At The Gothic on Great Hampton Street, a Grade II listed building dating back to the late 1870s, there is so much to take in and admire now that internal work on a number of magnificent homes is underway.

During 2020 and 2021, before work commenced and early in Cordia Blackswan's redevelopment of this wonderful building, we had the pleasure of visiting this Victorian Gem to see the treasures that had remained hidden for so long.

The windows of The Gothic - back in 2020/21

Of all the wonderful Gems to admire, both inside and outside, it was The Gothic's amazing windows which, for us, stole the show!

We marvelled at the craftmanship and passion that had gone into the structural shapes of these wonderful windows. 

See the full article from July 2021 here...

And now - as the windows are going in (May 2022)

In May 2022, we were invited back to take a look at how work was progressing with the redevelopment, and most importantly for us, to see what had been done to those wonderful arched windows.

We have not been disappointed!

What about all that wonderful timber!

It's not just the windows though, take a look at the way much of the exquisite timber has been brought back to life and is on full display.

Here's what it was looking like pre-renovation.  What a great job done!

And now - wonderful wooden beams on show (May 2022)

Some of the original steel roof structure has also been incorporated into the restoration.

Go see for yourself!

What wonderful talking points they are for anyone fortunate enough to take ownership of one of these wonderful homes, 

Cordia Blackswan and the team are doing an absolutely brilliant job with the redevelopment of the building into a number of elegantly styled homes.

To find out more about the Gothic:

Homes For Sale Birmingham | The Gothic | Cordia Blackswan

Email enquiry@cordiablackswan.co.uk

You can't help but love The Gothic!

Here's a few more photos to enjoy, taken during our visit in May 2022.

Photography by Daniel Sturley, a member of the It's Your Build team.

For more on The Gothic and the work on Great Hampton Street go to:

www.GreatHamptonStreet.com

Whilst the signs are slightly hard to decipher, they are believed to mark the former home of J.R. Stevens, a tailor, hosier, and general outfitters store which traded on Great Hampton Street around 100 years ago.

On the other side of the building, two further ghost signs were also revealed during the demolition. The ghost sign in view is the home of ‘Strawbridge Painter & Glazier’ at 30 Great Hampton Street, estimated to be at least a century old.

These are believed to showcase the former home of a business involved in ‘glass, china and all kinds of Earthenware’. Earthenware is glazed or unglazed nonvitreous pottery that is normally fired below 1,200 degrees celcius.

The Lamp Works will be a residential led mixed-use scheme of 148 apartments, with the industrial heritage of the site reflected in the design of the building, its form and materials used.

A steel frame from one of the original buildings will be retained in memory of the original central factory space, referencing the sites key history in Jewellery Quarter.

Construction of the Lamp Works will begin in August 2021 with apartments ready for occupation in 2023.

Connect with us HERE.

Become part of our Great Hampton Street community HERE. 

The refurbishment of this Grade II listed former Lloyds Bank is a great way for Cordia Blackswan to showcase their approach to developments and the high quality of their work.

Once complete, the 15,000 sq ft building will feature six office suites, with the former banking hall transformed into an independent café space for local business and the community to enjoy.

The intention is to fully refurbish the basement vault into a trendy music venue as part of the renovation - more on that to follow!

Photography by Daniel Sturley

Firstly, when removing the current concrete flooring, Cordia Blackswan discovered some original flooring tiles in a plethora of wonderful and quite unique bright colours, including red, yellow, green, purple, and turquoise.

Photography by Daniel Sturley

It is believed that the tiles date back to the 1880s.

The intention is to restore and retain the tiles in the hall which will be transformed into a café space.

On the same floor, traditional Herringbone Parquet wooden flooring in a rich mahogany brown was also discovered which is also believed to date back to the 1880s. This will also be restored.

Connect with us HERE.

Become part of our Great Hampton Street community HERE. 

Enjoy our videos of these discoveries. 

 

When undertaking a recent removal of the shop frontage, Cordia Blackswan discovered an old mosaic façade for the ‘Ye Olde Engine Tavern’.

According to the Birmingham History Forum and Midland Pubs, the Engine Tavern was trading from the 1830’s originally as a beer house. In the 19^th Century, it was believed to be a homebrew house along with other pubs in this throughfare including the Balmoral Inn, Saint George’s Vaults and the Star and Garter.

The electoral roll shows the Engine Tavern occupants in 1930 were a couple by the name Thomas and Annie Rose. Does the name sound familiar? We'd love to hear from anyone that has any details. 

Cordia Blackswan will be transforming The Nightingale into a small number of New York loft-style apartments as a future phase of The Gothic. The apartments will be sold as individual units for buyers to design and bring to life in their own personal style. For more information about any of these exciting developments or to share in uncovering more hidden history, we'd love to hear from you. 

Connect with us HERE.

Become part of our Great Hampton Street community HERE. 

Birmingham-based property developer Cordia Blackswan has partnered with charity Global Aid Network (GAiN) to collect donations for Ukrainian refugees.

Cordia Blackswan will be offering their head office, located at The Bank on Great Hampton Street, as a public drop off point for anyone to donate emergency hygiene kits which will then be shipped directly to those in need.

The developer is standing together with its owners, Futureal, Cordia Group and HelloParks, to provide support for the crisis in Ukraine. The group is donating 300 million Hungarian Forints in addition to the amount raised by its employees to support humanitarian projects in Hungary, Poland and Romania.

GAiN is a worldwide humanitarian organisation that provides aid and critical care for people in crisis. The organisation is dedicated to bringing hope and tangible help to refugees and people living in poverty, believing that every life counts.

In response to the Ukraine crisis, GAiN is working directly with NGOs receiving Ukrainians across the border to ensure they are collecting the most critical relief items. They are also donating 100% of profits to people in need.

The organisations are calling on the public for urgent donations, with the immediate priority being male and female hygiene kits. To donate an emergency hygiene kit, people can simply purchase any of the products from the list here, and place in a bag for life with “female” or “male” written on the outside.

Kits should be placed in bags for life to ensure that as many emergency hygiene kits as possible can be packed onto the shipping container. The initiative will take place from Monday 11^th March until Friday 25^th March 2022.

Marcus Hawley, Managing Director at Cordia Blackswan, said “The Cordia Blackswan team is deeply saddened by the events in Ukraine, and want to support everyone involved in every way that we can. We have teamed up with Global Aid Network to ensure that refugees are receiving the critical items they need and call on the people of Birmingham to donate anything they can to support the cause.”

Sarah Patel, GAiN UK Operations Manager, said: “Every donation we receive means one more person, whose life has been torn apart by this war, that we can bring a practical message that we are standing with them. We are incredibly grateful for every response to give and donate that enables us to send this message of hope.”

In addition to donations, the Futureal Groupwill be identifying their own properties in suitable locations to be used for humanitarian activities. In Poland, the transformation of buildings and the establishment of temporary kindergarten and shelters for refugees has already begun. The work with aid and medical organisations will help to rescue people from Ukraine.

The Cordia Group are also offering its available furnished rental apartments in Budapest free of charge to refugee families in need and is calling on its customers to provide housing for those affected by the crisis.

Gábor Futó, Founder and Co-Owner of Futureal Group, said: "We are following events in Ukraine with a heavy heart and with a deep sense of duty to help. I am very proud of everyone at Futureal-Cordia Group, as many of our colleagues have already taken in refugees and many are also preparing to actively participate in the programmes and donations we are organising.”

For anyone in Birmingham who would like to make a donation, the drop off point is located at:

The Bank, 22a Great Hampton Street,Birmingham.  B18 6AH.

Drop off times will be 7.30am-9.30am, 12-2pm and 5-6.30pm from Monday to Friday each week.

Alternatively, if you are making a sizeable donation, you can email info@globalaidnetwork.org.uk and someone will come to collect your parcel. For those based further afield, donation kits can also be sent to the above address via post.

See the list below of items needed in a bag for life donation:

Male                                                                              Female

Soaps                                                                            Soaps

Shampoos                                                                     Shampoos

Toothpastes                                                                   Toothpastes

Toothbrushes                                                                 Toothbrushes

Razors                                                                           Razors

Small towels                                                                  Small towels

Combs                                                                           Combs

Hand creams                                                                 Hand creams

Packets of hand tissues                                                 Packets of hand tissues

New underwear                                                             New underwear

New socks                                                                     New socks

Deodorants                                                                    Deodorants

Sanitary towels/tampons

For more information about Cordia Blackswan, please visit:www.cordiablackswan.co.uk.

To read more about what GAiN are doing to support the crisis in Ukraine, and how you can help, please click here.

Here is the link to the full print quality PDF file of the A3 Calendar (65mb):

Download Full Quality Calendar (65mb)

Alternatively you can 'save as' the individual Jpeg files below to your device.

See any familiar faces from Birmingham's property and business community?

Phorography courtesy Daniel Sturley.

When you first meet Paul Landucci and his team at Benson Community, you are immediately struck by three things: 

First of all, the passion they have for what they do; second, the energy and determination they have to succeed; and third the enjoyment and pleasure they and others get from what they do within the Community.

Paul says that for him it's all about 'giving back to society'.

You just have to watch and see his face light up when a young person who has never ridden a bike before, let alone ever owned a bike, manages to master the skill of cycling for the first time.

