A forgotten piece of Handsworth's community history is set to go under the hammer as Birmingham City Council aims to boost its finances.
The former Birchfield Community Day Nursery at 1 Haughton Road in Handsworth will be sold at auction with a guide price of £300,000 or more. The sale, managed by auctioneers Bond Wolfe, is scheduled for December 10.
A Glimpse Inside the Abandoned Nursery
Walking through the deserted building reveals a poignant scene frozen in time. Toys and furniture remain scattered across nursery rooms, and a Christmas tree stands forlornly in one corner, hinting at the lively community hub this once was.
However, the passage of time has taken its toll. Sections of the roof have collapsed, debris litters the floor, and the condition of facilities like the disabled toilet shows the building has seen much better days.
From Community Hub to Cash Injection
The nursery holds significant local history, having been officially opened on August 6, 1970, by the then-Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Alderman Stanley Bleyer. For 55 years, the council-owned site served the community before falling into its current state of disrepair.
The substantial property includes numerous facilities that could appeal to developers or investors. The building contains:
- A reception entrance and office
- Four nursery playrooms
- Two kitchens and a staffroom
- Seven storage rooms
- Multiple toilets including staff, children's and disabled facilities
- A health room, plant room and laundry
Externally, the site offers a courtyard, gated off-road parking, and a children's playground with play area. The building also features practical elements like fire doors and double glazing.
Council's Financial Strategy
This auction forms part of Birmingham City Council's broader strategy to generate much-needed revenue. As the cash-strapped authority looks to claw back funds, selling underutilised properties like this former nursery represents a practical approach to managing public assets.
The December auction will determine whether this abandoned community space can find new purpose while providing financial relief to the council that has owned it for over five decades.
