While not
immediately appearing that interesting, this shot is one of my
favourites! The big shop in the centre is the subject of this
picture and the
building is still there today, currently unused after serving many
years as a branch of Lloyds Bank.
Off the far right of the picture is the island close to the site of the
Rover plant where Bristol Road South turns left towards Birmingham and
a sign indicating this can be seen on the ornate lampost. Bearing
that in mind, it is clear that rather square building to the right of
the black and white post is the original Longbridge Station on the Halesowen Line.
What is most fascinating is the building behind 1563 Bristol
Road. The right hand side looks like a church but how can the
equally impressive chimney be explained!? Well, it was a pumping
station constructed for Birmingham Waterworks and designed by
Chamberlain and Martin. That firm of architects designed many of
the city's fine municipal buildings including the superb library
at Spring Hill.
|
