Masshouse

The name derives from the establishment of a Roman Catholic chapel (i.e. for the celebration of Mass) there by a Franciscan priest, Leo Randolph, in 1687, followed by a convent in March 1688.

Clearance of the area began in 1961 to make way for the Carrs Lane to Central Fire Station section of Birmingham's inner ring road, which opened in June 1965.

There were six pedestrian subways: [6] Birmingham's inner ring road became known as the "concrete collar" as it restricted expansion of the city centre.

[7] In March 2002, Masshouse Circus was demolished to clear land for redevelopment; referred to as the "breaking of the concrete collar".

[8][9][10][11] International Development Secretary and MP for Ladywood, Clare Short, while witnessing the start of demolition in March 2002 described Masshouse Circus as an "ugly monstrosity [that] has shamed our city".

[15] Pieces of rubble collected from the demolished structure, were put on sale by the Birmingham branch of Friends of the Earth with a price tag of 50p.

Many of the cladding panels are either concave or convex with pointed ends and most were pre-fitted with windows at the Techrete factory to accelerate the construction process.

All properties are powered by Birmingham District Energy Company (BDEC), the first time residential homes in the city have benefited from the city's district water heating system the apartments receive power from the new Jennens Road Energy Centre on Aston University’s campus.

[30] Phase 2, included a Premier Inn opened in March 2023, and a 34-storey tower of 375 apartments, retail units and a roof garden topped out in June 2023.