Stephenson Tower (Birmingham)

United Kingdom / England / Birmingham
 historical layer / disappeared object  Add category
Stephenson Tower is a 63 metre tall residential block of flats, located above the servicing area of New Street station. It was constructed as part of the reconstruction of the station from 1963 to 1965, and named after the pioneering railway engineer George Stephenson.

The council-owned block was poorly maintained and, to many, became an eyesore. By 2010 most of the 80 flats were emptied of their residents and in December 2010, preparations began for the demolition of the tower which will be carried out over the course of 2011 by an excavator slowly demolishing the block from the roof. This is to minimise the creation of dust in the process which could effect railway services and telecommunications equipment at the Hill Street exchange on the opposite side of Hill Street.

The site is to become a new main entrance to the station, creating a north-south pedestrian route directly through it. Original plans mooted the construction of two towers, flanking the entrance with residential apartments in one and office space in the other. However, recent news of a potential John Lewis store at the Pallasades shopping centre could mean that the towers be scrapped for the extension of the shopping centre to accommodate it. Specific details regarding the store are not available.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   52°28'36"N   1°53'58"W

Comments

  • This towerblock holds sooooo many memories. From good to bad, From sad to happy. From relationships being born to relationships being killed. From times when I spent the whole weekend watching people shop in the centre of town. I want to see this tower block, not because I want it to be knocked down but because I want to say good bye,. Does that make sense?
This article was last modified 11 years ago