In one of Birmingham's most affluent suburbs, where house prices have skyrocketed, a decaying 23-storey tower block has become the focal point of resident fury, casting a long shadow over million-pound homes.
A Leafy Idyll Spoiled by a Concrete Giant
The scene on Frederick Road in Edgbaston is one of serene affluence. Grand houses sit behind gated driveways with immaculate gardens, all managed under the strict covenants of the prestigious Calthorpe Estates. This suburb, Five Ways South and Calthorpe Park, witnessed a staggering 112.3% jump in house prices from 2024 to 2025, with properties on this tree-lined street commanding over £1.5 million.
Yet, the idyllic village-like atmosphere is shattered when residents look towards the end of their road. There, the 260ft-tall Five Ways Tower stands derelict, a 23-storey monument to neglect with broken windows and a forbidding presence.
'It Looks Like Gaza': Residents Voice Their Anger
For those living in its shadow, the tower is a constant source of frustration and embarrassment. An 82-year-old resident of over three decades did not mince his words, stating, "It looks like Gaza." He expressed bewilderment at the inaction, saying, "I fail to understand why Birmingham City Council don't get off their backside and do something about it."
A retired banker neighbour echoed the sentiment, demanding authorities "get a move on." The tower, closed to the public since 2005, was once condemned as a 'sick building' after office workers repeatedly fell ill due to poor design and ventilation. It has now been abandoned for two decades.
Ownership and a Glimmer of Redevelopment Hope
While residents have called for the council to intervene, the situation is complex. The land and freehold are owned by Calthorpe Estates, while the leaseholder is The Corbally Group (Edgbaston) Ltd, which acquired it in 2016.
A spokesperson for Calthorpe Estates confirmed they are "working closely with the long leaseholder to bring forward scheduled future redevelopment." Meanwhile, a separate developer, Osborne+Co, has proposed demolishing the eyesore. Their plans suggest replacing it with a modern structure of similar scale and two smaller blocks for either student or residential use.
For now, the residents of one of Birmingham's most expensive roads are left waiting, their multi-million-pound outlook dominated by a decaying relic of the past, as the wheels of redevelopment turn slowly behind the scenes.