Just see what it means to Paul to see the reaction of the child. For Paul and the team, their message to all those who take part is that there are 'no limits to what you can achieve'.

The Benson Community should be proud of what they have achieved in such a short period of time.

In addition to cycling classes and tuition, the Benson Community offers football, basketball and other activities within the Community. Hundreds of people, of all ages, have enjoyed taking part and being involved.  

Over the years, Paul and Errol have not only given countless hours of their time for free, they have also dipped into their own pockets to buy equipment. 

Much of what is delivered is provided at the Hadley Stadium in Smethwick.  

In addition, equipment needed for their activities is often transported by van to parks and open spaces so more people can take part and enjoy the value of coming together as one community.   

For Paul and the team, it's all about creating a better society for all as the project has no boundaries.  For more details on the Community, to donate what you can and to support them in what ever way you can, contact Paul Landucci on 07882 079454.

Photography courtesy Benson Community.

For more on The Benson Community, click here. 

Inside the amazing Library of Birmingham. (August 13th 2021)

The Library's 'Secret Garden' on the 7th floor (13th August 2021)

City views from the Secret Garden

Here looking down at Centenary Square from 50 metres above it in the Secret Garden.

Here's a selection of views over the city.

Here's some of the amazing flowers that can be found in the Secret Garden.

All the amazing photography from our community contributors Daniel Sturley and Elliott Brown.

For our feature on the Library of Birmingham, one of our Birmingham Gems go HERE.

For our Birmingham Gems interactive map, go HERE.

For all Birmingham Gems, go to www.BirminghamGems.com.

“Map & Track” is a community engagement package run on several on-line communities powered by digital tech specialists, Your Place Your Space. 

This is all part of a digital drive to connect more communities with their built environment and connect more developers, construction companies and architects with people who live and work in the places where they are building.

Social impact and the way the industry and its members can demonstrate the social value to the community resulting from the build is shaping many decisions today. “Map and Track” is all about building community connections that drive social value and create even greater social impact for the benefit of all.

Why Birmingham? Why the built environment?

Birmingham is a City undergoing huge change.  People want to know what’s up, what’s going up and what’s in the stage of being planned. 

There is an increasing number of people in Birmingham who enjoy modern architecture and love to follow the builds as they take shape. These are all people who, through their passion, enthusiasm and interest, can play an important role in shaping the future for the industry and encourage others to get involved.

Birmingham was an obvious place to launch our first digital space for connecting community with construction and construction with community.

“Map & Track” gives developers, architects and construction companies an effective way to engage and connect with people with shared values and it gives community an effective way of getting involved.

Over 100,000 people now follow a Your Place Your Space community and our built environment sites and associated maps are now regular visited by people as a source of information, ideas and even inspiration. That’s just for Birmingham!

Starting with Birmingham, we have set up multiple accounts on traditional social media channels and this drives our huge and growing following.  For example, visit the largest twitter account of its type at https://twitter.com/BirminghamWeAre and our new dedicated account for builds at https://twitter.com/BuildsWeAre

We are currently rolling out a number of dedicated domains powered by Your Place Your Space digital technology on which will sit our ‘Map and Track’ application.

www.ItsyourBuild.com

covering the built environment as a passion.

www.BirminghamWeAre.com

covering the built environment as one of over 20 passions.

www.ArchitectureAndUs.com

early in design but will feature builds of architectural value to Birmingham.

All of the above are featuring projects that use “Map and Track”.

Costs

“Map & Track” will ensure that information about your company, your property and your values (as well as links to contacts and websites) reaches more people and helps attract and grow a large following for you and your builds.

Costs start at £650 per annum per property featured (discounted for multiple properties) and your brand will appear prominently with every property featured.

Step by step, this is how it works!

Step 1

JOIN our community as an individual and/or organisation.

First, we’ll get you and your organisation listed at ItsYourBuild and other communities as appropriate.

Register HERE.

Step 2

We’ll SET UP your build(s) and project(s) for all followers to see.

This could be a new build, an existing property, an example of great architecture, or a feature you’d like to run with community contributors such as a photography tour, a ‘did you know’ series, a topic for a survey or a debate.

Select your interest and tell us more HERE. 

If it’s a new build, then our team may already be featuring it at It's your build and we can move forward several steps, attach your branding and engage our followers in the build.

Step 3

MAP the project.

If the project relates to a new or existing build where the application process has been followed, then it should already be included on our Map. If not, it will now be added.

We will now create a site view with a link to take viewers and followers to your property on the map.

Step 4

Add your BRAND.

In partnership with yourselves, we will now ensure your brand is attached to the project. These images, such as the company logo, will subsequently appear on all posts and all material that you sign off prior to it being published.

Add the brands and images you want to see here and promote the project partnership, collaboration and any community links.

