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:

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3464b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3467b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3484b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3479b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3485b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3489b_GOTH.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/IMG_3491b_GOTH.jpg" />

Photography by Daniel Sturley.

AND HOW THE GOTHIC WILL LOOK ONCE COMPLETE:

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/CGI%20-%20The%20Gothic,%20March%202022.jpg" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="https://lc.zoocdn.com/b2732d6c984aad9ec179e849b5b5b07680fcef2d.jpg" />

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

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

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Iron: Man, Queen Victoria statue and 103 Colmore Row

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photo taken on 3rd March 2022

Iron: Man and the Town Hall

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 03032022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken on 5th March 2022

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

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston Tram Stop 26062021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston Tram Stop 26062021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston Tram Stop 26062021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MMA Hagley Rd 04092021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MMA Hagley Rd 04092021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WMExt 13112021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WMExt 13112021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WMExt 13112021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WMExt 13112021 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WM Ext 26122021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WM Ext 26122021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd WM Ext 26122021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Metro Hagley Rd Ext 09012022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Metro Hagley Rd Ext 09012022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd Metro Ext 07022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd Metro Ext 07022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hagley Rd Metro Ext 07022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EVTS Hagley Rd 05032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Edgbaston Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EVTS Hagley Rd 05032022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

The Construction of One Centenary Way - March 2022 Update

One Centenay Way is externally complete all but the last few floors of windows and the parapet detail.

Construction photos covering late January to late February in this gallery.

16th January 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_9498b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_9506b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_9523b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_9562b_1CW.jpg" />

20th January 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_9664B_1CW.jpg" />

3rd February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_0504b_1CW.jpg" />

5th February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_0801b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_0816b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_0865b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_0878b_1CW.jpg" />

17th February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1355b_1CW.jpg" />

18th February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1420b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1454b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1466b_1CW.jpg" />

19th February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1533b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_1612b_1CW.jpg" />

23rd February 2022

Photos taken on the 'Sky High Birmingham' trip to the 18th floor outside terrace of 103 Colmore for a special invite enthusiast photographer event at sunrise. Thanks so much to them for inviting us!

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2379b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2391b_1CW_002.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2403b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2516b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2664b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2704b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2707b_1CW.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/IMG_2825b_1CW_002.jpg" />

Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

26th February 2022

dndimg dndsrc="https://www.itsyourbuild.com/uploadedfiles/Construction%20of%20OCW%20-%20February%2026.jpg" />

Photography by Stephen Giles

There are now nearly over 750 photos of the construction of this building and can be seen in reverse date order in the full gallery here: One Centenary Way Full Construction Gallery

West Midlands Metro trams returns to Paradise

After 203 days, West Midlands Metro has finally resumed services between Bull Street and Library, on the 12th February 2022. The last trams in service for passengers at this end was 24th July 2021. Since then Corporation Street was closed for 11 weeks for track relaying. Then faults in the trams around November 2021, then some back in service to Bull Street by December 2021. Welcome back.

Saturday 12th February 2022

The 24th July 2021 was the last date that trams ran on a service for passengers to Library Tram Stop. Since then, a 11 week closure of Corporation Street for track relaying. Then delays from November 2021 when cracks were discovered (on the Spanish CAF manufactured trams). Some repaired trams back in service from December 2021, but only to Bull Street (some new Urbos 100 trams have been fast tracked into service alongside the original Urbos 3 trams). 12th February 2022, the first date that West Midlands Metro have got trams back in service towards Centenary Square (but every 12 minutes). Here tram 29 departs Town Hall Tram Stop, and heads around Paradise Circus, passing the new One Centenary Way, before approaching Centenary Square, for it's final approach to Library Tram Stop.

While beyond Library, Broad Street is all tracked, but beyond Five Ways to Hagley Road, it is not quite complete. So might be a couple more months before we can see trams further into Westside.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Monday 14th February 2022

On a rainy Valentine's Day, I popped up to the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Saw West Midlands Metro tram 40 (Urbos 100) at Library Tram Stop. It then departed Centenary Square, via the Bus Gate onto Paradise Circus. While traffic waited at the traffic lights, for the tram to cross over to Paradise Street and to Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Library Tram Stop 14022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After leaving the Library of Birmingham via Centenary Square and Centenary Way. Walked into Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square. Just about caught West Midland Metro tram 23 departing from Town Hall Tram Stop for Library. The first of three trams I saw heading to Westside.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Town Hall Vic Sq 14022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walking down Pinfold Street, the next tram I saw was West Midlands Metro tram 28 "Jasper Carrott", heading up Stephenson Street, having departed Grand Central Tram Stop. It then headed up Pinfold Street towards Victoria Square. The second of three trams. Maybe at least one was going onto Broad Street for a test run?

dndimg alt="Stephenson Pinfold" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 38 SP 14022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Stephenson Pinfold" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 38 SP 14022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last tram seen from Stephenson Street. West Midlands Metro tram 31 "Cyrille Regis" seen heading down from Corporation Street onto Stephenson Place. Still people walking on the wrong side of the road. There is a pavement next to the Apple building (ex Midland Bank / Waterstone's).

dndimg alt="Stephenson Corporation" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 31 SC 14022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Stephenson Corporation" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 31 SC 14022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I actually started this rainy photo walk heading past Snow Hill. The Living Wall and grass track. First up was West Midlands Metro tram 20 heading to Wolverhampton. Then arriving at St Chad's Tram Stop was tram 34 heading to Birmingham. I then went down the steps, and walked up Constitution Hill and Great Hampton Street into the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown