Photo By D J Norton

The New Birmingham c. 1964

Project 36

Location
Corporation Street/Union Street
1964 Status
Proposed
2014 Status
Unbuilt
Name
Victoria House

Due to start in 1965, a plan for shops had superceded the earlier idea of a multi-storey car park on the site.  However, the photographic evidence, below, shows that the shopping development never happened.  It was 1996 that site was finally redeveloped when Victoria House, which contained the inevitable city centre apartments on the upper floors, was built.  Styled to reflect some of the architectural features of nearby buildings, it failed to match their splendour and quality.  In 2014, it was this building that occupied the site.

Site of Project 36, c. 1967

Part of the site of Project 36, c.  1967.  One of the signs in the shop says, "Premises for Demolition".  The grubby upper floors were occupied by the New Victoria Hotel.  Picture from the Geoff Thompson Archive.


Site of Project 36, 2/5/71

In May 1971, it's clear that work is taking place on the upper floors.  Photo from the Steve Gosling Archive.


Site of Project 36, c. 1972

By c. 1972, we can see that the upper floors have been refurbished.
  Picture from the Geoff Thompson Archive.

Site of Project 36, June 2014

Victoria House, built 1996, pictured in May 2014

Back
Home