Step 5

We’ll create the first POST with links to your PROJECT.

The first introductory post will tell viewers about the project. We’ll do all the work and we will inform you at all stages.

If the project is to tell people about a build, then we would suggest this includes all content that will help promote the build and the organisations involved, the developer, the architect and the contractor. Let’s include those great artist’s impressions as well.

Step 6

Publish through all appropriate channels.

You’ll be given complete digital access to all content via the YourPlaceYourSpace unique Community Workspace, so you can be involved as much or as little as you wish in the creation of posts.

Once you’re happy, we’ll publish and link the post and article to all social media and direct message accounts for maximum exposure.

We’re now up and running and connected to community!

From here, we can discuss your on-going needs and support your community engagement in whatever way you require. 

All for £650 per annum, we’ll add and create ...

Photos, videos, etc building a huge bank of useful and informative content.

Images and build your gallery with the support of our contributors.

Web and URL links to content of your choice.

Multiple posts to drive social media coverage.

Regular content for inclusion in our e-news.

We can also discuss with you ...

Inviting our community contributors to actively participate.

Opening up photo opportunities and visits for creative contributors to attend.

Engaging our community in surveys, polls and discussions.

There is so much we can offer and so many ways we can engage community.

For further details and discuss your requirements:

Jonathan Bostock, ItsyourBuild co-ordinator for FreeTimePays

e: jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net

t: 0121 410 5520

m: 07432 637322

It'sYourBuild

‘We’re all about connecting People and Community with Place, Construction and great Architecture for maximum Social Impact’

It's Your Build is a Community of Passion that utilises Your Place Your Space digital engagement and social media to deliver real change and positive social impact.

It's Your Build is a digital space for people who are passionate about construction and regeneration and want to do whatever they can to promote their passion.

At It's Your Build, we help connect people where passions are shared; we give people FREE access to their very own digital space where they can promote their passion; and we recognise people for the contributions they make through the allocation of Passion Points. Interested? Connect with us HERE.

The reach of Your Place Your Space is huge and is growing with Communities of Passion being rolled out across the UK. 

Companies and organisations keen to support People with Passion play an essential role and we have a range of partnership, sponsorship and advertising packages available.

We can even go as far as to set groups and networks up with their own portal so they can grow their own branded Community of Passion linked to their own website or social media account.

View our Partnership arrangements or connect with us HERE.

Now let's show you what you get with FreeTimePays. 

Your Place Your Space

Your Place Your Space is an impact focused digital platform and social media channel specifically for people who want to make a difference and create a positive social and economic impact.

Your Place Your Space is the social media of choice for 'People with Passion'.

With Your Place Your Space, we help people take their passion to the next level by giving them access to a suite of digital tools and applications.

There are three components to the Your Place Your Space offer.

There’s Community Passport, Community Workspace and Community Matchmaker. Operating right across the platform in recognition of the valuable contribution being made by users is Your Place Your Space gamification. This takes the form of points and rewards for passions shared.

Your Place Your Space is here for people who really want to become involved in their community or with their particular passion and for those people who are really serious about making a difference. It’s our job at Your Place Your Space to provide the tools and functionality that helps bring together those who create the great ideas with those who have the potential to turn an idea into something that really does make a difference.

Community Passport

Passport is a personal space which registered members can make their own. With a passport, members can choose to get involved with their passion and participate in many different ways.

They can view regular content and posts; sort and save this content by type or by passion; they can collect points for giving their views through polls and surveys, attend events or even join a discussion.

With a Your Place Your Space Community Passport, members can follow inspiring people and they can learn more about their community and their passion by following regular ‘Did you Know’ features. And the more they decide to do and the more they get involved, the more points they collect and the greater the opportunity to take up offers and win prizes.

Community Workspace

With their unique Community Workspace, Your Place Your Space is able to help those who are inspired and serious about taking things to the next level. Your Place Your Space will give these people their own access rights environment where they can work on their idea or project.

In this digital space they can work alone, or bring in others to share in building evidence, acquiring knowledge and developing plans. This is the ideal space for working on the business; working on the idea; working on the initiative.

A range of facilities and tools can be found in workspace and users can effectively utilise this space for collating documents, photos, videos and web links, for opening up discussion and chat with others, or for running surveys and analysing results.

Community Matchmaker

The whole focus and rationale for Your Place Your Space is making a difference. It’s our job at YourPlaceYourSpace to provide the tools and functionality that helps bring together those who create the great ideas with those who have the potential to turn an idea into something that really does make a difference.

Matchmaker is where the dreamers can join with the dream makers – with those who are more than happy to put their support, their resources, their connections, and their wealth of experience behind the idea and behind the passionate people responsible for coming up with the idea.

