UrbexN8
Active member
HISTORY
Opened in 1905, by the late 1960s Longbridge employed around 25,000 workers. A wide variety of products have been produced at the site during its history, although the core product has been cars, most notably the Original 2 door Mini. During the Second World War the main plant produced munitions and tank parts, while the nearby East Works of Austin Aero Ltd at Cofton Hacket produced several types of aeroplane such as the Short stirling and the Hawker Hurricane.
Originally a printing factory built on green fields the site has had a variety of private owners, as well as a period of state ownership. Since the collapse of MG Rover in 2005 part of the site has been redeveloped for commercial and residential usage. The remaining 69 acres of the site are owned by SAIC.
THE EXPLORE
This explore happened by chance really. We originally set out back a few months ago to find the entrance to the Longbridge Tunnels .
We were astounded by what we seen as we thought the plant been emptied of everything that was related to the old Rover MG's, How wrong was we!
With this in mind we were determined to come back and get some daylight shots of what we found and we finally did.
Inside this place is still just like they had upped and left. Offices had been trashed by the employees no doubt after the sad news but the production line is still pristine as far as a production line goes.
Bodies still litter the line, tools left on tables and benches, even machinery with alarms going off all over the place.
We spent a good 6 hours in here but finally got caught on our way out, albeit very openly walking around as we were happy with the time we got inside so wasn't too bothered if we got caught.
Here are some shots and hope it adds to the history as I know many people have been here many years ago but not seen anything since they have reopened for business.
Still present on the production line stands a couple of Rover 45s
A few shots showing the empty production line
Now down towards the paint area starting off with the paint hoppers (this area still has a strong solvent smell and was pleasantly high once I was done taking the photos)
Those classic MG colours
Then we spot more cars hidden in the faint light in the distance
Now the Paint Shop control room
The office looks as if its seen better days...
Look at this for a stone age computer, no wonder they went bust!
And sadly the fate of this company is here in a mess, broken on the the floor.
Thanks for taking the time to read and hope you enjoyed it.
Opened in 1905, by the late 1960s Longbridge employed around 25,000 workers. A wide variety of products have been produced at the site during its history, although the core product has been cars, most notably the Original 2 door Mini. During the Second World War the main plant produced munitions and tank parts, while the nearby East Works of Austin Aero Ltd at Cofton Hacket produced several types of aeroplane such as the Short stirling and the Hawker Hurricane.
Originally a printing factory built on green fields the site has had a variety of private owners, as well as a period of state ownership. Since the collapse of MG Rover in 2005 part of the site has been redeveloped for commercial and residential usage. The remaining 69 acres of the site are owned by SAIC.
THE EXPLORE
This explore happened by chance really. We originally set out back a few months ago to find the entrance to the Longbridge Tunnels .
We were astounded by what we seen as we thought the plant been emptied of everything that was related to the old Rover MG's, How wrong was we!
With this in mind we were determined to come back and get some daylight shots of what we found and we finally did.
Inside this place is still just like they had upped and left. Offices had been trashed by the employees no doubt after the sad news but the production line is still pristine as far as a production line goes.
Bodies still litter the line, tools left on tables and benches, even machinery with alarms going off all over the place.
We spent a good 6 hours in here but finally got caught on our way out, albeit very openly walking around as we were happy with the time we got inside so wasn't too bothered if we got caught.
Here are some shots and hope it adds to the history as I know many people have been here many years ago but not seen anything since they have reopened for business.
Still present on the production line stands a couple of Rover 45s
A few shots showing the empty production line
Now down towards the paint area starting off with the paint hoppers (this area still has a strong solvent smell and was pleasantly high once I was done taking the photos)
Those classic MG colours
Then we spot more cars hidden in the faint light in the distance
Now the Paint Shop control room
The office looks as if its seen better days...
Look at this for a stone age computer, no wonder they went bust!
And sadly the fate of this company is here in a mess, broken on the the floor.
Thanks for taking the time to read and hope you enjoyed it.
