[Ojay]

Midland Bank/HSBC, 100 King St - Visited By Ojay, Millhouse & Sho.



(Dope pict0r credits to Thompski)

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928 and Built 1933-5 assisted by engineers Whinney, Son & Austen Hall.

It also features carvings by the local sculptor John Ashton Floyd.

Constructed of Portland stone around a steel frame, the layered style of the period is shown in the use of set back features and arches around the lower levels making this a truly classic Art Deco building.



The building later became known as the HSBC, after takeover of the Midland Bank in the 1990's.

The HSBC building finally closed it's doors on 6th June 2008 as they relocated to St Ann's Square. It is now certain the Jamie Oliver will be opening his brand of italian restaurants early next year, with rumours that the remainder of the building is to be converted into apartments.....


Well, what can I say, this has been on my list for a while now, as earlier in the year I was mooching about inside when the contractors first started ripping the place out. It was only when I bumped into Gone & Rookie, who asked if I would give them a lift back to grab their cameras, only to find the door locked on our return, and sadly no photos!

A number of optimistic reccies since proved useless, with locked windows and false promises I had kind of written this off tbh.

Then only last week I recieved a call from Millhouse informing me there was more work going on and some scaffold erected, winner!

Why we didn't hit this up then I have no idea FFS.... It was a case of drains seemed more important as I honestly didn't think it would be do-able.

I went along a couple of times during the week, with the intention of sneaking back in, NO CHANCE, the place is crawling with contractors.

Again I was beginning to lose faith, until yesterday when I had spent all day traipsing underground and was totally fooked. I was about to go to bed then by chance I noticed a sly shot in the 'People Shots thread' of the HSBC.

Fast forward a week, and shouts to Gone & Jimmy Halfway for getting in, I tried to call them to congratulate them, No answer.

It was a case of now or never, before the SNC get this place locked down. My bag was immediately re-packed and we were off into town, well who wouldn't?

Upon arriving we bumped into Sho, who had obviusly had his eye on the place too, imagine his surprise when moments later we were stood on the roof high above the City watching the world go by.

Never a dull moment as I battled with injured ribs (AGAIN) & fatigue from earlier in the day, then I managed to gash my thumb and battle with a 2 legged tripod as the fucker fell apart (of all the places this could happen!).

None the less, we had a thorough mooch of the place, seeing it cannibalised in this way is upsetting to say the least, however there are some redeeming features still left, including the Banking Hall & Vaults, although much of the Art Deco has been sadly ripped out now, along with mahogany panels & doors.

It's a crying shame as it was such a feature rich iconic building, much of which would never have been seen by the public eye.


The opportunity was there, we took it.


Banking Hall











Vaults - Basement

















Sub-basement





The only way is up





Gutted



High Stuff









Safe

[rigy]

Quality stuff mate, I no how long u have waited to get in here

[Millhouse]

I'm a bit disappointed at my pictures, but it was awesome to see this place finally! Can't believe it's so gutted though!

And a few from the rooftop

[rigy]

Some good pics there mate

[Ojay]

Nice one, that 2 legged tripod slowed me down LOL

lol is all that has to be said

[M21yeh]

noice

[Gone]

Nice one fellas!

[Jimmy]

Excellent photos lads, great write-up as well Ojay!

[Ojay]

Cheers Jimothy, well in as well, so glad I finally got back in here before it's finally stripped bare.

They have had a good go at it since I was in earlier in the year, BUT shit needs to happen.

Just a real shame more stuff couldn't have been salvaged/re-used.