Replace the Battery

1.03.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Jun 2009

Local councillors have called for a new landmark after the Battery office building was demolished. (Photo: The Development of Birmingham)

Local councillors have expressed disappointment about the demolition of the old Battery office building on Bristol Road and called for a good quality replacement when the site is developed. Although the Battery building was not listed, it was a local landmark.

Selly Oak councillor Dave Radcliffe said: "It is a pity that Sainsburys have not taken better care of the Selly Oak Battery building, although I appreciate that safety concerns would require action."

"The Battery building was a local landmark and Sainsburys should ensure that its replacement is also a good quality, well designed landmark building. The redevelopment of the Battery site is a great opportunity for regenerating the Selly Oak local centre, opening up the canal space and bringing new jobs to our area. But we should also expect it to complement and enhance the appearance of the area - too many modern developments are just featureless boxes."

As the Battery building was not listed, or in a conservation area, no planning consent was required for its demolition. The preservation of the building, or at least the frontage, had been included in discussions on planning permission for the development of the whole Battery site. However, as Sainsburys have not begun building there were no grounds for the Council to take action. Sainsburys are currently looking for a development partner for the site before any building begins.

Pictures of the inside of the old Battery office building are available online at http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=38355

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Photo by The Development of Birmingham.