abandoned factory in Birmingham, do you know what it was ?

[King_cooper]

Do you know was this was ?
I asked a few people and im told it was a old push Bike factory ???


172 by king_cooper1, on Flickr


171 by king_cooper1, on Flickr


170 by king_cooper1, on Flickr


169 by king_cooper1, on Flickr


168 by king_cooper1, on Flickr

 

[DeeHants]

Whereabouts is that? It's similar architecture to the BSA factory off the A45 to the north east.

 

[perjury saint]

Not 100% sure but I think thats the old co-op furniture factory...

 

[humberchristop]

This is Hercules cycle and motor company in Aston, Birmingham. One of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. founded by Sir Edmund Crane and his brother. Made Spitfire parts and items related to the first and second World War sold to tube Investments in 1946 and then eventually part of Raleigh in Nottingham in 1960

please post more pictures!

wow! I am into old bicycle history research and I collect Hercules bicycles!

 

[John_D]

This is Hercules cycle and motor company in Aston, Birmingham. One of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. founded by Sir Edmund Crane and his brother. Made Spitfire parts and items related to the first and second World War sold to tube Investments in 1946 and then eventually part of Raleigh in Nottingham in 1960

please post more pictures!

wow! I am into old bicycle history research and I collect Hercules bicycles!

As Hercules Cycles came into being only in 1910 and the date above the 'Offices' door is 1899 then is this the old Dunlop factory that Hercules took over 1923/24 (Britannia Works) or another ex Dunlop factory that they acquired in 1929?

 

[flyboys90]

Amazing brickwork.

 

[st33ly]

It says co-op on the building. I know, I've been there and pass it quite a lot.

 

[Seffy]

Looks like that could be a good derp, anyone been inside?

 

[mookster]

It's the Co-Operative Furniture Factory.

Nothing much left inside most of it is burnt out, homeless people have been known to be resident inside as well.

 

[humberchristop]

HERCULES CYCLE AND MOTOR COMPANY HISTORY FROM MY BOOK

Founded in September, 1910 with a capital of just L 124.00 They produced 1000 bicycles in their first year from two rented rooms, assembling the cycle frames in the street.

And in 1923 with a revival in the cycle trade expanded into a new factory in Rocky Lane, recently vacated by Dunlop.

By 1929 the company had opened a new factory at Manor Hill, and provided employment for over 10,000 workers

So, the question is:
Where exactly is this factory?

Rocky Lane or Manor Hill?

Hercules was the largest bicycle manufacturer by the 1930's and it's development was financed by the ploughing back of retained profits.

 

[sleepless]

Here's another post with internal photos:
http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=18828&highlight=belmont+row+birmingham

 

[The Archivist]

According to this page here, it's been many things:

It was the Headquarters for the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company, and it housed rubber manufactory. By 1918 it was occupied by the Co-Operative Society, which used the premises to make underwear. In 1931 the factory was making pianos, and by 1941 bedsteads.

Seems both furniture factory and bicycle factory are correct.

 

[mookster]

Whatever it chose to be, now it's royally fooked!

 

[wing nut]

Hi all , new to all this , but took a few photos on Friday , loads of activity around .scaffold is up to stop it collapsing on top of the work guys] it doesn't look like the buildings going to be up for much longer !

 

[Dirus_Strictus]

loads of activity around .scaffold is up to stop it collapsing on top of the work guys] it doesn't look like the buildings going to be up for much longer !

You may be correct. However; the 2009 restoration plans had the outer walls being supported by scaffold, whilst the interior was gutted out and a steelwork frame inserted to support the Victorian exterior and the new interior build. Either the continued exposure to the elements, since the 2008 survey, has rendered the structure unsound or the developers have finally got up off their arses. I won't be holding my breath for a good outcome!

 

[Derelict-UK]

Just looked in your gallery Wing Nut, and going by this picture, I would say they are more likely to save it than demolish it, otherwise they wouldn't have boarded up the window frames (they haven't had glass for years).

Hope you don't mind me pasting your picture in!

 

[themousepolice]

there are at least 3 other reports of this place on here. full history included. its just off Curzon St in an area they now call Eastside (but to old time Brummies its know as Vauxhall) do a bit of searching on here and you should find all you need to know

 

[themousepolice]

http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=18828#.USyH56KeOSo

this link should take you to a previous report

 

[st33ly]

Was it derelict before the fire does anyone know?

 

[themousepolice]

yes it was empty before the fire. incidently just behind the site over the waste ground is a canal tunnel, very long and straight (its correct name escapes me at this point in time) although not derelict or abandonded its worth a peek for those who like damp holes