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Daniel Sturley Classic Architecture
27 Apr 2022 - Daniel Sturley
News & Updates

The Samuel Heath Building

The Samuel Heath Building now a protected listed building - Wonderful photography of this great building of historic importance from Stephen Hartland of the Victorian Society (West Midlands). 

Enjoy! 

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The Samuel Heath Building





The Samuel Heath Building now a protected listed building - Wonderful photography of this great building of historic importance from Stephen Hartland of the Victorian Society (West Midlands). 

Enjoy! 


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Photography by Stephen Hartland

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Elliott Brown Classic Architecture
17 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The Theatre Royal on New Street (1774 to 1956)

If you ever visit Superdrug, Bella Italia or Boots on New Street, were you aware that they are on the site of the Theatre Royal? It existed from 1774 until it was demolished in 1956 (with a couple of redevelopments in it's almost 200 years of existence). It was replaced from 1958 to 1964 by the Woolworth / Charters Building (refurbished in 1990) and Platform 21 (from 2020-21).

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The Theatre Royal on New Street (1774 to 1956)





If you ever visit Superdrug, Bella Italia or Boots on New Street, were you aware that they are on the site of the Theatre Royal? It existed from 1774 until it was demolished in 1956 (with a couple of redevelopments in it's almost 200 years of existence). It was replaced from 1958 to 1964 by the Woolworth / Charters Building (refurbished in 1990) and Platform 21 (from 2020-21).


Theatre Royal - New Street, Birmingham (1774 - 1956)

What is now Platform 21 (formerly the called the Charters Building, and previously the Woolworth Building) was built on the site of the Theatre Royal, which existed on New Street from 1774 until 1956. It was rebuilt a couple of times following fires. A pair of plaques of William Shakespeare and David Garrick were saved (during the 1956 demolition of the theatre) and are now at the Library of Birmingham. The only indication on New Street now of the theatre existing is a blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society (between Superdrug and Bella Italia).

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Theatre Royal 1774 1956.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Details below taken from the Arthur Lloyd webpage on The Theatre Royal, New Street, Birmingham.

There has been four theatres in total on the site of 102 New Street between 1774 and 1956 (a period of 182 years).

 

New Theatre, New Street (1774 - 1792)

The first theatre opened in June 1774, was called the New Theatre. Built for Richard Yates, the architect was called Saul. A new façade added in 1780 and portico designed by Samuel Wyatt, which survived until 1902, despite the rest of the building being destroyed by fire twice.

 

Theatre Royal, New Street (1794 - 1820)

There was a fire at the theatre in 1792. After the fire, the theatre was completely rebuilt by 1794 by George Saunders and Charles Norton, except for the Wyatt façade which survived the fire of 1792. This would be the second theatre on the site. The theatre changed it's name to the Theatre Royal in 1807 when a Royal Patent was granted to the theatre.

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/1965V22141 Theatre Royal New Street Birmingham.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Lithograph - Theatre Royal, New Street, Birmingham, 1805. Lithographer: T Woodfall. Birmingham Museums Trust

 

Theatre Royal, New Street (1820 - 1902)

Sadly the Theatre Royal, New Street was destroyed by another fire, this time during January 1820. The theatre was rebuilt again by 1820, making it the third theatre on the site, this time designed by the architect Samuel Beazley, who replaced everything behind Samuel Wyatt façade.

The only changes after this was in 1875 with alterations to the stage and auditorium, and then in 1885 there was more alterations to the building. Then a refurbishment in 1898 by the architect Frank J. Bill.

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/1965V22132 Theatre Royal Birmingham.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Engraving - Theatre Royal, New Street, Birmingham.1820 rebuild.  Artist: Thomas Radclyffe. Birmingham Museums Trust

 

Theatre Royal Plaques

In 1902 the third Theatre Royal was completely demolished, to make way for a new theatre on the same site. A small part of the 1820 theatre survives in the form of a a pair of plaques of William Shakespeare and David Garrick. They were at Birmingham Central Library (until 2013) but are now located at the Library of Birmingham.

The Theatre Royal Plaques were on display at the Library of Birmingham, in the Gallery back in 2016, during an exhibition called Our Shakespeare, which commemorated the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Garrick was on the left, while Shakespeare was on the right.

