Griffin Close Photographic Survey : Main Index

Resources on this Site

Built in the 1960's in the grounds of the former Cadburys Family residence, Manor House, which had been donated to the University some years before. Griffin Close was the first purpose built self catering student residence built by the University of Birmingham (predating the Vale development) and is believed to be one of the earliest of its type in the country, predating many similar developments both in Birmingham and elsewhere. The site was most likely built as a direct response to the large increase in student numbers which took place at this time, due to the introduction of the University Grants system. Furthermore Griffin Close was (and still is) one of the largest single student halls in the country (as opposed to 'compound' developments such as the University of Birmingham's Vale site, which contains several halls built over a fairly long period of time.)

The site consists of 270+ flats contained in 41 blocks, with over 1000 bed spaces for both single students and families. A number of ancilliary services such as a laundrette, estate office and bike sheds are contained in seperate building located in the centre of the site. The only substantial addition to the site since the main buildings were completed is the social centre which was opened in 1990.

Much of the site remains in it's original 1960's condition, both internally and externally, although some refurbishment work was begun in the late 1990's. Specifically, blocks 22 and 26 were completely refitted internally and the original wood framed windows replace with modern plastic units. Blocks 40 and 41 also received new window units, but are unchanged internally.

The main road through the site, leading to Manor House, effectively splits the development in two. To the north of the road are the 'Family' flats, which were designed with 2 or 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom/toilet. Many of these flats are still used to house the families of students studying at the university, however, some have been converted for use by single students, with the living room being converted into an additional (large) bedroom. These flats were mostly built in blocks of 6.

The flats to the south of the main road all have 5 bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and kitchen. All flats were built in blocks of 6 or 9.

Photography (c) T.M. Williams 1st April 2001