IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
BIRMINGHAM, B9 9NX

One of numerous similar establishments in the surrounding area.

An OS cutmark on a stone on the front face of the Image which is now a hostel for destitute & homeless men. Mark originally levelled at 124.26m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

In an effort to continue to record the evolution of this former Police Station since its closure soon after Image and a period during which it lay empty Image, this photo confirms that it has now been turned into a hostel. Little external evidence that it was once the local 'nick' is now visible, the carved stonework above the doorway having been covered by the banner. There is a small sign beside the door, informing the public of alternative means to contact the West Mids police service.

When Davis Stowell photographed this building in September 2006, it was still in use as a police station. Image Since then it has closed, and been partially boarded up. The Police now cover this area from other stations. The building has been for sale, and some months ago a planning application was made to turn it into a 30 bed hostel for destitute men. This upset a number of local people and traders. According to the Birmingham Mail of the 24th August 2010, "Traders and residents, more than a hundred of who have backed a petition opposing the scheme, fear it will lower the tone of the area and claim it could attract criminal elements". Meanwhile many of the 31,000 plus residents of Bordesley Green, who didn't sign the petition, have been telling the Police that their main concerns are drug dealing and the crimes associated with it, anti-social behaviour, the unauthorised dumping of litter, graffiti, and the dangerous driving of motor vehicles in the area. To that can be added the fact that the area is a hot spot for uninsured motor vehicles, and that in recent years there has sometimes been massive fraud in local elections, involving intimidation and a large number of fraudulent postal votes, which has resulted in some councillors being disqualified. So probably for most people, the future of the police station is a bit of a minor issue. September 2012 update - the building is now in use as a hostel.

The old Fire Station in Bordesley Green has recently been renovated and turned into offices and flats.

Bordesley Green Police and Fire Stations are good examples of civic buildings built on a grand scale in similar styles. The Police Station is still very much in use (and now seems to be discreetly fortified!) whilst the Fire Station has been renovated and converted into offices and flats.