It has been called "the accordion," "the corrugated box," and occasionally much worse. But the Birmingham New Street Signal Box is undeniably one of the most distinctive buildings in the city.
Designed by the architectural practice Bicknell & Hamilton (in collaboration with the British Rail Regional Architect) and completed in 1966, this five-story structure was built to house the "brain" of the West Midlands railway network. It is a masterpiece of industrial Brutalism, famous for its fiercely corrugated concrete skin and zigzagging profile.
While many buildings from this era have been demolished, this "Power Signal Box" (PSB) was granted Grade II listed status in 1995—a rare honor that recognized it as a building of exceptional architectural quality. It stands today as a gritty, unapologetic monument to the golden age of railway modernization.
Whether you are a serious railway enthusiast, a lover of raw concrete, or a proud Brummie who loves the city's industrial edge, this collection celebrates Birmingham's toughest landmark.
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