These are the community drivers, the investors, the philanthropists, the funders of great initiatives, the Lottery, and those from local government and the public sector who are responsible for the provision of public services.

These are the people and the organisations who are in positions of making things happen for those who are passionate and inspired to want to make a difference.

For more detail on what is provided by YourPlaceYourSpace connect HERE.

It's Your Build

It's Your Build will grow as a shared space for the many individuals, communities and businesses that will want to connect and share their passion for construction and regeneration.

Their work, their ideas and their proposals can be pulled together in the one collaborative space giving them access to a huge resource bank for sharing images, documents and web links. 

In this space people can chat in a secure environment if they wish; they can set up and promote events; or they can communicate with any of the Your Place Your Space Communities through creating and submitting posts. 

We would be delighted to tell you more.

Contact Jonathan Bostock at jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.com or connect HERE with Your Place Your Space for more information on sharing your passion for construction and regeneration.

This trail takes in 14 wonderful public squares and spaces across Birmingham including:

Start Trail

Oozells Square

Start your trail in the fantastic Oozells Square and home to the wonderful Ikon Gallery.  

Oozells Square.  Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Oozells Square.

BACK TO MAP. It is just a skip and jump to the next square, Central Square and the heart of Brindleyplace. 

Central Square

Central Square is at the heart of Brindleyplace.  More HERE about Central Square.

Central Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Central Square.

BACK TO MAP.  The next square, Centenary Square and the Civic Centre of Birmingham is a short walk away. Enjoy the view down the canal and a walk through Symphony Hall along the way.

Centenary Square 

Passing out of the Symphony Hall, you will enter a quite amazing open space and a highlight of the City surrounded by stunning architecture. More HERE about Centenary Square.

Centenary Square. Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Centenary Square.

BACK TO MAP. The next square, Chamberlain Square in the heart of an area known as Paradise is connected to Centenary Square via a walkway.

. 

Chamberlain Square

Chamberlain Square is where a modern and thriving Birmingham connects with the City's amazing history and heritage. 

Chamberlain Square is home to Birmingham's Town Hall and to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.   

Between 2010 and 2020, the square was completely redeveloped.

Chamberlain Square is at the heart of the Paradise scheme with One Chamberlain Square and Two Chamberlain Square being the two flagship builds of the Paradise development.  

Chamberlain Square. Photography by Mat Burling

Go HERE for more about Chamberlain Square.

BACK TO MAP.  The next square located alongside Chamberlain Square is Victoria Square and is home to Birmingham City Council House. 

Victoria Square

Victoria Square is a magnet for keen photographers.  

Two works of art that can be seen in Victoria Square are the statue of Queen Victoria R and The River water feature, more commonly known as 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi', by Indian sculptor Dhruva Mistry.

Victoria Square.  Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Victoria Square.

BACK TO MAP.  A short walk down Colmore Row and you will find Cathedral Square and home to St Philip's Cathedral. 

Cathedral Square

Built in 1715 as St Philip’s Church in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer, the Cathedral celebrated its 300 year birthday in 2015. 

Cathedral Sqaure.  Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Cathedral Square.

BACK TO MAP.  Continue down Colmore Row and head towards Corporation Street where you will find Old Square, one of the oldest in the City. 

Old Square

Old Square is the gateway to the Steelhouse Conservation Area located between Corporation Street and The Priory Queensway.

In the centre of Old Square is a memorial dedicated to Tony Hancock, who was born in the Hall Green area of the city in 1924.  There is also a Figure of Justice scupture on the pavement in Old Square with a map of Europe and Africa. 

The Tony Hancock Monument in Old Square.  Photography by Elliott Brown

Go HERE for more about Old Square.

BACK TO MAP.  Continue down Corporation Street and over to Aston University Green. 

Aston University Green

Nestled in the middle of the Aston University campus is a wonderful green space. 

Aston University Green.  Photography by Elliott Brown

Go HERE for more about Aston University Green.

BACK TO MAP. A short walk across Aston University and Birmingham City University campuses and you will reach Eastside City Park. . 

Eastside City Park

Eastside City Park is a 6.75 acre urban park located in the Eastside district of Birmingham City Centre.

With HS2, Curzon Street station and many related works planned for Eastside, this wonderful open space close to Millenium Point, Thanktank Science Museum and Birmingham City University will continue to be a major attraction for people visiting the City.

Eastside City Park. Photography by Christine Wright

Go HERE for more about Eastside City Park.

BACK TO MAP.  Head towards the Bullring shopping centre to St Martin's Square, home to St Martin's Church, a Grade II listed building.

St Martin's Square

St Martin's Square is at the gateway to Digbeth and close to the Selfidges building, one of Birmingham's architectural gems.