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OS Theatre Royal LoB (Apr 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OS Theatre Royal LoB (Apr 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Theatre Royal, New Street (1904 - 1956)

The fourth theatre opened in December 1904, it was the last Theatre Royal to be on the site. This one was designed by Ernest Runtz with a new frontage designed in the Adam Style. It was built for Theatre Royal Birmingham Ltd. The building was five stories in height. The New Street façade was built in Monk's Parkstone in the semi-Classic style of George III. Above the upper story was a series of bronze figures representing Comedy, Industries, Charity, Justice, Science and Tragedy. The Theatre Royal closed it's doors for the last time in December 1956. Demolition began shortly after it closed for good.

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/City Theatre Royal New St.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Theatre Royal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/City Interior Theatre Royal New St.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />The Theatre Royal, New Street, early 20th century (date unknown). Photographer unknown. Public domain.

 

The Shakespeare Tavern (1774 - 1904)

Underneath the theatre was a bar called the Shakespeare Tavern, also known as the Brags' Vaults. This was in existence since the very first theatre on the site (1774) and remained until the rebuild of 1904 (at one point known as the Pit Bar of the Theatre Royal). It later moved to Lower Temple Street, where a Neo-Georgian pub called The Shakespeare was built. This was built from 1910 to 1911 by the architect Arthur Edwards. Before it was built, the theatre ran to Lower Temple Street. At one point The Shakespeare was run by Mitchells & Butlers, later by Nicholson's.

dndimg alt="The Shakespeare" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Shakespeare Lower Temple Street old facade (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Woolworth Building / Charter Building (1962 / 1964 - 1990 / 2020)

An office building called the Woolworth Building was later built on the site. It was  designed by Cotton, Ballard & Blow, and built in two parts. The east side from 1958 to 1962 for Woolworths. The west side from 1962 to 1964 for Jack Cotton & Partners. It was made of Portland stone, mosaic cladding and green slate. The building was up to ten stories high. In 1990 there was a refurbishment by Temple Cox Nicholls. This included a glass lift. It is now known as the Charters Building. Retailers on the ground floor include Superdrug, Bella Italia and Boots. The Birmingham Civic Society blue plaque is located between Superdrug and Bella Italia.

dndimg alt="Charters Building" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Charters TR (Mar 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Charters Building" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Charters TR (Jan 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bella Italia" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bella Italia Theatre Royal (Aug 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Platform 21 (2021 to present)

The offices at 102 New Street were renovated again, this time during 2020 to 2021 at 23 Stephenson Street. The development was called Platform 21. Grade A office space up to 112,000 Square Ft.  HM Government Civil Servants moved into the building near the end of 2021. It was renamed from Charters to Platform 21 in 2016. Workers will probably not be aware that they are at the former site of the Theatre Royal or a Woolworths store (which moved off site at one point into the Pallasades until it closed for good in 2008). Architects was Associated Architects. The client was Evenacre and LaSalle Investment Management.

dndimg alt="Platform 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Platform 21 (Sep 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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Historic images of Theatre Royal from the Birmingham Museums Trust Digital Image Resource.

Early 20th Century photos via Phil of the Birmingham History Forum (2011).

21st Century photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Daniel Sturley Construction & regeneration
15 Mar 2022 - Daniel Sturley
News & Updates

Refurbishment of The Gothic as part of wider regeneration of Great Hampton Street

In glorious Birmingham sunshine, we give you the magnificent architectural gem that is The Gothic, both a masterpiece and masterclass in historical regeneration located on Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter. Having had its exterior scaffolding removed, this refurbishment project is rapidly nearing completion.

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Refurbishment of The Gothic as part of wider regeneration of Great Hampton Street





In glorious Birmingham sunshine, we give you the magnificent architectural gem that is The Gothic, both a masterpiece and masterclass in historical regeneration located on Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter. Having had its exterior scaffolding removed, this refurbishment project is rapidly nearing completion.


All photography taken on 14th March 2022:

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Photography by Daniel Sturley.

AND HOW THE GOTHIC WILL LOOK ONCE COMPLETE:

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All artist's impressions are the property of Cordia Blackswan.

