Today we wanted to explore the best, most impressive buildings of Birmingham that we have sadly lost.
The city is home to many architectural gems such as Aston Hall, New Street Station and the cathedral, but what are the city’s best buildings that are no longer standing?
Here’s our pick:
1. BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham
Pebble Mill Studios, a historic BBC Midlands base on the Pershore Road in Edgbaston closed in 2004 and was demolished, with the site now housing the Birmingham Dental Hospital and other developments, including student accommodation. | pebblemill.org
2. Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Square
The Birmingham Central Library was the main public library in the city from 1974 until 2013. It was demolished in 2016, after 41 years, as part of the redevelopment of Paradise Circus. The Library’s architecture was unique | Flikr
3. The Gaumont Cinemas, Colmore Circus
The Gaumont, a notable landmark at the end of Colmore Row, was a popular spot for many Brummies. It opened as the Gaumont Palace Theatre, boasting 8,000 electric lamps and a Compton organ. In the 60s, it underwent a major refurbishment, including the installation of Europe’s largest screen for Cinerama. It showed The Sound of Music on 70mm for over three years from May 1965 and was a hotspot for blockbusters like Star Wars and Jaws in the 70s. It remained a single-screen cinema until its closure in 1983, and was demolished in 1986. | wonderlandbirmingham
4. Bingley Hall
Bingley Hall in Birmingham was the first purpose-built exhibition hall in Great Britain. It was built in 1850 and burned down in 1984. The International Convention Centre now stands on the site. Here, the British statesman, Joseph Chamberlain (1836 - 1914), delivers his speech on 'The Tarriff Question' in Bingley Hall, Birmingham on November 4, 1903. | Getty Images