Duddeston and Nechells Redevelopment Area

From UK Housing Wiki

Duddeston and Nechells Redevelopment Area was a large redevelopment area designated by Sir Herbert Manzoni which included the areas of Duddeston and Nechells in Birmingham.

After sustaining heavy damage during World War II bombing raids, as a result of its close proximity to targets such as factories and gas works, the area was named as one of five regeneration areas of the city with 267 acres of land in Duddeston and the adjoining Nechells prepared for redevelopment under the Housing Act of 1936.

Most of the area was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. This began with the construction of four tower blocks, which were the first tower blocks in the city. Collectively known as the Duddeston Four, the 12-storey High, Queens, Home and South Towers, were all completed between 1954 and 1955 to a design by SN Cooke and Partners. They consist of a stretched X-shaped footprint and have brick cladding with porthole shaped windows. The design was expensive and upon their completion, they were criticised by the council over their cost, despite received positive reviews from the "Municipal Journal" and "Architectural Review".

In the 1990s, they were refurbished and a new security system was installed.

Also as part of the regeneration area was Nechells Green which is mixed with the Duddeston Four creating a total of 10 tower blocks plus other shorter blocks.