In 1923, the Bank took the opportunity to purchase two shop premises in Hockley (2 and 4 Soho Hill) that were excellently located on this busy thoroughfare. The cost of these freehold premises was £3,325. As possession could not be obtained of 4 Soho Hill at the time of purchase, a reconstruction of just 2 Soho Hill was initially undertaken. The cost of this work, that was done by T Elvins & Sons, was £870, and the architect was Gerald McMichael. The formal opening of Hockley branch took place on January 19th 1924, with the Lord Mayor (Alderman T O Williams, JP) conducting the ceremony. The Bank's Chairman (Councillor Appleby) told the assembled gathering that the Association of Municipal Corporations would shortly have before them the question of promoting legislation to empower Municipalities of 150,000 population to establish Municipal Banks - although that legislation was not to be forthcoming. The branch began its life as a full-time daily branch, with standard opening hours.

 

In 1925, possession of 4 Soho Hill was obtained, and steps were immediately taken to complete the structural alterations originally envisaged. The resulting branch had a very striking appearance, thanks to a tower-like structure (part of the original premises at 2 Soho Hill) that dominated the across-the-corner front door. The incorporation of 4 Soho Hill was undertaken by Surman & Sons at a cost of £449, the architect again being Gerald McMichael.

 

During the 1960s, a number of road schemes were undertaken in Birmingham to ease the flow of traffic. One of the major bottlenecks was at Hockley Brook. The solution to the traffic problems here (where the A41 crossed the A4540 Inner Ring Road) was the Hockley Overpass Scheme, which required the branch premises to be demolished. On Thursday, February 25th 1965, the branch was relocated to 232 New John Street West. Hockley branch was closed on June 2nd 1995, and business transferred to Broad Street branch.

 

 

 

the reconstruction to include 4 Soho Hill

NW	NE	HOCKLEY	23	11th
SW	SE	2 Soho Hill, Birmingham	OH	1924

Hockley Brook, a small stream that is now largely buried in culverts, formed Birmingham's northern boundary with Aston Manor prior to the amalgamation of the two boroughs in 1911. By that date, the complete urbanisation of both Hockley and Aston made that boundary imperceptible. Both areas were dominated by a mixture of industry and working-class houses. The houses were mostly back-to-backs, with some terraces of through houses. It was near Hockley Brook, where the Birmingham to Handsworth and West Bromwich road crossed the stream, that the Bank established its Hockley branch.

 

(Right: The area known as Hockley Brook at the beginning of the 20th-Century. The premises purchased by the Bank in 1923 are topped by a dome and slender pole)

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