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
10 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Iron: Man returns to Victoria Square

Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man had been in storage since September 2017 until late February 2022. Initially to make way for the Westside Metro extension past Victoria Square. With Public Realm works going on before the Commonwealth Games, they have installed Iron: Man outside of the Town Hall. Unveiled on 8th March 2022 by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Council Leader Ian Ward.

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Iron: Man returns to Victoria Square





Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man had been in storage since September 2017 until late February 2022. Initially to make way for the Westside Metro extension past Victoria Square. With Public Realm works going on before the Commonwealth Games, they have installed Iron: Man outside of the Town Hall. Unveiled on 8th March 2022 by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Council Leader Ian Ward.


Iron: Man Returns

It has been almost five years since anyone had seen Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man. Removed to storage back in September 2017. This was to make way for the Westside Metro extension, built from 2017 until 2019 (Grand Central Tram Stop on Stephenson Street to Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square).

But in the years since then, we have asked the question: Where is the Iron: Man?

That was in 2020, then no news at all in 2021. Then out of the blue overnight between 23rd and 24th February 2022, photos emerged online (from Midland Metro Alliance) of Iron: Man being back.

 

Photos taken on the 28th February 2022

Iron: Man with Big Brum and BM & AG

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Iron: Man, Queen Victoria statue and 103 Colmore Row

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West Midlands Metro trams, Victoria Square House and the Iron: Man

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Photo taken on 3rd March 2022

Iron: Man and the Town Hall

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Photos taken on 5th March 2022

Iron: Man and the Town Hall on a busy Saturday afternoon

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Iron: Man and the Council House in Victoria Square on a busy Saturday afternoon

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Photos taken on 9th March 2022

The day after West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward officially unveiled the statue. But Sir Antony Gormley was unable to attend.

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Iron Man Vic Sq 09032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Iron Man Vic Sq 09032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photos taken by Elliott Brown 

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Elliott Brown Transport
07 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road - March 2022 update

Well the Westside Metro Extension to Five Ways and Hagley Road in Edgbaston is months late in opening. While West Midlands Metro restored a service to Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square by mid February 2022, the extension to Hagley Road is not yet open. Still cones and barriers. Edgbaston Village Tram Stop at 54 Hagley Rd now looks close to completion. Early March 2022 update.

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Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road - March 2022 update





Well the Westside Metro Extension to Five Ways and Hagley Road in Edgbaston is months late in opening. While West Midlands Metro restored a service to Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square by mid February 2022, the extension to Hagley Road is not yet open. Still cones and barriers. Edgbaston Village Tram Stop at 54 Hagley Rd now looks close to completion. Early March 2022 update.


26th June 2021

Last summer, early signs of working beginning to build Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road, outside of the former Barclays Bank and 54 Hagley Road.

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4th September 2021

Outside of Morrisons on the Hagley Road, and they had laid a green surface around the tracks. While other parts were covered over.

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13th November 2021

More of the same with the green surface outside of Starbucks Coffee, but a lot of barriers around here at the time. Edgbaston Village Tram Stop now has shelters installed.

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5th December 2021

From Five Ways Island. Midland Metro Alliance have been spending months building electrical substations above the underpass between Broad Street and Hagley Road.

dndimg alt="Five Ways Island" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MMA Five Ways Island 05122021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

26th December 2021

Boxing Day fog. The original plan was to have opened this Metro extension by the end of 2021, but this of course didn't happen. Cones along part of the route, while at least one lane open to traffic heading from Five Ways Island onto the Hagley Road.

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9th January 2022

The new year, and a blue sky at the new crossing outside of Morrisons and Starbucks Coffee. With The Lansdowne on the other side of Hagley Road.

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7th February 2022

A visit to Morrisons Café on the Hagley Road. Views out of the window, cones and barriers with traffic diverted from Five Ways onto the Hagley Road. If you want to get to Stourbridge, catch the no 9 bus. After I left Morrisons, had a quick look at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop from outside.

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5th March 2022

Approaching Hagley Road from Highfield Road in Edgbaston. Edgbaston Village Tram Stop has the overhead cables and grey poles installed, as well as grass tracks next to 54 Hagley Road.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EVTS Hagley Rd 05032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EVTS Hagley Rd 05032022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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