You may notice other tower blocks besides Butterfield Court on the last pic, photos of those to follow shortly! :cucumber: :cucumber: :cucumber:

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/5766/butterfieldcourt56gw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/3518/butterfieldcourt75xk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9702/butterfieldcourt80tt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4782/butterfieldcourt67ja.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/912/butterfieldcourt45wu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9316/butterfieldcourt38ph.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9732/butterfieldcourt25mt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8859/butterfieldcourt17ol.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Great stuff Butterfield!I think it needs some mates though!Why did they get rid of the other two?Is this one going to contnue or are its days numbered?

Where are those two on the right?That's not Ocker Hill is it?

The reason that the other two larger tower blocks were demolished is the same reason that all the others meet their maker. I think Dudley council chose to concentrate on the one so in 1999 Butterfield court had a make over and the other two were, erm... dynamited :nuts: I was there to witness and photograph the *sad* occasion.

As far as I know Butterfield Court is here to stay due to it's prime position and relative popularity. Just for the record, if you look at the distant photos the other two tower blocks (St James Court & Prince Of Wales Court) stood to the right of the remaining one facing the same way in a row side by side which I think is a rather unusual way of building them. Someone may want to challenge that thought!

Those other two on the photo aren't the ones at Ocker Hill, they're Clent and Claverley Courts in central Dudley. Photos of those will appear on here shortly!

Four Aston monsters

http://richardfearn.co.uk/gallery/birmingham/aston1.jpg

http://www.puffins-brixham.velnet.co.uk/nick/pritchet%20tower.jpg

Interesting mid rise housing at Netherend, Dudley.

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/teachandlearnresources/dudleycd/locality/ntherend.jpg

Hunting Tree estate Dudley, those 9 towers in the distance are in Brierly Hill, it's a large estate.

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/teachandlearnresources/dudleycd/locality/hunttree.jpg

Beecher Estate, Dudley. Looks like a load of prison blocks.

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/teachandlearnresources/dudleycd/locality/beecher.jpg

The Brierley Hill estate, over twenty blocks if you count the mid rises.

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/teachandlearnresources/dudleycd/brierley/aerial1.jpg

shame they couldn't get them all into shot here.

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/teachandlearnresources/dudleycd/brierley/aerial2.jpg

Thanks for all those EK.

no prob, will try and get pics of the old wrens nest blocks that went as mentioned, they were huge.

wrens nest blocks.....? *thinks* I think you mean Eve Hill where Butterfield Court is. Great pics btw I will try and get some close ups of the Brierley Hill tower blocks at some point.

...but in the mean time if you look closely at the centre of this photo you might just be able to see the Brierley Hill tower blocks on the horizon taken from the top of the Stourbridge multi-storey car park.

http://img351.imageshack.us/img351/2636/brierleyhill6ns.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Makes me cringe when the Post or Mail use 'joy' as in the following article.Every bloody day the same!Pockets of JOY all over the area.Anyway,good to see some blocks getting a facelift.Seems like Sandwell have stopped culling their towers.


Tenants' joy over flats facelift Sep 23 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



By Dale Williams, Evening Mail


TWO high-rise blocks in the Black Country are to undergo a massive £4.8 million refurbishment.

The improvements will dramatically transform the towers in West Bromwich.

The project involves major internal and external improvement work to St Clements House and Wimberger House, in Hallam Street.

Sandwell Homes is working with Sandwell Council's urban design team and West Midlands housing refurbishment specialists Lovell.

The 18-month modernisation project will see major improvements made to 72 flats. This includes new bathrooms and new windows in place of the old metal ones.

The drab concrete exterior is also set to be transformed with the installation of a combined aluminium cladding and render system.

In addition, Lovell will create new communal facilities in each block for use by residents. Other improvements will include refurbishment of the lift systems in each block. The two popular blocks of flats are for residents aged 50 and over.

Tenants have played a key role in planning the new look of the buildings and have voted on the final design proposals

People will continue to live in the flats during the refurbishment work with a resident liaison team on site to ensure that the work goes ahead smoothly.

Sandwell Homes investment director John Clayton said: "We have worked hard to ensure that the residents of St Clements House and Wimberger House have had a full opportunity to shape this scheme. I am sure that it will make a vast improvement to the blocks and the quality of life for residents."

You know what really gets my goat about these buildings? The council.

I am no fan of council tower blocks - generally they were built badly in an era when they had too much faith in humanity and they disassembled communities and stuck them in these soon-to-be-decaying grey blocks. BUT, I see they serve a purpose, and if you get a good one, they are very very good.

What annoys me (and this is aimed at Birmingham City Council not any others because I don't know what they do) is that they pour money into scum-filled tower blocks, replacing windows, tarting up the interior only to have it wrecked, then they demolish it!! There is a fairly new adage in Brum that as soon as you see a council tower block getting double-glazing you know it will be dropped within 12 months.

Now near (ish) where I live there is a really run-down, ugly, dirty, single-glazed tower block and the council won't touch it. Why? Because old people live there. They have security but that's about it, and they LOVE living there - there is a proper community feel, everyone looks out for each other, they are all as quiet as mice and the building is looked after inside. But the council doesn't even have the decency to give it a lick of paint or replace their windows. Why? Don't know - probably hoping they'll want to move out into private old folks' homes or waiting for them to die so they can sell the land without an outcry. Or maybe they've just forgotten about them.

Bastards!!! :rant:

wrens nest blocks.....? *thinks* I think you mean Eve Hill where Butterfield Court is. Great pics btw I will try and get some close ups of the Brierley Hill tower blocks at some point.

A friend used to live just off Priory road and I am sure he refered to that Area as Wrens Nest but maybe he/I got it wrong, he used to DJ from a pirate radio station from one of the three, we walked around that way a few times at night to a great indian take away.

