The Twentieth Century Society

Campaigning for outstanding buildings

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Smallbrook Ringway and Station Street, Birmingham Walking Tour

The Electric Cinema, Birmingham

21/07/2024

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Birmingham

Smallbrook Ringway and Station Street, Birmingham Walking Tour 

Sunday 21 July 2024

Start Time: 2pm

Finish Time: 5pm

Meeting Place: Station Street (right by New Street Station), Birmingham

Joe Holyoak is an architect and urban designer based in Birmingham, his experience includes master planning, regeneration and community engagement. Joe is the Chair of Birmingham City Council’s Conservation and Heritage Panel and undertakes case work for the Twentieth Century Society and the Victorian Society. Previously Joe was Director of the MA (Urban Design) course at Birmingham City University.  Joe will be leading a walking tour of Smallbrook Ringway and Station Street.  The tour will include:

  • The Ringway Centre designed by James Roberts between 1958-60, known for its dramatic long curve elevation, decorated with concrete sculptural panel, and illuminated by uplighters.  It is currently under threat of demolition. 
  • The Rotunda, a cylindrical high-rise tower was designed by the same architect as the Ringway Centre and completed in 1965, originally designed as an office block.  It is the city’s most celebrated tower and described by historians as “the best piece of mid-20th century urban design in Birmingham”. The Rotunda is Grade II Listed.
  • The Sentinels are two tall towers on Holloway Head called Cydesdale Tower and Cleveland Tower. They were part of the major Council regeneration housing scheme.
  • The Electric Cinema, the first purpose designed cinema, a listing application is being considered for the cinema.
  • The Repertory Cinema, the first repertory theatre, which is Grade II Listed.
  • Other twentieth century surprises along the tour.

 

C20 Society Members: £8

Non-Members: £18

Students: £16

 

Two free places: send email explaining why you want a free place to c20westmidlands@gmail.com 

Lunch not included.

Click Here for our cancellation policy.

Not a member yet? Join here and benefit from member only events.

Looking to support our campaigning? Donate to our casework here.

The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider.

The Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244

Image: The Electric Cinema, Birmingham.
Image credit: Backlight Pictures


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