Birmingham Friends of the Earth got the keys to “The Warehouse”, a derelict complex of Victorian buildings including a c.1832 cottage and warehouse, in 1977. Over the ensuing decades these buildings have been eco-renovated to improve their environmental performance and to provide space for a range of groups and businesses working to build a better, fairer world.
The latest project to install a new roof with solar panels and batteries, internal wall insulation and passive provision for a future heat pump, was completed earlier this year, but the building is now under threat of demolition from the Midlands Rail Hub – ironic considering the campaigns that BFoE has run over many years for rail improvements!
At this event you will be able to get a behind the scenes look at parts of the building not usually open to the public and hear the fascinating stories of both the people and campaigns that have been supported here, our current campaign to save the building, as well as the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting an historic building to the highest standards of energy efficiency.
Light refreshments will be available and the Digbeth Community Garden will also be open. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. This event is suitable for all ages.
How to get there
From New St Station, follow signs to Moor St station. When you get to Moor St, go down the hill to the side of the station towards the multi-storey car park. At the car park, go left under the railway bridge. Immediately after the railway bridge turn right onto Shaws Passage, which is quite short. We’re on the corner at the end of Shaws Passage – walk round the corner onto Allison Street. Allison Street can also be accessed from Digbeth High Street. We encourage people to use public transport where possible, but if coming by car we suggest parking in the Selfridge’s car park, which has an entrance/exit on Allison Street. Free blue badge parking is available in the car park or outside the venue on Allison Street.
Organised by Birmingham Friends of the Earth