Ahhh I see! Wrens Nest is a large estate but that's a bit further on from where the formerly 3 tower blocks stood. I think there was an indian takeaway in a small row of shops directly under one of the demolished blocks which were also demolished

Here's Clent Court & Claverley Court in Dudley (seen on the right of the 1st photo). Two identical blocks a few streets away were demolished in 2000.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8859/butterfieldcourt17ol.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8549/dudleyclentclaverleycourt15zi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5875/dudleyclentclaverleycourt26rg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/5448/dudleyclentclaverleycourt35pc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1558/dudleyclentclaverleycourt41ql.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/723/dudleyclentclaverleycourt53kp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

"Two identical blocks a few streets away were demolished in 2000."

hopefully the rest of them will bite the dust

Yes tower blocks were badly built, ugly etc etc but they're a disappearing part of British post war history whether you like them or not and before they are all demolished someone needs to keep a record of just how war can bring the worst out of people's imagination...

I totally agree with what Butterfield says....great pictures btw keep them coming.

I'm sorry but street upon street of bland identical "bryant" type houses that blight Britain's estates just make me feel phsyically sick, no detail, no care in the asthetics, taking up more and more green belt land, tower blocks inspire me, they still look futuristic and create a skyline, they can be pleasant places to live and offer great views, if a council piles a load of undesirable's in one place whether it be a tower block or a low rise estate the end result will be the same IMO, most of the wankers from Charlemont farm lived in the council houses and not the tower blocks, or they came from other places to carry out their dirty work in a place that looked dodgy and that the police only visited when they had a tip off.

I totally agree with EK too......I'm in a very agreeable mood tonight

I completely agree, tower blocks can be inspiring and artistic in a way and it's the people who are housed there that are the main problems. I can't say that I think they're futuristic, but that's why I like them as well as modern skyscrapers - they're like the older relative!

I wish I had a digital camera back in the days of Castle Vale et al, but I sure wouldn't have wanted to live there. But art wise the sheer scale of those kind of estates looked great with the brutalist look and with them being lined up like dominoes. You sure don't get that these days!

I take it these are the type of areas where you dont get night time pics.

Well there won't be many from me cos my camera doesn't seem to take great night time pics.

Here we have Arley Court and Compton Court - two 'H' shaped tower blocks (if you were to look at them from above that is!) in Netherton, Dudley.

Two identical blocks stand nearby but I don't seem to be able to get any decent photos of those, plus it would just look like the same photos repeated.

If I remember rightly somebody fell to their death from one of these a year or two ago! :shocked:

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/6889/dudleynetherton29yx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5140/dudleynetherton39ri.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8260/dudleynetherton43ei.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://mk23.image.pbase.com/u21/beppuu/large/35086927.FarmStbench.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/v3/86/127086/2/48284877.Newtown03.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/v3/86/127086/2/50034329.Newtowninrain1.jpg

http://k41.pbase.com/u21/beppuu/large/35086936.Kidsinoldcar.jpg

http://mk29.image.pbase.com/u21/beppuu/large/35086948.Newtownswing.jpg

just a few pics of 70's newtown taken from here: http://www.pbase.com/beppuu/old_bham&page=5

Blimey! That was an exciting new world there wasn't it?

Thanks for that EK, what fantastic photos! Great looking through all the others on the website too. On the photo with the white Beetle, that is a really narrow tower block (not the one that's sideways!) - I wonder if it's still standing today. :dunno:

I'll be posting some more of my photos in the not too distant future :colgate:

I do know that many towers were demolished in Newtown during the 90's

Cool photo's EK...I really need to go out tower block hunting again

West Bromwich Flats
http://www.sureuro.com/photos/braybrook1.jpg
http://www.sureuro.com/photos/lyng1.jpg
http://www.sureuro.com/photos/bowater1.jpg

More Pics

http://www.sustainingtowers.org/case-sandwell.htm

Quite nice flats they

I remember those flats being featured on Midlands Today when they were refurbished because I think they were state of the art "eco friendly" - solar panels etc. If I remember rightly one block is called Bowater House.

Oh I've just noticed, if I'd have taken the time to read that website it says all that! :booze:

I recently went to the motor museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire and they had this time line of British cars from the early 1900's up to today with the new Land Rover Discovery 3. In the 1966 section there was this poster showing what must be Castle Vale so I made sure I took a photo!
:pepper: :pepper: :pepper:

http://img290.imageshack.us/img290/7731/castlevale19666jj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well refurbished they were.I'm all for saving blocks like these.I hate house after house after house.Anway,I always use them to orientate msef (takes a lot of doing).I think people will miss them in the future.

Well done Butterfield! Over the past few few years we've scoured the net looking for decent Castle Vale photos.That's a good un'.Funny hoe quite rough areas have the most pleasant sounding names.....Castle Vale.....nice,innit!

How many blocks were there? Does anyone know? Any left?

over thirty Nacho but there were/are dozens more in the surrounding area, I recall travelling around there a few years back and being fixated by the many high rises.

By the way Butterfield, that be a Bjork signature no doubt. Good tune.

You're not wrong EK ;)

THIRTY FOUR tower blocks at Castle Vale from what I've read over the years, only two left I think!

Thanks for the info.

Guard patrols to beat yobs Nov 8 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

By Anna Jeys, Birmingham Mail


UNIFORMED guards are to patrol council tower blocks in Chelmsley Wood in a bid to stamp out antisocial behaviour.

Solihull Community Housing, which runs the council homes in Chelmsley Wood and Solihull, has decided to get tough on gangs of youths and noisy neighbours by hiring security guards.

It has faced with increasing complaints from families over vandalism, litter, loud music and gangs of youths.

In a bid to combat the problem, they have now hired a company who will provide guards for the 42 tower blocks in Solihull.

The dedicated team will have offices at several blocks and there will also be a mobile team of guards who will respond to calls from tenants.


Worried residents can call the guards on a free telephone number.


Every incident will also be logged and reported to the authority at the end of every month so housing bosses can see the extent of the problems.


The guards, who work for Orbis Man Guarding, will aim to dissolve the problems or call police if necessary.


Director of housing in Solihull, John King, said: "We are happy with the working relationship we have with Orbis Man Guarding. Solihull Community Housing is always striving to combat anti-social behaviour and make Solihull a safer place for all of our residents.


