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Balsall Heath
Balsall Heath is an area of south-east Birmingham in the Sparkbrook ward, roughly one mile from the city centre. The name Balsall is a corruption of Bordeshale which in old English means a sheltered clearing owned by Bord.
The surrounding areas are Calthorpe, Highgate, Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Attwood Green, Moseley Village and Wake Green.
Balsall Heath was first developed in 1830's. The original intention was to create a middle-class estate similar to Calthorpe in Edgbaston.
Several streets of early Victorian villas were laid out, some of which survive, but as the demand for housing soared in the late 19th century, the density increased and many new homes were built, some in the back gardens of existing houses. Most of the early Victorian villas were then demolished and replaced by industrial terraces.
Those terraces that were grouped around courts, with other houses built onto their back walls, were demolished in the 1960's and replaced by low-rise flats and new terraces. The remaining Victorian terraces were preserved but their occupants were re-housed and many of these homes were boarded up.
Some were purchased by speculators and either let to students or sold to new immigrant communities, but others became squats that attracted criminal activity, particularly drug abuse and prostitution.
Edward Road Baptist Church
The Edward Road Baptist Church was built in red-brick and terracotta in 1899; the main facade is richly decorated in cut-brick and brick polychrome patterns; the stepped central gable rises in the form of a cross above the twin west windows and Romanesque doorway.
T 0121 256 2565 Address: Edward Road B12 9LY
Guide Balsall Heath - Edward Road Baptist Church Website
St Barnabas C of E
St Barnabas is a Gothic-style Anglican church on Clifton Road.
Clifton Road B12 8JU - 0121 442 2126 - Map
St Paul's C of E
St Paul's is an Anglican church centre on Mary Street.
100 Mary Street B12 9JU - 0121 440 1138 - Map
St John and St Martin
St John and St Martin is a Roman Catholic church dating from 1896 on George Street.
31 George Street B12 9RG - 0121 440 3025 - Map
Religious Orders in Balsall Heath
Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus
Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus are a religious order of nuns at Hampden Retreat.
35 Hampden Retreat B12 9TB - 0121 440 2523 - Map
Religious Orders in Birmingham - Sisters of Holy Child Jesus Website
Demographics, Politics and Housing in Balsall Heath
This website contains information about demographics, politics and housing in the Sparkbrook council ward including Balsall Heath.
Accident Blackspots in Balsall Heath
Balsall Heath Road
A 5 year-old boy broke his leg after the car in which he was travelling crashed on Balsall Heath Road at approximately 9am on Tuesday 18/01/11 (News Report 18/01/11)
Moseley Road
A car collided with a bus outside Balsall Heath Baths on the Moseley Road on Monday 20th December 2010 (News Archive 20/12/10)
Junction of Edward Road/ Hallam Street/Lincoln Street
This junction is a notorious accident blackspot. In November 2010, residents held a roadside demonstration calling for traffic-calming measures.
Fire & Firefighting in Balsall Heath
14.10.11: Gas Explosion Blows Roof off Takeaway on Stoney Lane
A gas cylinder explosion blew the roof off a fast food takeaway on Stoney Lane at around 5am on Thursday 13th October 2011. Three people living in an upstairs flat were rescued by firefighters (News Headlines 14/10/11).
25.09.11: Police Chase Fugitive into Family House on Varden Croft
Police chased a suspect into a house on Varden Croft after a high-speed pursuit through central Birmingham during the early hours of Monday 19th September 2011: the fugitive was arrested after attempting to hide in the bathroom (News Headlines 25/09/11).
20.09.11: Counter-Terrorism Unit Arrests Seven Terror Suspects in Birmingham
The Counter-Terrorism Unit arrested six men aged 25-32 and one woman aged 22 on suspicion of plotting terrorist offences during the early hours of Monday 19th September 2011; the men were arrested in Balsall Heath, Moseley, Sparkhill, Sparkbrook and Ward End; the woman was arrested in Saltley (News Headlines 20/09/11)
Suspected Arson Attack at Flat on Raglan Road
A 50-year-old man was hospitalised in a serious but stable condition following a suspected arson attack at his flat on Raglan Road at approximately 4.30pm on Wednesday 15th June 2011 (News Headlines 24/06/11).
Fire & Firefighting in Birmingham
A 49-year-old woman was discovered dead with stab wounds in the bath of her home on Lench's Green on Wednesday 24th November 2010.
