'C Block', the Polytechnic's tallest building, just a little higher than the School of Art and Design across the Ring Road, began life in 1968 when the structural steelwork was in place. It was a prominent building, a local landmark on the corner of Ring Road St Peters and Stafford Street. It continued in use until the summer of 2000 when it was emptied in readiness for demolition, to make way for the larger MC Building. The Psychology Department moved from 'C Block' to temporary accommodation in Bankfield House, in Waterloo Road, now occupied by Redwings Lodge Hotel.

A photograph of Princes Square from late 1968 or early 1969 with 'C Block' under construction in the background. Courtesy of David Parsons.
A view of 'C Block' from 1988, seen from the top of St. Peter's Church tower.
Looking across Stafford Street towards 'C Block' in the early 1970s.

Behind the three windows on the ground floor was the much frequented Staff Bar, which I'm sure will bring back happy memories for many of the Polytechnic's staff. Behind it was the staff dining room.

The building on the far left was the Polytechnic's main lecture theatre.
A view of 'C Block' from the yard behind 'B Block' which can be seen on the far right.

When the photograph was taken, the Students Union had the offices on the ground floor, next to the side entrance, and the road off to the left led to the underground staff car park.


Looking towards the side entrance to 'C Block', from one of the rooms in 'B Block'.
A view of 'C Block' from 2000, just before the end of its life.
Another view of 'C Block' from 2000. It was an attractive building.


The once-familiar lift doors in the hallway.


Looking across the hallway to the refectory doors.


The refectory in the early 1970s.


A busy lunchtime in the refectory.


A deserted staff dining room, as seen in 2000 when the building was being emptied.


Another view of the staff dining room from 2000.


The staff bar, after final closure.


Barbara Welch and Chris Vallely standing behind the staff bar.


Ken Payne's retirement do, in the staff bar. Left to right: ?, Mike Haes, Alan Thomas, Tony Howell, Ken Payne, Mrs. Payne, Geoff Knight, and Jim Trace.

For many years on Friday evenings, the staff bar was the venue for the 11.05 Folk Club, so called because the room had to be emptied at five past eleven. My brother, Will Parker is seen here practising in readiness for the event.

A very popular entertainer was Barrie Roberts, who worked in the Students Union. For many years he ran a folk club at the Fitters Arms in Hatherton Street, Walsall, and later entered the legal profession. After retirement he wrote a number of successful novels and short stories based on Sherlock Holmes. Sadly Barrie died in 2007.


Steve Moore and his friends. Jake Thackray performed at the folk club on several occasions.


St. Patrick's Church, seen from a room in 'C Block' in the early 1970s, shortly before demolition.


Looking over 'B Block' to Stafford Street. Courtesy of David Parsons.


Looking towards the Black Country and Wednesbury. Courtesy of David Parsons.
Spectacular views from 'C Block' roof:


Looking down Stafford Street into Princess Street with Turner's Hill in the distance.

The view looking towards Bilston and Birmingham. In the centre on the left is the old Horseley Fields Royal Mail post office and sorting office.


A view of the new Royal Mail post office and sorting office in Sun Street.


Looking towards the railway station.


Looking at Heath Town with Bloxwich on the horizon.


Looking down Stafford Street towards Bushbury with the old Elephant and Castle pub in the foreground.


Looking towards Essington with the old Carver's buildings, and Springfield Brewery in the foreground.

The high point on the horizon, centre left, is Church Hill Wednesbury with its two churches. On the extreme left is the old steam Mill and the Chubb Building. Centre right is Horseley Fields post office and sorting office.
Looking down Ring Road St Peters with the Tarmac Building on the far right.

A view of Molineux football ground from 'C Block'. Courtesy of David Parsons. The School of Art and Design is on the right and The Wanderer pub is on the far left.


A derelict Molineux Hotel, before the arson attacks.


A fine view of Giffard House.


Looking across main site towards Mander House.

The view along Stafford Street and Princess Street. At the time the old Poor Law and Registry Office, the Drill Hall offices, and the ex-Valhalla pub were all occupied by the Polytechnic.


Looking across the Polytechnic towards the Royal London Building.


The view across the town centre towards Sedgley Beacon.


Part of 'C Block' roof.


The view across the roof towards the Art and Design building.


The Civic Centre, Giffard House and Ring Road St Peters.


A last view, looking towards St. Peter's Church.


Pat Lees in her office.


Chris Webster hard at work.


'C Block' from the west yard.


A similar view from early in 2000.

A fine view of 'C Block' with the staff dining room to the right and the staff car park below. Also visible is the Ring Road entrance, below, with the staff bar to the left.

A final view of 'C Block' taken around the end of 2000, just after the start of demolition. Sadly the building had a very short life. Courtesy of David Parsons.
 

A sad sight, as 'C Block' disappears.

By early 2001, all traces of 'C Block' had disappeared and foundations were soon laid for its replacement, the 'Millennium City Building'. From an old newspaper cutting. Courtesy of David Parsons.
   
Return to
The 1990s		   Return to
the contents		   Proceed to the
Old Post Office