Seen Longbridge lately?

I grew up in what is now the Birmingham suburb of Longbridge, where used to be the biggest factory in the country. The company at the time was called British Motor Corporation (BMC). They made the Mini (and more) there.

Over the years the British car industry fell apart. BMC changed hands a few times, bits got sold off,and it was all rather a sad story. Part of the site is now owned by a Chinese company, who produced a few cars there. But it was suggested to me that even they are now only interested in the land.


While visiting the other week, I made my usual inspection tour of the area. The grand redevelopment is well underway. I saw that even the old 'Aero' site now boasts a brand new housing development. The pictures above are of the same spot, last month and in the 1960s respectively.










A smart looking new retirement village has sprung up on another part of the site, and the Longbride 'Town Centre', with a park, pub, and several shops, is coming on well.



Image below courtesy British Motor Industry Heritage Trust