A 29-year-old woman with mental health issues was charged with her murder (News Archive 30/11/10) and was subsequently convicted of manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court (News Headlines 17/08/11) and jailed for 5 years (News Headlines 21/09/11)
Ammunition Seized on Mary Street
A 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were arrested in possession of ammunition on Mary Street on Thursday 11th November 2010 (News Archive 14/11/10)
Shooting on Woodfield Crescent
A man aged 28 was shot and wounded in the leg on Woodfield Crescent at approximately 10pm on Friday 20/08/10 (News Archive 23/08/10).
Attempted Murder on Moseley Road
A 23-year-old man shot a guest at a birthday party at the Function Suite on Moseley Road on 30/09/09; he was convicted of attempted murder at Birmingham Crown Court in April 2010 (News Archive 17/04/10)
Muggers Steal Dog in Calthorpe Park
Three youths stole a Staffordshire Bull Terrier at knifepoint in Calthorpe Park on 28/08/08.
Further & Higher Education in Balsall Heath
South Birmingham College
The Cannon Hill Campus of South Birmingham College on Edward Road, formerly known as Balsall Heath Women's Academy, offers full and part-time courses to women.
The level of study ranges from basic skills to degree level and includes beauty therapy, business studies, childcare, fashion, textiles, health, social care, ICT and teacher training.
The college contains a student common room, textiles room, fitness centre and learning development centre.
Edward Road B12 9LB Map
Further Education Colleges South Birmingham College Website
Al-Quran Educational Centre
This mosque on Cromer Road has an estimated capacity of 200 worshippers.
17 Cromer Road B12 9QT - Map
Mosques in Birmingham
The Bangladesh Islamic & Social Organisation & Madina Mosque
The Madina Mosque on Moseley Road in Balsall Heath can hold 150 male but no female worshippers; there is a function hall; educational classes and after-school tuition are available.
0121 446 4718 526-528 Moseley Road B12 9AE
Mosques in Birmingham
Clifton Shia Mosque
The Clifton Shia Mosque on Clifton Road in Balsall Heath can hold around 700 male and 700 female worshipers.
The mosque has a function hall and provides a range of services including advice, counselling, after-school tuition, sport activities and a funeral service with Gusal.
0121 446 6437 17 Clifton Road B12 8SX
Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust Jamiah Islamiyah Mosqu
eThe Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust Jamiah Islamiyah Mosque on Ombersley Road has a capacity of 1100 male and 250 female worshippers.
The mosque has a function hall and offers educational classes, sporting activities, social activities, advice & counselling and after-school tuition.
0121 446 6437 17 Clifton Road B12 8SX
Jamia Masjid Bilal
The Jamia Masjid Bilal on Willows Crescent can hold 500 male and 60 female worshippers. The mosque provides educational classes; its facilities include a function hall.
Mosques 1 Willows Crescent B12 9NS
Zawiya Mosque
The Zawiya Mosque on Edward Road in Balsall Heath can hold 300 male and 50 female worshippers; the mosque has a function hall and offers advice, counselling, educational classes and circumcision.
0121 440 1758 294 Edward Road B5 7PH
Mosques in Birmingham
Bhatra Singh Sikh Temple
This Sikh temple is on Mary Street.
221 Mary Street B12 9RN -
MapGuru Ram Das Temple
This Sikh temple is on Moseley Road.
495 Moseley Road B12 9BX - 0121 440 3653 -
Map Balsall Heath Park
Balsall Heath Park is a 9
acre green space with a meadow, playgrounds, hardcourts and landscaped
pathways.
It was created by filling in the Lady Pool in 1900; although numerous
trees were planted, most were destroyed by a freak tornado in 2005
Calthorpe Park
Calthorpe Park is a 23
acre green space with formal gardens, tree clusters, landscaped
pathways, meadows, play areas and hard courts. The River Rea flows
through the park.
Clifton Inn
The Clifton Inn is at the junction of Ladypool Road and Clifton Road. 267-269
Ladypool Road B12 8LF 0121 449 0420
Map George The
George is on Ladypool Road. 176
Ladypool Road B12 8JS 0121 772 7604
Map
Molloys Ceol Castle
Molloys is a bar, music
and dance venue on the Moseley Road.
