Sentinels

Pictured here is one of the two residential high rise tower blocks on Holloway Head. Built after th Second World War the Clydesdale Tower and Cleveland Tower are 32 storeys in height. These are the two tallest residential tower blocks in Birmingham.

At a height of 90 metres they are built out of concrete and were opened in the early 1970's. As with most high rise blocks of this period they suffered over the years from social issues and fell out of favour. Much of Birmingham's high rise accommodation has now been demolished.

However, the Sentinels have survived, due in part to being passed from council ownership to an independent housing association. The blocks have been totally refurbished and transformed into desireable living accommodation once again. Enhanced security and better lighting has contributed greatly to the success of the refurbishment.