Overview of Conservation Trust

Birmingham Conservation Trust:

 is a small charity which rescues historic buildings at risk in Birmingham  finds imaginative and sustainable new uses for them  undertakes sensitive repairs  creates attractive places to live and work  is a building preservation trust and a member of the Association of Preservation Trusts – UKAPT. Some of our Volunteer Trustees at a visit to Yardley

Birmingham Conservation Trust is a charity which is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of up to thirteen Trustee Directors, three of whom are Birmingham City Councillors. One of those councillors is the Chairman of the Board. Currently based at a office, but planning to move to 13-15 Fleet Street (Coffin Fitting Works) when repairs are completed.

Our current Trustee Directors are: Contact Details  Cllr. Bob Beauchamp (Chair)  Cllr. Keith Linnecor Elizabeth Perkins  Cllr. Carol Jones 0121 303 2664  Nick Booth [email protected]  Les Sparks OBE Postal address: P.O. Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU  Jane Arthur

 Jennifer Price Address: I Lancaster Circus, Suffolk  Carol Bowsher Street, Queensway, Birmingham B4 7DJ  Jason Ashman  Leigh Walker Chair of Trustee Directors Bob Beauchamp The Trustee Directors are responsible 0121 303 2130 for formulating the strategy and [email protected] policies of the Trust.

There is one paid full-time member of staff - Elizabeth Perkins is Director of BCT and is responsible for the management of the Trust and its projects.

Suzanne Carter is on a temporary part-time contract as Development Officer.

Current Projects

We generally have a number of projects on the go at once, of various shapes and sizes. Currently we are actively working on Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works as our major project and we have just completed a detailed draft Options Appraisal for the Highbury Estate in Moseley, which will be going out for consultation soon.

We are assisting the City Council with a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of Moseley Road Baths, and we are investigating the possibility of acquiring a small but highly decorative semi- derelict cemetery chapel in Yardley.

However we maintain our interest in a number of other buildings, including Curzon Street Station and Christopher Wray’s former premises, both in the rapidly changing Eastside area.

We are also in discussion with the Council about two significant historic buildings in Erdington – Rookery House and Pype Hayes Hall, both in need of major repairs and sustainable new futures.

We offer a range of services and expertise, including consultancy work for local authorities, students and community groups. We offer expertise on where to access funds for historic buildings, historic building maintenance, and how to work with local communities. We are commissioned to write options appraisals on buildings at risk, funding bids, conservation management and businesses plans, and undertake public consultation.

Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works , Birmingham

 Extraordinary time capsule (featured on Restoration)  Building refurbishment planned for 2012 – 2013 and will create a new base for BCT  Light touch restoration to retain the atmosphere of the factory  Offices will be available to rent – these will provide an income to develop a vibrant and engaging place

where visitors come for tours, learning and The Tin Box Theatre Company at the special events. Coffin Fittings Works

Past Project Examples

19th century Back-to-Backs, Hurst Street/Inge Street, Birmingham opened 2004 (now managed by the National Trust). BCT developed the scheme, raised funds and completed the building works.

Early 19th century townhouses in Jewellery Quarter restored for use by small businesses. We worked with a private developer to create over 5000 sq. ft of serviced business units, bringing in new enterprises to the area and acting as a catalyst for other improvements.

Secured funding for the restoration of Bell’s Farm, an impressive high status timber-framed farmhouse, now in community use.

The Brewmaster’s House – a fine Georgian house between the ICC and Brindley Place.

Worked in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Friends of End Cemetery to fundraise and identify a future for the Mortuary Chapels.

Wrote the Options Appraisal and identified new uses for Archway of Tears, the gateway of the former Workhouse, now marooned in the City Hospital car park.