It holds DJ sets, disco
nights and live music gigs and remains open until 4am from Thursday to
Saturday.
402 Moseley Road B12 9AT
0121 440 4278
Map
Pubs in
Birmingham
Molloys My Space
The Old Moseley Arms is an old-fashioned pub on Tindal Street that
serves real ale and hosts regular beer festivals.
53 Tindal Street B12 9QU - 0121 440 0555 -
Map Snackers Snackers
is located on Mary Street. 189 Mary
Street B12 9RN 0121 440 1211
Map
Bus Routes through Balsall
Heath
Balsall Heath
Camp Hill Freight Line
The Camp Hill Freight Line runs through Balsall Heath. There was a railway station on Brighton Road until passenger services ceased in 1941. The line, which runs roughly parallel to Moseley Road, crosses beneath
Brighton Road, Runcorn Road, Clifton Road, Saint Paul's Road and Ombersley Road.Links: Camp Hill Freight Line
Adil
Adil serves authentic Balti and Tandoori on Stoney Lane.
148-150 Stoney Lane B12 8AJ 0121 449 0335 Map
Kushi
Kushi serves traditional Balti on the Moseley Road.
558 Moseley Rod B12 9AD 0121 449 2311 Map
Lahore
Lahore is a buffet restaurant serving cooked balti and grilled dishes on Ladypool Road.
357-363 Ladypool Road B12 8LA 0121 449 9007 Map
Punjab Paradise
The Punjab Paradise is on Ladypool Road.
377 Ladypool Road B12 8LA 0121 449 4110 Map
Restaurants Outside Inner Circle
Spice Avenue
The Spice Avenue Balti House is on Moseley Road.
562-564 Moseley Road B12 9AD 0121 442 4936 Map
Restaurants Outside Inner Circle
Clifton Primary School
Clifton School on Saint Pauls Road is a community co-educational primary school attended by around 720 children aged between three and eleven.
St Pauls Road B12 8LY 01675 464 2926 Map
Secular State Primary Schools Clifton Primary Website
Heath Mount Primary School
Heath Mount School on Mary Street is a community co-educational primary school attended by roughly four hundred children aged between four and eleven.
Mary Street B12 9ST 0121 464 1691 Map
Percy Shurmer School
Percy Shurmer School on Longmore Street is a community co-educational primary school attended by approximately four hundred children aged between three and eleven.
Longmore Street B12 9ED 0121 464 3431 Map
Secular State Primary Schools Percy Shurmer Website
Tindal Junior and Infant School
Tindal School is a community co-educational primary school attended by approximately 390 children aged between three and eleven.
Tindal Street B12 9QS 0121 464 3049 Map
Secular State Primary Schools Tindal School Website
Al-Burhan Grammar
Al-Burhan Grammar on George Street is an independent girls secondary school attended by around 75 pupils aged between 11 and 18 who are educated in an Islamic environment.
100% of pupils passed five GCSE's including Maths and English at A*/C in 2008.
28A George Street B12 9RG 0121 440 5454 Map
Secondary Schools Al Burhan Grammar Website
Al-Hira School
Al-Hira on Clifton Road is an independent school attended by around 50 boys aged between 10 and 16.
55% of pupils passed five GCSE's including Maths and English at A*/C in 2008.
99-103 Clifton Road B12 8SR 0121 442 6775 Map
Saint Pauls Community Trust School
Saint Pauls Community Trust School on Hertford Street is a co-educational foundation comprehensive attended by pupils who have been excluded, failed or alienated by mainstream schools. No pupils achieved five GCSE's including Maths and English at A*/C in 2009.
Hertford Street B12 8NJ 0121 464 4376 Map
Secondary Schools St Pauls Community Trust Website
Health Services in Balsall Heath
Balsall Heath Health Centre
43 Edward Road B12 9LP - 0345 245 0757 -
MapHealth Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
Cheddar Road Surgery
55 Cheddar Road B12 9LJ - 0845 070 2693 -
MapHealth Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
First Care Practice
8 Cannon Hill Road B12 9NN - 0121 440 4666 -
MapHealth Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
Newport Medical Practice (1)
1 Newport Road B12 8QE - 0121 449 1327 - Map
Health Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
Newport Medical Practice (2)
234 Stoney Lane B12 8AW - 0121 449 9685 -
MapHealth Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
Strensham Road Surgery
4 Strensham Road B12 9RR - 0845 073 0396 -
MapHealth Centres & GP Surgeries in Brum
BMX/Climbing/Skateboarding @ Creation Centre
The Creation Centre is an indoor climbing centre
(website) and BMX/skateboard park (website) housed in a former bus depot at the junction of Moseley Road and Alcester Road.582 Moseley Road B12 9AA 0121 449 8000 Map
Sports and Leisure Centres in Balsall Heath
Moseley Road Swimming Pool is a listed Edwardian pool that offers aquatone, women-only swimming, 50+ swimming, parent & toddler swimming, splash and lane swimming.
