Longbridge Tunnels, Birmingham. Nov 2015

[wellingtonian]

Longbridge Tunnels

Visited during an interesting nights exploring in Brum with Lenston.

Here's some history shamelessly lifted from from his excellent report:

The ‘Shadow Factory Tunnels’ are the remnants of Lord Austin’s secret plans that were hatched to bolster British military might in the face of German military aggression in the arms race that led up to the start of the Second World War.This was where munitions workers produced the Merlin engines that powered the Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes used to regain control of the British skies during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

The Shadow Scheme involved two parts - building nine new factories and extending existing factories - including the Longbridge plant.

Australian-born industrialist and Conservative MP, Lord Austin - also the founder of Austin Motors - had already contributed to the war effort in the First World War, turning his factories to munitions and engine production.

After the war, the factory returned to producing automobiles and the tunnels were abandoned.

By the late 1960s, the Longbridge plant was the second largest car plant in the world.

But since the collapse of MG Rover, part of the site was redeveloped for housing and commercial purposes

Here's the iconic shot of ladies building the engines during the war

And on with some shonky pics.

Lenston doing what he does best

Some sections had been painted and were really well preserved

That bin......

Thanks for looking

 

[Lenston]

Quality mate, this was a fun evening, some great history here

 

[Urbexbandoned]

Really enjoyed reading the history, regardless of the shameful theft haha. Nice pics mate, looks awesome

 

[Maniac]

Amazing that there's still a few bits and pieces left from it's days as part of the Rover plant. Nice report mate, thanks for posting it.

 

[urblex]

The photos are ace, cheers for posting

 

[The_Raw]

Bit jealous of this really, need to get off my arse and visit soon. Shots look good to me

 

[hamtagger]

Great set there mate, looks in proper good nick in places. And an interesting history too