St Martin's Church in the Bullring dates back to at least the 13th century and the history surrounding the church is absolutely fascinating. 

St Martin's Square. Photography by Elliott Brown

Go HERE for more about St Martin's Square and St Martin's Church..

BACK TO MAP.  Next up is Grand Central Square not far away.

Grand Central Square

Grand Central Square is located outside the entrance to Grand Central and New Street.  A sculpture designed by local artist, Anuradha Patel was installed in 2018 in memory of those who lost their lives in the Birmingham pub bombings in November 1974. The sculpture's "leaves" bear the names of each of the 21 victims. 

The memorial to the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974. Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Grand Central Square.

BACK TO MAP.  Now head along Smallbrook Queensway till you reach Thomas Garden 'Pagoda Island'.

Thomas Garden 'Pagoda Island'

Located on the edge of the Chinese Quarter is Thomas Garden, locally named 'Pagoda Island', at the junction of Holloway Circus, Horse Fair (Bristol Street), Smallbrook Queensway, Suffolk Street Queensway and Holloway Head. 

'Pagoda Island' gets its name from the seven storey granite pagoda that resides there. This is surrounded by chinese style gardens and sculpture. 

Granite Pagoda at Pagoda Island with Beetham Tower behind.  Photography by Elliott Brown

Go HERE for more about Thomas Garden.

BACK TO MAP.  From here take a walk up Holloway Head till you reach St Thomas Peace Garden. . 

St Thomas Peace Garden

This is a small public park close to The Mailbox and The Cube that is designated to peace and is a memorial for all those killed in armed conflict.  What remains of St Thomas' Church which was largely destroyed in the blitz can also be found there.

The St Thomas Peace Garden Railings by Anuradha Patel Photography by Karl Newton.

The park symbolises peace and is a memorial to all those killed in armed conflict. St Thomas Church was built in 1825 and much of it was destroyed in 1940. In 1955, the gardens around it were laid out to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1995, they were re-designed to commemorate 50 years since the end of World War 2.

Go HERE for more about St Thomas Peace Garden.

BACK TO MAP.  From St Thomas Peace Garden take a walk up Bath Row and Islington Row Middleway to find Five Ways Park at Five Ways Island. . 

Five Ways Island

At the busy Five Ways Island is a small public space with wonderful flower beds.  A lovely spot to relax and a great spot to complete a trail of some of Birmingham's public squares and public spaces. 

Five Ways Island. Photography by Daniel Sturley

Go HERE for more about Five Ways Island.

You have reached the end of the trail.

From here you can explore Edgbaston Village and its bars and restaurants or head back to the city or Brindleyplace.   

'Forward in Unity' is a great example of how to bring people together in a massive shared effort against a common enemy, as the Covid-19 virus must continue to be regarded.

The project has helped raise awareness.

The 'Forward in Unity' initiative has raised awareness of the virus and brought people together in recognition of the front-line heroes fighting the virus for the protection of our community.

'Forward in Unity'.  Photography by Paul Cadman.

The project has helped bring people together.

The initiative and the significant coverage it has received has attracted the attention of people, not just in Birmingham but across the UK. 

This and other initiatives all have a vital role in tackling the views of those who, despite clear evidence of the devastation caused by the virus, still act and behave in a way that is not in the interests of their community. 

The project has enthused and inspired others to be creative.

During a time when people have been asked to make huge sacrifices and stay at home, the project and the media coverage received has inspired many to check out their own creativity.

Whether through photography, art, craft-making or the written word, such creativity has become hugely important for people's mental health.   

As an example, the Birmingham Gems Charity Calendar for 2021 dedicated a page on the mural in recognition of the city's amazing artists and creative talent. 

The project has raised much needed funds for local charities.

Prints of all sizes can be purchased in order to support local charities, 

In addition to the prints, a book in celebration of those behind the initiative and across community has also been produced.

Connect HERE and get hold of your very own print (signed, limited edition or unlimited) or your 'Forward in Unity' book.  Help support local Birmingham charities. 

'Forward in Unity' A0 Limited Edition Print

'Forward in Unity' Print (A1 or A2)

'Forward in Unity' Video/Book Folder

'Forward in Unity' Book (2nd edition)

Connect HERE to make a donation to Art4Charity and support local charities.

Paul Cadman, one of the founders of Art4Charity, was the inspiration behind the 'Forward in Unity' mural. Paul is active across the City and involves himself in many charities that need our help during these challenging times.

Covid challenges

These challenges, as we now all too well aware, are huge and will be with us for some considerable time to come.

Community has rallied in many ways and we are looking to pool this hugely valuable community resource as we continue to fight the pandemic and then recover from the pandemic.