This pool closed in December 2010 because of a defective fire exit requiring over £50,000 of repairs. Despite budgetary constraints, the council announced in February 2011 that £55,000 would be made available for repairs (News Archive 25/02/11)
In May 2011, council officials ordered a stainless steel lintel for the fire exit from an engineering firm in Switzerland; the pool should reopen in June (News Headlines 18/05/11).
The Brighton Arms is at the corner of Brighton Road and Ladypool Road. It is a refurbished Victorian pub converted into bed and breakfast accommodation. There is 1 triple room and 6 doubles equipped with power showers and television. Live sport is screened in the bar.
Links: Hotels Brighton Arms Website
Secular Listed Buildings in Balsall Heath
Balsall Heath Library
Balsall Heath Library on Moseley Road was built in red-brick with terracotta dressings to a design by Cossins & Peacock in 1891-95. It features a Great Hall with 3 window arches topped by terracotta niched gables and a north entrance tower with a short spire and miniature cupola.
The main entrance features a gabled terracotta pediment and sculptural relief of the city arms; the interior contains a 3-bay aisle, granite columns
and a frieze that portrays the virtue of reading. The Balsall Heath Bathhouse was built onto the south wall in 1905-07.Links: Secular Listed Buildings
Balsall Heath Baths
Balsall Heath Public Baths were built onto the south wall of Balsall Heath Library on Moseley Road in 1905-07.
The main facade consists of 3 bays: the central bay terminates in a niched gable flanked by terracotta octagonal towers with cupolas, lanterns and spires. The main entrance features a polychrome sculpture of the city arms; there is a boiler house chimney on the north side.
The interior, which is is illuminated by clerestories, contains two swimming pools: one for first-class men and one for second-class men. Edwardian women were not permitted in the pools. There are also three suites of slipper baths: 1st-class men, 2nd-class men and women.
The building is still a municipal swimming pool but only the 2nd-class men's pool is still used. Of course, these class and gender distinctions no longer apply.
There is a view that the baths should be demolished and replaced by a modern sports centre since the cost of their restoration would probably be around £30 million (News Archive 31/12/09)
Emergency funding of £75,000 was required for structural repairs in January 2011 (News Archive 01/01/11).
Links: Secular Listed Buildings
Moseley College of Art is on the Moseley Road; it was designed by W.H.Bidlake and built in red-brick with bath stone dressings in 1899.
The college features a double Ashlar portico with a voussoir arch and twin Doric columns. The reception hall contains a double staircase flanked by Doric columns. After the college closed in 1975, it was taken over by the British Association of Muslims.
Links:
Secular Listed BuildingsKey National Retailers in Balsall Heath
Lidl
Lidl is on the
Moseley Road B12 9BSLivestock Hazards in Balsall Heath
Police marksmen shot and killed a bull that had escaped from an abattoir and was charging down Haden Street in Balsall Heath. The incident occurred at around 7am on 22/12/09.
10.10.11: Council Rejects Conversion of Industrial Unit on Stoney Lane into Cricket Nets
Plans for the conversion of an industrial unit on the Beeches Trading Estate, Stoney Lane, into a sports venue with cricket nets have been rejected because of insufficient parking provision (News Headlines 10/10/11).
24.09.11 Khat House Planned for Coach & Horses, Edward Road
There are plans to convert the
disused Coach & Horses pub on Edward Road into a Khat House. Khat is a
legal plant with hallucinogenic properties chewed by adult men in some
African and Middle-Eastern cultures
(News Headlines 24/09/11)
New Council Homes off Pershore Road
An estate of 33 new council homes is being constructed off the Pershore Road by the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust with the assistance of a £1.79 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (News Archive 02/10/10).
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