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Derelict factory on York Road, HALL GREEN, Birmingham
- Thread starter Roma HG
- Start date
bobbytwentyone
proper brummie kid
I think this was Veloce Ltd, makers of the famous Velocette motorcycle.
superdad3
master brummie
See also lots of info on Forum under Velocette factories. Enthusiasts can read up [lots of phots] at https://velobanjogent.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-velocette-factory-looking-through.htm Here's a location map from the site. Factory long gone and houses occupy the site. On the extreme right of the map is I think the Rolls Royce factory - a hugh site. I think this has also been demolished & houses built on site.
The Velocette Factory was taken over by Rolls Royce. - Here is the factory in 1945 - You can see the plan still looks much the same as the map posted by Superdad.
Then the factory was extended - and the "Derelict Factory" that Roma asked about was built on the opposite side of the road. It is not a factory, as MWS pointed out it is an electrical substation, in a very long, thin building - It's fronted by an imposing frontage with a glass stairwell at one end that makes it look like an office block or factory. Here is the Rolls Royce Factory back in 2000 with the Electric substation facing it across York Road.
Now the Rolls Royce Factory has been demolished with new housing built on the site - but the long, thin Electrical Substation with the imposing wall-like high facade is still there.
As can be seen on Google Streetview...
www.google.co.uk
Then the factory was extended - and the "Derelict Factory" that Roma asked about was built on the opposite side of the road. It is not a factory, as MWS pointed out it is an electrical substation, in a very long, thin building - It's fronted by an imposing frontage with a glass stairwell at one end that makes it look like an office block or factory. Here is the Rolls Royce Factory back in 2000 with the Electric substation facing it across York Road.
Now the Rolls Royce Factory has been demolished with new housing built on the site - but the long, thin Electrical Substation with the imposing wall-like high facade is still there.
As can be seen on Google Streetview...
Google Maps
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www.google.co.uk
Attachments
It may not be "Derelict" at all! - See this view on Google Streetview from Wisley Brook Lane on the other side - You can see the top of the electrical equipment above the wall.
www.google.co.uk
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
www.google.co.uk
superdad3
master brummie
Thanks folk for clarifying. I for one got mixed up between the two sites and decided to research further. Notes are on the Roll Royce site only and not the power station site.
1899: Hunphries & Dawes set up in Birmingham as cycle manufacturers,
c1911: H & D started production of two-stroke motor cycles at the Hall Green Works,
1926: The partners split up and Dawes Cycles Ltd. continued at the Hall Green Works making cycles [PS: I remember Dawes bikes as a lad as I imagine do many other forum members?]
c1927: Site taken over by Velocette. They also started as cycle makers in Birmingham but expanded into motorbikes and bought the Hall Green Works where they remained until 1971. As mentioned above there is a great Veleocettie site. Here's just three pics at Hall Green.
After closure in 1971, the original factory was demolished. The new building was occupied by Goodrich Engine Control Systems but in 2008 Goodrich & Rolls Royce formed a joint company to operate on site as Rolls Royce Goodrich Engine Control Systems. In 2012 it became wholly owned bv Rolls Royce trading as Aero Engine Controls. Not sure but I think Rolls Royce relocated to Birmingham Business Park in about 2016 and buildings demolished and site used for housing. Hope this is of interest.
1899: Hunphries & Dawes set up in Birmingham as cycle manufacturers,
c1911: H & D started production of two-stroke motor cycles at the Hall Green Works,
1926: The partners split up and Dawes Cycles Ltd. continued at the Hall Green Works making cycles [PS: I remember Dawes bikes as a lad as I imagine do many other forum members?]
c1927: Site taken over by Velocette. They also started as cycle makers in Birmingham but expanded into motorbikes and bought the Hall Green Works where they remained until 1971. As mentioned above there is a great Veleocettie site. Here's just three pics at Hall Green.
After closure in 1971, the original factory was demolished. The new building was occupied by Goodrich Engine Control Systems but in 2008 Goodrich & Rolls Royce formed a joint company to operate on site as Rolls Royce Goodrich Engine Control Systems. In 2012 it became wholly owned bv Rolls Royce trading as Aero Engine Controls. Not sure but I think Rolls Royce relocated to Birmingham Business Park in about 2016 and buildings demolished and site used for housing. Hope this is of interest.
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