Developer rediscovers hidden history
Birmingham-based developer Cordia Blackswan has uncovered a series of hidden historical gems as the team undertakes the redevelopment of a number of sites along Great Hampton Street.
Cordia Blackswan takes great pride in their ethos to develop and deliver characterful developments that retain key historical features.
While undertaking the demolition of The Lamp Works, Cordia Blackswan uncovered three individual ghost signs.
While the signs are slightly hard to decipher, they are believed to mark the former home of J.R. Stevens, a tailors, hosier, and general outfitters store which traded on Great Hampton Street around 100 years ago.
On the other side of the building, two further ghost signs were also revealed.
The first (pictured) at 30 Great Hampton Street is the home of 'Strawbridge Painter & Glazier ', estimated to be at least a century old.
These are believed to showcase the former home of a 'glass, china and all kinds of Earthenware ', glazed or unglazed nonvitreous pottery that is normally fired below 1,200 degrees Celsius.
At their latest site and new HQ at 22a Great Hampton Street, Cordia Blackswan 's development partners - who are transforming the building into a combination of high-quality offices and a community cafe - have discovered a range of beautiful original features that will inspire the final refurbishment.
When removing the current concrete flooring, the team discovered some original flooring tiles and flowers in a plethora of untraditional bright colours, including red, yellow, green, purple, and turquoise.
The tiles date back to the 1880s and were discovered in the former Banking Hall of the ground floor of the building.
Cordia Blackswan intend to restore and retain the tiles which will soon be transformed into a caf� space.
The refurbishment of this Grade II listed former Lloyds Bank building showcases Cordia Blackswan 's development approach.
Once complete, the 15,000 sq ft building will feature six office suites with the former banking hall transformed into an independent caf� space for local business and the community to utilise.
At the former shop at The Nightingale, the home of The Gothic; when undertaking a recent removal of the shop frontage, Cordia Blackswan discovered an old mosaic fa�ade for the 'Ye Olde Engine Tavern '.
According to the Birmingham History Forum and Midlands Pubs, the Engine Tavern was trading from the 1830 's originally as a beer house.
In the 19th Century, it was believed to be a homebrew house and other pubs in this throughfare included the Balmoral Inn, Saint George 's Vaults and the Star and Garter.
Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: "Our approach combines both restoration and regeneration and these hidden history features are often used to inform our planning and design decisions.
"We couldn 't wait to share these hidden gems with the local community and will be showcasing our further plans for Great Hampton Street soon - keep your eyes peeled! ”