Challenge 1:

Stop the spread of mis-information

Challenge 2:

Tackle the impact of Covid on mind and body

Challenge 3:

Tackle the social, economic and educational impact of Covid

How we will help at Message Our World

(1)

Community engagement

Using existing social media channels and our own YourPlaceYourSpace online communities, we have connected with over 100,000 people.  Message our World will tap into that resource and the large and growing connections made by our communities. 

(2)

Accessible bank of resource

We have built a massive bank of imagery that can be used time and time again in messages we put out. More importantly we will open up and share this resource with others in a joint strategy aimed at re-inforcing those messages in order to achieve the desired changes in behaviour and beliefs.

(3)

A showcase of inspiration

With connections already made, we are in touch with so many people and so many communities that are doing amazing work as we all face up to the Covid challenge.  We will continue to showcase the fantastic work they do.

(4)

Community of contributors

The digital tools and solutions we have built are shared with community which allows us to come together to achieve so much more where engagement, action and change is time critical.

(5)

Community collaborations

Collaboration is central to the work we do across YourPlaceYourSpace communities and we will promote and create even more collaborative working.

(6) 

Recognition for a job well done 

People do what they do for many different reasons but it is still great to be recognised for a job well done.  Through gamification, community awards and through our constantly trending #PeopleWithPassion messaging, we recognise people for the time they put aside for a common cause.

Get in touch with us

Pick up the phone and let's chat.  0121 410 5520

Email:  jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net

Connect HERE online.

Birmingham Gems all year round from your great Birmingham We Are community.  

You can download our Birmingham Gems Calendar we have two printable versions in either A3 or A4. 

To download a high quality file (50mb) select HERE.

To download a standard print file (4mb) select HERE.

Take a look through our landscape version, select download and print and enjoy this wonderful calendar. Alternatively save the link and enjoy online.

Whichever you choose please make a donation (we suggest £5) to one of the charities we are supporting:

For Birmingham Museums, go HERE.

For Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity, go HERE.

For Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity, go HERE..

To download your high quality print version of the calendar, connect HERE.

Download and print your Birmingham Gems calendar as A3 or A4. 

To download a high quality file (50mb) select HERE.

To download a standard print file (4mb) select HERE.

George Cadbury lived from 1839 until 1922.

With his brother Richard, they acquired land to the south west of Birmingham in 1878 and built their factory there in 1879. He helped start the development of the Bournville Village from around 1900 onwards. There is no pubs as the Cadbury's were Quakers.

George lived at 32 George Road in Edgbaston from 1872 until 1881. There is an English Heritage blue plaque on this house

The Bournville Village Trust was established in 1900 by George Cadbury.  We take a look at some of the buildings built during George Cadbury's lifetime in the early part of the 20th century.

The Bournville Carillon was built in 1906 by W Alexander Harvey. It is now part of Bournville Junior School. You can sometimes hear the bells ringing if you are in Bournville, it is quite a unique sound!

A bust of George Cadbury is outside of the Quaker Meeting House. That was built in 1905 by W Alexander Harvey. The Cadbury's were Quaker's.

The Rest House in Bournville Village Green. Built in 1914 by W Alexander Harvey to mark the silver wedding of George Cadbury and his then wife. It is now a visitor centre for the Carillon.

If you enter Bournville from the Cotteridge end or the Selly Oak end, you might see this sign. It has a photo of George Cadbury at the top welcoming you to Bournville!

Richard Cadbury lived from 1835 until 1899 and was and elder brother of George.

With his brother George, he took over the family business in 1861, and they eventually acquired land four miles to the south west of Birmingham by 1878 and built the Cadbury chocolate factory a year later. He dontated Moseley Hall to the City of Birmingham, and it is now a hospital.

Richard lived at 17 Wheeleys Road in Edgbaston from 1861 until 1871. There is a English Heritage blue plaque on this house.

Richard Cadbury bought the Moseley Hall estate in 1889. He then gave it as a children's home. It was built in 1795. Is now known as Moseley Hall Hospital.

Another property in Moseley, this one on the Queensbridge Road is the Uffculme Centre (not far from the Highbury Estate). Built for Richard Cadbury in 1890. It was his last home from 1891 until his death in 1899. His family lived there until the death of his widow in 1906. The house was later gifted to the City of Birmingham in 1916 when it became a hospital until around 1999. Now used as a conference centre.

Almshouses built in Bournville by Richard Cadbury for the benefit of the Cadbury workers. The railings were removed during the Second World War, but new ones were installed in 2008 by the Bournville Village Trust.

You might be familiar with this building if you pass through Bournville, either on the train or walking along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The Cadbury Factory building, on this site from 1879 onwards. Cadbury World has been inside part of the site since the early 1990s.

View from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal over looking the Cross City Line South.

The famous Bournville sign.

The famous Cadbury sign.

