Birmingham Social Centre

Stirchley’s newest residents have moved in to the empty Whitmarley factory and work is under way setting up the new Birmingham Social Centre; a place for ‘community and learning’. They are a group of students, graduates, teachers, lecturers and out of work activists. They have been told by the landlord that the building is likely to be demolished in six to twelve months time.

‘We want to make a point about waste. Birmingham has the most abandoned buildings in the country and sadly the highest rates of homelessness. Buildings like this are part of Birmingham’s heritage, we want to take care of it while it is unused and put it to use as a community centre’.

SETTLING IN (above):
Cleaning up and painting work has begun. A free tea room and library has been created with donations of books and mugs, and a book shelf has been salvaged from the building. Unwanted mattresses and sofas have been donated or reclaimed. Plans are underway to create free meeting rooms, a free school and a free shop for the public to use. An art exhibition is taking place and a gardening and painting day have been planned.

PRECLUSION: GUERRILLA ART EXHIBITION (below)

-

Preclusion: guerilla art exhibition

-

PHOTOGRAPHING STIRCHLEY
See I am Stirchley gallery for photographs of present day Strichley. If you live or work in Stirchley and would like to be a part of this ongoing project contact Jane This project is independent of the Birmingham Social Centre.

Copyright © 2011 Jane Baker. All Rights Reserved