"Orbis Man Guarding is contributing to that."

42 tower blocks in Solihull???!!! And there was me thinking Solihull was an upper class suburban part of the world... These days there's not even THAT many in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell put together!

I take it the tower blocks in question are the first lot you see from the M6 as you drive west / north towards Birmingham. But where are the other 35ish Solihull tower blocks???

Chelmsley Wood!

Most of the residents of Solihull would love to hand Chelmsley Wood over to Bham and be rid of it. However, the council would lose £millions in Govt grants so they are stuck with for the forseeable future.

Highgate block around 3:00am

http://www.puffins-brixham.velnet.co.uk/nick/highgate5.jpg

....rarther you than me

BRIERLEY HILL, just up from the Merry Hill shopping centre

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/9776/brierleyhill12ju.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/1707/brierleyhillzoom3at.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7201/brierleyhill34fa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/467/brierleyhill42me.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

BRIERLEY HILL

http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/6033/brierleyhill59yk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/8301/brierleyhill66pd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/5823/brierleyhill79mu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/8517/brierleyhill87iz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

fantastic pics BF, you know how to capture a shot... has smileyface been giving you lessons?

I noticed whilst driving round the Edgbaston part of the ring road that another tower block looks like it is going to come down. It looms someway beyond the drive-thru McD's and at 7pm no lights were on at all, ergo empty...

Thanks for that Biosonic, I'll try and take a look when I'm next in the area!

I've been promising to take some tower pics of south east city and various other spots fro eons but I simply... don't have a camera. I have thus far made three attempts to purchase a Nikkon s4 in the last two months, they seem sexcellent for the money but every time I try my local Jessops it isn't in stock, I contacted head office and they tell me they are in permanent short supply, I have seen a few on Ebay at a better price but I feel a bit wary of buying digital kit like that without a returns policy, any ideas?

My camera was the cheapest digital one from Argos. The quality may not be up there with the more expensive cameras but I think it takes decent photos.

Interesting link for info about Castle Vale.I didn't realise that they were going to retain 17 of the 34 towers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Vale

Interesting link for info about Castle Vale.I didn't realise that they were going to retain 17 of the 34 towers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Vale
yeah but when you read on it states that only two tower blocks (out of an original 34!) now remain..quite interesting to know the history of the site actually. I knew about the airfield obviously but didn't know what was there before..

BRIERLEY HILL


Holy S**T...I lived in one of those blocks (Plant Court). They're not too bad as council flats go, although I had drug dealing neighbours and the ho' upstairs played her music too loud.

How do you go from living in Brierley Hill to living in Miami?! I mean, I'm sure Miami has its bad areas but Brierley Hill is just, well, Brierley Hill. :sleepy:

yeah but when you read on it states that only two tower blocks (out of an original 34!) now remain.

I know there are only two....it's that I thought many moons ago they were all going...I didn't realise they were contemplating saving over half. :)

How do you go from living in Brierley Hill to living in Miami?! I mean, I'm sure Miami has its bad areas but Brierley Hill is just, well, Brierley Hill. :sleepy:


Miami has its own version of Brierley Hill - it's called Hialeah.

Came here a few years ago and got married....it's good, but I miss the UK.

Not to everyones taste but the old thread had a healthy post count and regular contributions so here is WMTB part 2. I'm gonna end up sticking all my old photo's on here but we'll start with some proper oldies :)

Duddeston/Aston flats 1953
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Old%20birmingham/Bloomsburystreetduddeston1953.jpg

I stumbled across these blocks today [how clumsy of me]. They have been tarted up using some vile cheap double glazing, but it seems that we all [here on the Brum forum] need a big brown thing to chain ourselves to so i choose these.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Duddeston-1.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Duddeston-2.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Duddeston-3.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Duddeston-4.jpg

Good choice! These are great little towers, much better than the 60 rubbish that followed, nice, well medioka 50s attempt at Art-deco lines to them.

I agree these are the only post war tower blocks i'd wanna keep, they can demolish the rest of Aston and New Town as far as i'm concerned. (Especially Vile Park ;) )

Great photos there CH. And thanks for digging up the old post so we can compare before/after!

I've driven past these flats a few times before but never know exactly where they are. I'm sure I saw them in the background on the news the other day when that boy got stabbed at the school.

Great photos there CH. And thanks for digging up the old post so we can compare before/after!

I've driven past these flats a few times before but never know exactly where they are. I'm sure I saw them in the background on the news the other day when that boy got stabbed at the school.


Yes Butterfield, you are right, the school was behind me. I did not realise where i was until i turned around and saw it, grim business that.

I like these fellas too - if they were in Edgbaston (on the right side of the Hagley Road) they would be pricey penthouses now... ;)

Hold on Bio.. both sides of the Hagley Rd are pretty pricey which one r u reffering too? The one with the Conservation area around St Augustine's Church or the one that backs on to Harbourne?

Actually there are some similar looking blocks around there.

I was thinking everything on the Hagley Road to Bristol Road (including up to Harborne) side rather than the bit toward Ladywood and the reservoir ;)

I often refer to the resevoir side as North Edgbaston as it's used by the residents committys, it is really pricey in St.Augustine's conservation area next to where i live and there is a simialr looking appartment block to this on Melville rd.

I have to admit though the north side of the Hagely rd is rather patchy.. it becomes dodgy near Monument rd and ladywood... there's such an obvious difference beteeen the 2 sides of the Resevoir that really affects the price although there are still some really nice buildings surviving in Ladywood. Hope they regenerate this area one day.. i guess the Icknield port loop plan migfht spread to there eventually... until then i'll stay on the other side of the resevoir in North Edgbaston ;)

Good move Engels - I think that part of town will really pick up with a little "cleaning up" of the area and a few well-chosen destruction of tower blocks. It just needs that little push to connect across the Middleway and into the Browning St area...

Here are some more blocks that i would like to see stay, not because they are architectural classics but because they still provide good housing. They are situated on Hollybank Road, on the edge of Billesley Common

Whilst taking the shots i got to speak with a couple of the residents who told me they liked living there, saying that the flats were nice, with no graffiti or other vandalism. Most occupants are 55 y/o or over. The flats were renovated some years ago when the awful green metal cladding was put over the original brick galleries, lets hope that the council will one day realise their mistake and remove the vile stuff. Putting aside the cladding, take a close look at the borders around the foot of the block on the second photo, it's rare to see such well cared and so mature planting on a council estate.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Hollybank-Flats-1.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Hollybank-Flats-2.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Hollybank-Flats-3.jpg

Yes,those look quite nice.Thanks for the photo.

I enjoyed reading your mini essay there CH!

Thanks for the photos, I don't think I've seen these flats before but have found where they are on me A-Z for future reference. :yes:

What's going on with the Cambrian wharf Blocks?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT008208062006.jpg

Yikes! I hope that they're being given a makeover and that it isn't the end for them... :cry:

They're being given a makeover. Though i would prefer them to knock the things down. It's completely the wrong location for blocks like that. Hopefully the makeover's will seriously improve their appearence.

Come on Smiley and Butterfield...keeep up with the news! Smart reclad for these blocks.I'm happy about it ......but I realise not not everybody likes them.Thanks for the pics.

Oh good. I thought I'd *heard* someone on here say that they might be going so that was my first thought.

I do agree with jolon that they are in the wrong place - they are more suburby than city centre, much like Stephenson Tower, but I still wouldn't want them to go. :ohno:

Come on Smiley and Butterfield...keeep up with the news! Smart reclad for these blocks.

And anyway, why wasn't this news posted here in the tower blocks thread??

And anyway, why wasn't this news posted here in the tower blocks thread??

It was mentioned in the official thread a few weeks back. The council are to spend 5 million quid on them, if i remember rightly the balconies are going to be replaced with floor to ceiling glass.

Oh ok, well it passed me by.

If they're 'filling in' the balconies, where will the residents hang their washing? ;)

What's going on with the Cambrian wharf Blocks?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT008208062006.jpg

Are there any renderings anywhere for how these "beauties" will look after their spruce up?

Hmmm you'll be lucky to get a reply - it seems as though the general public don't venture into this thread. :bash: ;)

I haven't seen any renders.None were given with the article .I'm really happy they survived.They will be some of the best council residences in the city.Can anybody think of any better places?

Hmmm you'll be lucky to get a reply - it seems as though the general public don't venture into this thread. :bash: ;)

That's why i have decide to hide this in here:



Top news stories from the Birmingham Mail


More News

High life for city centre dwellers
May 4 2006


By David Bell, Birmingham Mail


TOWER block flats in one of the most sought-after locations in central Birmingham are to benefit from a £5.2 million facelift, it was announced today.

The city council begins work on 240 homes in 1960s-built Civic Close next week.

Nearly 100 of the flats, in four tower bocks near near the International Convention Centre, have been bought by tenants at discount prices as an investment as city centre housing prices rise steadily.

The four blocks are now to be given an extensive overhaul designed to extend their life for 30 years and transform the municipal flats into attractive city centre apartments.

Improvements will include new roofs, external insulation, attractive exteriors and double glazing.


Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT

Outdated balconies will be converted into fully glazed rooms which residents can enjoy all year round, away from birds and bad weather.

The buildings' communal entrances will also be modernised to be attractive and welcoming, while new external lighting will provide a stylish and well-lit environment around the apartments.

Coun John Lines, city cabinet member for housing, said: "I'm delighted to announce the start of work to transform these ageing flats into modern and high quality apartments, providing comfortable and desirable homes for many years to come.

"We have worked closely with residents throughout the project and will be taking every step possible to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum while the makeover takes place."

Coun Lines added: "They'll all be delighted with the outcome."

Ray Rudd, chairman of the Civic Centre Residents Group, said: "Residents are delighted that the council is to extend the life of our tower blocks rather than allowing them to fall into disrepair.

"Although we will be a building site for the next 12 months we can accept that, knowing the end result will truly improve our lives for the better."

Building work is expected to be completed by July 2007.

Thanks for that - sounds good! :happy:

two of my friends used to live in two seperate blocks there, they had great views, one mate had a massive fridge full of knocked off mobile phones to my dismay, all I wanted was some some friggin milk for a cuppa..

A few lovely shots I got yesterday

Saltley Blocks from Bordesley
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0054170606.jpg

Duddeston blocks from Bordesley
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0061170606.jpg

Paddock flats Walsall town centre from my mates 8th floor balcony
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0006.jpg

Caldmore flats from the same balcony. These blocks are 17 storeys high so this just proves what a hilly place Walsall is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0007.jpg

No blocks but my mate has a nice view of St Matthews church
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0009.jpg

^^

Bugger, I forgot to resize those last few....durrr!

Thanks for those.I see the Paddock flats have nice brickwork.

I still need to get you some Pleck flats photos Nacho. They are coming down but I'm still not sure on their current life expectancy

I'll be sad to them go.They are useful landmarks.....the same with Bolton Court in Ocker Hill.If you do make it down there Smiley take a picture of the facade of the Brown/Red Lion pub just in front of the flats.Nice tilework.

It is a dire area though Nacho, for once I am looking forward to a group of tower blocks demise, should be quite spectacular too. They look quite spooky at night coz I think they are almost totally empty and of course are not lit up....i will get some photos soon

Smiley I didn't know they were called "the Paddock flats" - are they the ones by the Chuckery (you live there don't you?) as opposed to the ones in Pleck? They are some of the nicest tower blocks to look at - just to add to what Nacho said I think the brickwork is relatively attractive! And most of Walsall has these style of towers - well, Walsall and Bloxwich anyway. I understand Ball House and [the other one] are being demolished too. I remember seeing these as a child visiting my cousins who lived near there so I'll be sad to see them go. I think they should be rebuilt at the Black Country Museum to remind us of how it once was... ;)

Lol, yeah I live in Chuckery flats (paddock) and these are a staying. Pleck's demise is soon as well as the ones near the Arboreteum apparently. The Paddock flats have become a liveable community so I'm sure it's got nothing to do with the actual state of the buildings but the actual folk who live there. Pleck is a shithole and the whole area needs to be rebuilt, no amount of community spirit can save those flats. Two Prostitutes have been killed there in the last 3 years and even though they're within the red light district that's a pretty bad track record...they are shitholes that attract shit so knock them down!!!!!!!!

That's why i have decide to hide this in here:



Top news stories from the Birmingham Mail


More News

High life for city centre dwellers
May 4 2006


By David Bell, Birmingham Mail


TOWER block flats in one of the most sought-after locations in central Birmingham are to benefit from a £5.2 million facelift, it was announced today.

The city council begins work on 240 homes in 1960s-built Civic Close next week.

Nearly 100 of the flats, in four tower bocks near near the International Convention Centre, have been bought by tenants at discount prices as an investment as city centre housing prices rise steadily.

The four blocks are now to be given an extensive overhaul designed to extend their life for 30 years and transform the municipal flats into attractive city centre apartments.

Improvements will include new roofs, external insulation, attractive exteriors and double glazing.


Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT

Outdated balconies will be converted into fully glazed rooms which residents can enjoy all year round, away from birds and bad weather.

The buildings' communal entrances will also be modernised to be attractive and welcoming, while new external lighting will provide a stylish and well-lit environment around the apartments.

Coun John Lines, city cabinet member for housing, said: "I'm delighted to announce the start of work to transform these ageing flats into modern and high quality apartments, providing comfortable and desirable homes for many years to come.

"We have worked closely with residents throughout the project and will be taking every step possible to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum while the makeover takes place."

Coun Lines added: "They'll all be delighted with the outcome."

Ray Rudd, chairman of the Civic Centre Residents Group, said: "Residents are delighted that the council is to extend the life of our tower blocks rather than allowing them to fall into disrepair.

"Although we will be a building site for the next 12 months we can accept that, knowing the end result will truly improve our lives for the better."

Building work is expected to be completed by July 2007.


i've always hated those flats, i'd much rather a brand new development but i'm interested to see ther plans for it

hopefully they can spruce up the Sentinals a bit more than just adding some crappy blue nightlight aswell :)

Lol, yeah I live in Chuckery flats (paddock) and these are a staying. Pleck's demise is soon as well as the ones near the Arboreteum apparently. The Paddock flats have become a liveable community so I'm sure it's got nothing to do with the actual state of the buildings but the actual folk who live there. Pleck is a shithole and the whole area needs to be rebuilt, no amount of community spirit can save those flats. Two Prostitutes have been killed there in the last 3 years and even though they're within the red light district that's a pretty bad track record...they are shitholes that attract shit so knock them down!!!!!!!!

But from a distance (off the M6, from Sedgley Beacon and Barr Beacon) they help to make Walsall look like a large town and when they're gone it'll just look flat and uninteresting! But if they're as bad as you say they are I suppose they gotta go.

I didn't know the towers by the Arboretum were due to be demolished neither. I bet Austin House will stay though - great views over the Aboretum and it's in good condition - also I have a feeling it's for older peeps too.

Austin house is the 17 storey jobby? Booth House and the other 12 storey one are due for demolition. Paddock flats add to a small Walsall Town centre cluster, there are only two decent office (semi) hi-rises in town and the only other talls aew The Art Gallery and St Matthews Church. Pleck flats won't be too sorely missed

Yes Austin House is the taller of the three and the one you can see from in the Arboretum.

Well, it looks like Walsall has got some fun times ahead with all these demolitions!

A very "fuck you I'm staying put" photo of the afore mentioned Austin House

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/Arbo9.jpg

That's the chap!! In its "only found in Walsall" style!

In its finery again

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Walsall/Arbo10.jpg

There's no way that could go - it's in a nice part of the town that one. :yes:

Forgot what these ones are called in between Bristol road and perhsore road by the cricket ground.

They are not the sexiest towers around I hope they get a refurb as this area is going to look wicked once Edgbaston Mill/Tally Ho is finished.


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/Cookoid/18June117Medium.jpg

I think both of those are named after something cricket related. One is Wicketts Tower I believe!

yeah, Wicketts (great view of the cricket ground :okay: )


and Century (great view of ... errrm Wicketts :) )

yeah, Wicketts (great view of the cricket ground :okay: )


and Century (great view of ... errrm Wicketts :) )

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

The flats overlooking the 'arbo' must have some very pleasant views.

£79.950 for a flat in The Wickets ?!?!?!

I bet they aren't in danger of the chop then. :) Has anyone been in these towers? By the way ,after some lean times ,this thread is on fire!!

By the way ,after some lean times ,this thread is on fire!!

:laugh:

I ain't complaining! ;)

I bet they aren't in danger of the chop then.


no chance ... just had completely new lifts installed :shocked:

^^If that was Birmingham City Council that would mean they are for the chop. Certainly under the old Labour administration, if you saw double-glazing being installed it meant that the blocks would be dropped within 2 years. I saw this happen in about a dozen tower blocks.

It is almost amusing ;)

Does anybody know the names of the three tower blocks in Ladywood up and off the middleway opposit the swimming bath.. pics would be good but i really need to know the names if anyone can remember.

Does anybody know the names of the three tower blocks in Ladywood up and off the middleway opposit the swimming bath.. pics would be good but i really need to know the names if anyone can remember.

Are they the ones on page 1 of this thread?

No they are the ones with the odd pitched roofs rather than the "traditional" towerblock flat roof

These ones?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Ladywood_blocks_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/Ladywood_flats_2.jpg

Wells, Truro and Breacon ... i think !? !?

Oh I know those. I've driven round there once before and you can see them from the tight corner on Sheepcote Street(?) by the Sea Life Centre car park. I personally don't know what they're called though ENGELS although it might be on my A-Z but that's in the car!

Yup those are the ones thanks smileyface & grendel.

Had worked out with my housemate Wells and Truro by last night but we couldn't remember Breacon... always going past them on my way into town when i cycle in round the resevoir then through Ladywood. The whole area around them needs knocking down and starting again IMO.

The whole area around them needs knocking down and starting again IMO.

It's surely a matter of time.

Could be a long time..

Wonder if they would be considered for inclusion in the city centre Masterplan as they are within the ring road. The area arround them inside the ring road is quite a small but dense area that really needs to be redveloped from scratch probably with a new street plan and everything

Haddon Tower is facing every ageing tower blocks nightmare in two weeks, it's getting blown to shit :skull: It is one of those blocks that are beyond help so I suppose not too many tears will be shed......it's even got its own thread!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=329256

Better say this in here rather than the Haddon Tower thread so no one can shout at me!

I was just trying to do some research about the tower blocks at Pleck but instead found this web page with security info on Pleck House in Druids Heath, south Birmingham. http://www.surelockhomesecurity.co.uk/druids.shtml

I'd forgotten about this area - I went there a few years back taking photos on my old camera because there are so many identical towers dotted around the open area right on the edge of Worcestershire. I can't find any pictures on Google of the area and it's a long treck from here to go back and take photos with my digital camera! It's a strange place though and I must get some new photos just in case they too bite the dust....

EK keeps saying he'll photograph this side of the city....I know there are plenty of blocks down there and I might get down there myself soon

Sounds good. I've never seen that area mentioned in this thread as if it doesn't exist even though there is a very high density of tower blocks there!

Normansell Tower in Nechells has just been put in for demolition.

Thought you might like to know!

Thanks for that Bio. I think this was first announced last year judging by this:

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=63677&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=9&MENU_ID=276

This line says it all: "The 18-storey block [does] not meet the Decent Homes Standard and would require substantial investment to provide suitable long-term accommodation for local people."

I've heard of this one before but can't think where it is exactly so I'll have to check the A-Z. I'm presuming it's somewhere near the Walsall Road. :dunno:

EDIT: Or maybe I am thinking of Lozells... :bash:

It's on Waterworks Road (B6 7TF)...

I guess they will approve its demo pdq?

probably be in the druids heath area, later this week, i'll take my camera with me just in case !


shame about Normansell, always loved visiting there :crazy2:

probably be in the druids heath area, later this week, i'll take my camera with me just in case !


shame about Normansell, always loved visiting there :crazy2:

GrrrRRRrrrr I somehow managed to miss your post Grendel, and not through lack of interest! Please feel free on behalf of Smileyface and myself (and the few others who are sympathetic towards us ;) ) to take photos of Druids Heath. That'd be great. Unless it's too late now. :(

Oh and for what reason did you visit Normansell Tower ( :crazy2: ) ???

I'd love to see those Druids Heath photos and I need to get my arse into gear and take some of Pleck Flats in Walsall

here are the Ladywood Blocks that Engels was asking about a few posts back

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT003916072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004016072006.jpg

Who's this cheeky chappy?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004116072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004216072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004316072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004416072006.jpg

Only a select few bother to contribute to this thread, well it's everyone elses loss coz I'm now into Tower Block scaling and I'll post all my photo's on this thread. I got into Durham Tower in Ladywood today and managed to get some photos from the 20th floor!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004716072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006616072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006716072006.jpg

Here they all are. The first four are taken looking right to left from my viewpoint

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004816072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004916072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005016072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005116072006.jpg

Zooming in on various areas of the city centre

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005216072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005316072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005416072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005516072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005616072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005816072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006316072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006416072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006516072006.jpg

Looking over the Jewellery Quarter and St Pauls Square

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT005716072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006216072006.jpg

Barr Beacon in Walsall making a nice backdrop
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT006016072006.jpg

Monsieur Smileyface, you are zpoiling uz!

...Well, me anyway. :yes:

Some of those photos should be in the various skyline threads on these forums if they aren't already.

Oh and - how did you get into Durham Tower?! I drive past that one and Canterbury and Cambridge(?) everytime I drive into Brum.

Excellent stuff. :happy:

Monsieur Smileyface, you are zpoiling uz!

...Well, me anyway. :yes:

Some of those photos should be in the various skyline threads on these forums if they aren't already.

Oh and - how did you get into Durham Tower?! I drive past that one and Canterbury and Cambridge(?) everytime I drive into Brum.

Excellent stuff. :happy:

I saw someone going in and just followed him. I'm only gonna post them on here Butterfield so tuff titty to everyone else :)

I saw someone going in and just followed him. I'm only gonna post them on here Butterfield so tuff titty to everyone else :)

Grrrr they should be seen by the masses! They are kinda wasted in this thread with the lack of interest from others. At least we now have Grendel who visits us once in a while!

What kind of a state was Durham Tower in inside? Please be sneaky again in another tower - we need more photos like that! Which reminds me, a few weeks ago I went with a friend of mine who was looking to buy a flat as an investment to Briarley and Camberley towers in north West Bromwich. I took my camera with me so I'll have to post those photos up - don't know why I haven't already!

Please be sneaky again in another tower - we need more photos like that!!

I already have....I managed to get into Scofield House too. The quality is not too great coz my lens was pressed against glass that hadn't been claened too recently. This block as well as Durham Tower were in reasonable nick though, no real grafitti or sign of vandalism or neglect.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012116072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012216072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012316072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012416072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012616072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012716072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012816072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012916072006.jpg

The near neighbours

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT012516072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013016072006.jpg

Looking out the back of the tower towards West Brom/Walsall kind of direction

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013116072006.jpg

Barr Beacon looking splendid again
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013216072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013316072006.jpg

The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion on the horizon proving it is the countries highest ground
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013416072006.jpg

The blocks in Walsall rearing their ugly heads on the horizon
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013516072006.jpg

A few photos from ground level

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013716072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013816072006.jpg

Tower blocks that are staying all incorporate these green areas now and even though this area is still a shithole it was quite tranquil here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013616072006.jpg

Schofield house and it's neighbours

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013916072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT014016072006.jpg

From the top of Snowhill Station car park
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT016216072006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT016616072006.jpg

OMG AND THERE'S MORE....! :nuts:

Awsome work smiley - done yourself proud again!


Although the skyline is no where near as impressive from the north as it is from the south.

From the top of Snowhill Station car park
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT016216072006.jpg



I love this photo - the background could be Berlin or somewhere.

Barr Beacon looking splendid again
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013216072006.jpg



Smiley do you know where these three towers are? I don't recognise them.

I think they are the ones on the Birchfield road just before you get to Perry Barr

if you are the same as me Butterfield I could look at these photos for ages trying to figure out where's where!

Absolutely! But that's why it makes me sad that so many tower blocks have been demolished cos they help you identify an area from a long distance. A couple of months ago I was at the Clee Hills near Ludlow and the first thing you see on the horizon is Butterfield Court in Dudley shining away in the sun! If it wasn't for that one remaining tower you wouldn't know that you were looking towards the West Midlands conurbation.

My sister has just moved into a brand new 2nd floor flat in Tipton and she can't believe how I can identify a lot of the landmarks from her windows - I'm like "that's Bolton Court at Ocker Hill", "those are the flats at Bloxwich", those are the flats at Kenrick Park in West Brom", "there's the BT Tower", "there's the mast at Cannock Chase" and so on. Without all these it would be a very boring landscape!

the midlands is home to some great landmarks lol

the midlands is home to some great landmarks lol

Oi I hope that wasn't a sarcastic comment! ;)

nah mate i was thinking the aerial on top of the hill in dudley i dont know the name of it but you can see it from all over the place always reminds me im nearly home when i drive back from newcastle

That'll be the tower/masts at Rowley Regis I think. Yeah that's a great landmark. :yes:

EDIT: Or Sedgley Beacon, but that's not quite as noticable.

I thought that was Turners hill?

ye thats the one turners hill!

Yeah, same place. Turner's Hill is in Rowley Regis in SANDWELL.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT013316072006.jpg

^^

This picture shows a classic example of why I have so much utter hatred and contempt for the fucking councils and local authorities/highways bodies in this country these days. Look at the main road on the left - check how wide it used to be - now look at how the council have, in their infinite wisdom to attempt their spurious "traffic management" schemes that they're so fucking fond of these days, narrowed it to half its width by painting those fucking annoyingly useless markings right down a huge swathe of the centre. And then adding in those stupid stupid stupid right turning lanes at every junction. I mean what exactly does this achieve? Except - yup you guessed - create MORE traffic congestion cos of the narrowness of the road - one lane in each direction. Fucking pathetic trendy crackpot schemes that are just a sodding waste of council tax money or what?

This makes me so fucking mad! And this is the norm absolutely EVERYWHERE you drive in the country now. :bleep: :rant: :bash: :bash:

^^

I don't have any problem with the added lanes for turning right if it means better road positioning for me the driver and not getting stuck behind someone turning right cos they're badly positioned. You have to be a driver to understand... :|

I do however wish they'd get rid of those chevrons and put grass and shrubs there instead - such a waste of space in an urban environment.

Turners hill is not in the direction the pic is facing.

Plus turners hill has 2 big radio masts.

^^

This picture shows a classic example of why I have so much utter hatred and contempt for the fucking councils and local authorities/highways bodies in this country these days. Look at the main road on the left - check how wide it used to be - now look at how the council have, in their infinite wisdom to attempt their spurious "traffic management" schemes that they're so fucking fond of these days, narrowed it to half its width by painting those fucking annoyingly useless markings right down a huge swathe of the centre. And then adding in those stupid stupid stupid right turning lanes at every junction. I mean what exactly does this achieve? Except - yup you guessed - create MORE traffic congestion cos of the narrowness of the road - one lane in each direction. Fucking pathetic trendy crackpot schemes that are just a sodding waste of council tax money or what?

This makes me so fucking mad! And this is the norm absolutely EVERYWHERE you drive in the country now. :bleep: :rant: :bash: :bash:


Martin, you don't seriously expect any council or this government to do anything to actually encourage car use do you?

I mean, why would anyone want to drive in their own vehicle when they can take a highly efficient and not at all overcrowded train, or a sparklingly clean bus filled with perfectly friendly people, and driven by a profesional driver with superb road manners?

I wonder what the anti-car dickheads are going to moan about when cars start running zero emissions engines (hybrid/ethanol only a few years off)


And as if by magic..... this appears in today's Birmingham Post...

Ford in boost to region's industryJul 17 2006




By John Cranage, Automotive Correspondent


The West Midlands is poised to become part of Ford's global nerve centre for research into greener cars under multi-million pound plans being revealed today.

Much of the research and development work to be carried out by the US-owned group, the world's third largest carmaker behind Toyota and General Motors, will take place in the region, The Birmingham Post understands.

The West Midlands is already home to two major Ford research centres, Whitley in Coventry and Gaydon in Warwickshire.

The company's Premier Automotive Group also builds the bulk of its output of Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin luxury cars here.

Ford last night was keeping details of the announcement under wraps ahead of the official launch of the project in London today.




Full Article (http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=17396035%26method=full%26siteid=50002%26headline=ford-in-boost-to-region-s-industry-name_page.html)

Thanks for all the work Smiley.Great vantage point there..............lots of skyline pics that we haven't seen before.

Thanks for all the work Smiley.Great vantage point there..............lots of skyline pics that we haven't seen before.

Well I'm gonna try and make a habit of it now whenever I go on a photo mission in central Birmingham so if you can think of any blocks that would offer a great view let me know. I'm thinking of trying to gain access to these saltley blocks next!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT0054170606.jpg

here are the Ladywood Blocks that Engels was asking about a few posts back

Who's this cheeky chappy?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Robdann/Tower%20Blocks/PICT004116072006.jpg



This gentleman is one Charles Blondin, who gained local fame by tightropewalking across Edgbaston Reservoir in the 1870s. :)

It is a cool statue and one of my favourites :happy:

Awsome work smiley - done yourself proud again!


Although the skyline is no where near as impressive from the north as it is from the south.

I would generally agree, but for me THE most impressive view of the city centre is as you round the hump of the slip road coming from M6 southbound on to the A38 at Spaghetti. The city centre is really dense, and although you cannot see any of the Hagley Road buildings or the upper part of Broad St and can only see the tip of HCT, it looks super :yes:

The problem with getting a good skyline shot of Brum is the topography - talls sitting on lower ground do not appear to be so high - BT from the south or west and HCT from the north are good examples.

This gentleman is one Charles Blondin, who gained local fame by tightropewalking across Edgbaston Reservoir in the 1870s. :)

It is a cool statue and one of my favourites :happy:

Bio this is the perfect example of why I like your posts so much - full of interesting information somehow set in a way that puts a smile on my face! :happy:

Please can I borrow you when I'm depressed?? ;)

Borrow away Butterfield :)

My (your) avatar is particularly appropriate this week is it not?

Certainly is. The weather has finally caught up with your avatar (again!).

Well I'm gonna try and make a habit of it now whenever I go on a photo mission in central Birmingham so if you can think of any blocks that would offer a great view let me know. I'm thinking of trying to gain access to these saltley blocks next!



Oh Smiley, you feel free to go in as many as you can on behalf of the two, maybe three of us who frequent this here thread.

Here's my detailed list of ones that should be, erm, entered...

All of the ones in Birmingham
All of the ones in Glasgow
Butterfield Court in Dudley

Oh and *Something* House in Stafford for some reason.

You asked for it, you got it.

This is the Druids Heath estate, destination of the legendary " Marianna Express " [ the no.50 bus ], that you all have been baying for of late.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--1.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--5.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--6.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--7.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--8.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--9.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--11.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/cargohold/Druids-Heath--12.jpg

Yay, yay and...... yaaaaaay!!! Well done and thank you CH! :happy:

That's the first I've seen of Druids Heath on here. I've got a squillion standard photos of these somewhere I took a few years back. I love the way they're built right on the border of rural Worcestershire - such a contrast!

I can't remember how many tower blocks there are in that area but I'm sure it's higher than ten.

Why are you guys getting so turned on and ecstatic over a few ugly old tower blocks?? Jesus! Talk about wanking over lost causes! :crazy: :|

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

TROLL ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!

Martin G, I'm ashamed of you. :nono:

What's "trollish" about that comment? - get a grip you silly buffoon! :crazy:

People are only wanking over these in the absence of genuinely eyepopping new skyscrapers that will probably never be erected in the city any time soon. I mean - so much for FLD and his July the 6th business eh? I mean here we are almost two weeks later wilting from the heat, moist under the armpits and with cream clotting around our crotches.....What happened? Did he shoot his load accidentally in his pants instead?

:| ;)

Sounds like trolling to me Martin :) Good photos by the way CH. It's about time someone got a few from the south of the city.

Martin, tower block loving is completely separate from that of real skyscrapers, it's a clarse of its own I have you know. It's the reason I joined this place, not for spangly 40 floor glass buildings but for 1960s concrete 12 floor monstrosities.

Please allow us to revel in our rare interest - they won't be around forever. :cry:

You know I never troll! I am just having a lighthearted dig in the way I usually have a lighthearted dig. I don't think I've ever trolled on this forum at all - only if you count me lashing back at the usual disruptive idiots (like y.k.w.) as reactive counter-trolling that is..... :)


I suppose I'm just pissed off at the lack of encouraging news on AC......and boredom is fast creeping in once again.

Yeh Martin! Troll! :D

Oh Smiley, you feel free to go in as many as you can on behalf of the two, maybe three of us who frequent this here thread.

Here's my detailed list of ones that should be, erm, entered...

All of the ones in Birmingham
All of the ones in Glasgow
Butterfield Court in Dudley

Oh and *Something* House in Stafford for some reason.

Butterfield Court is one I'll definitely get round to trying. The views from there must be :shocked: I'd have to pick a nice clear day though.

Martin, tower block loving is completely separate from that of real skyscrapers, it's a clarse of its own I have you know. It's the reason I joined this place, not for spangly 40 floor glass buildings but for 1960s concrete 12 floor monstrosities.

Please allow us to revel in our rare interest - they won't be around forever. :cry:


Good god Buttertubs - I didn't know you were related to Ben Fogle (well known Sloaney boy). ;)

Yeh Martin! Troll! :D

:banana:

Yeh Martin! Troll! :D

Er, shouldn't you be in bed - or in the Manchester thread at the very least - you cheeky Matalan Whore!


:tongue:

:banana:


:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:


:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:


^^ that's for Accura.

Good god Buttertubs - I didn't know you were related to Ben Fogle (well known Sloaney boy). ;)

Grrrr he's so annoying - Ben Fogle that is. ;)

Why would the BBC give the presenting job of wildlife programmes to someone who says "Thu animals..." rather than "Thee animals..."??? Surely if he's that posh he should know that you say "thee" before a word beginning with a vowel!! :bash:

Butterfield Court is one I'll definitely get round to trying. The views from there must be :shocked: I'd have to pick a nice clear day though.

I think my namesake might be warden controlled because it's for over 40's only although I'm not sure. Maybe Martin G could get you in. :dunno: ;)

Grrrr he's so annoying - Ben Fogle that is. ;)

Why would the BBC give the presenting job of wildlife programmes to someone who says "Thu animals..." rather than "Thee animals..."??? Surely if he's that posh he should know that you say "thee" before a word beginning with a vowel!! :bash:


So why did you write "class" as "clarse" then Butters? ;)

Fogle is a prime candidate for a good bit of happy slapping, isn't he? Methinks someone should ruffle his head big time and cover him in tar and feathers, just to mess him up for a laff. He's such a sport I am sure he'll be up for it.

Isn't he currently on the TV rowing around the world with James Cracknell or summat? "Hell And High Water" it's called - on the Beeb 1 every day.

I think my namesake might be warden controlled because it's for over 40's only although I'm not sure. Maybe Martin G could get you in. :dunno: ;)


So THAT'S where you got the Butterfield alias from? A block of flats near you?

There's a Smileyface House in Walsall too, didn't you know?

There's a Smileyface House in Walsall too, didn't you know?

lol that's where you live isn't it?? ;)