Post & Photos by Elliott Brown.

The Cube at 25-storeys high is a mixed-use development. It contains apartments, offices, restaurants, a hotel and a 'skyline' Steakhouse Bar & Grill run by award winning chef and celebrity Marco Pierre White.  The Cube even has its own bowling alley.

Taking inspiration from the city’s jewellery making tradition, Ken Shuttleworth's vision for The Cube was to create “an enchanting jewellery box”, rich with light and intricate gold and bronze geometric shapes. 

The building’s iconic jewel-like exterior is complemented by an interior that is filled with evocative bronze sculptures by renowned local street artist, Temper.

The panoramic view of the City from the top of The Cube is stunning.

For the site map select HERE.

Here is a selection of photography from our community.

This one taken during construction of The Cube in 2009.

Photographer: Daniel Sturley.

And here are some of our community's gallery of photography after the build was completed. 

Photographer: Chris Fletcher.

Photography: Daniel Sturley

Photographer: Chris Fletcher

And here are some creative takes on the build.

Photographer: Fay Loewy

Photographer: Imran Ali Bashir

For more detail on the build select HERE.

Coming soon - The Birmingham Gems 'Creativity and Culture Trail'

The Cube will be featured in an amazing trail of modern architecture across the City and a new showcase of creativity to be launched on a new Birmingham Gems interactive digital platform later this year.  

To find out more contact:

Jonathan Bostock, email: Jonathan.Bostock@peoplemattersnework.com 

07432 637322

For the trail select HERE.

For the site map select HERE.

For more detail on the build select HERE.

Artists impression courtesy Glenn Howells Architects.

For a gallery of great images and photography from our community select HERE.

Photographer: Stephen Giles.

Photographer: Daniel Sturley.

Photographer: Reiss Gordon-Henry

Photographer: Elliott Brown

This is a YourPlaceYourSpace initiative and collaboration with BirminghamWeAre to engage community in their built environment. 

For more information contact us on 0121 410 5520 or email jonathan.Bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net. 

In 20th place ....

Photographer: Daniel Tonks

In 19th place ....

Photographer: Maria Reaney

In 18th place ....

Photographer: Fiona Probert

In 17th place ....

Photographer: Joy Batchelor

In 16th place ....

Photographer: Karen Elizabeth Bucknall

In 15th place ....

Photographer:  Jay Mason Burns

In 14th place ....

Photographer:  Damien Walmsley

In 13th place....

Photographer: Liam Nicholls

In 12th place....

Photographer:  Mac McCreery

In 11th place....

Photographer: Rachel Dean

In 10th place....

Photographer: Stephanie Jackson

In 9th place....

Photographer: Julia Moyse

In 8th place....

Photographer: Sylwia Ciszewska Peciak

In 7th place....

Photographer: Goodfella

In 6th place....

Photographer: TellyVision

In 5th place....

Photographer: Phil Hook

In 4th place....

Photographer: Tony Mayo

In 3rd place....

Photographer: Kevin Maslin

In 2nd place....

Photographer: Charlie Tomlinson

And the winner is:

Photographer: Jack Crook

Our Judges

Many thanks to our judges who helped with the extremely difficult task of selecting our top 20 photographs.

• Nicola Beckford, Presenter/Journalist, BBC News
• Anita Bhalla, Chair, Performances Birmingham Limited
• Councillor Ian Ward, Leader, Birmingham City Council
• Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands
• Rebecca Woods, BBC Online
• Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, Birmingham
• Earl Falconer, musician, UB40
• Robin Campbell, musician, UB40
• David Furmage, Creative & Cultural Lead, GBSLEP
• Ruth Millington, art historian, critic & blogger
• Albert Wallace, owner, the bmag

Exhibition and video of photography

When restrictions ease we hope to run an exhibition of the photography.  With the wonderful UB40 providing the backing music, we will also be pulling the brilliant images together in a video and memory of times during Lockdown. 

Competitions, programmes and initiatives and celebrations of Creativity, Culture and Community

To find out more about our ongoing initiatives and our forthcoming events and festivals, please contact Jonathan Bostock on 07432 637322 or email jonathan.bostock@yourplaceyourspace.net 

The Two Towers at Sarehole Mill

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Sarehole Mill open day

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Sarehole Mill

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Sarehole Mill

Photo courtesy Tammie Naughton

 264 Wake Green Road - Tolkien's home from 1896 - 1900

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Sarehole Mill

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

The Oratory

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

The Two Towers from The Oratory

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Birmingham Oratory - Hagley Road

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Birmingham Oratory

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Birmingham Oratory

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Moseley Bog

Photo courtesy Peter Leadbetter

Moseley Bog

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Moseley Bog

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Moseley Bog

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

Moseley Bog

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown