Halesowen Road Wharf, Netherton

[Heartland]

The Dudley No 2 Canal winds through Netherton from Bumble Hole to Parkhead. A notable survivor from the past is the former interchange basin at Withymoor, now used for moorings. On the west side of Halesowen Road bridge (Bishton's Bridge) was an early Dudley Canal wharf, that became William Bishtons wharf. The buildings there still remain. Part was once used as a Shropshire Union Railway & Canal Carrying Co wharf. In recent times Batchit the laboratory suppliers used these buildings until recent times, but they are now vacant and for sale. Such is their heritage value, it would be sad to see them removed. Also on adjacent strip of land were limekilns, which remain, I believe, though are overgrown.

 

Ray Shill

[Laurence Hogg]

I know "Batchit" very well, the owner is a friend. The premises were sold around 12 months back for redevelopment. The buildings were originally a public house & brewery, the interior is largely still original and I would be surprised if the building had been anything else. The lime kilns do exist although somewhat buried. I presume you are talking about "Dudley Wood wharf" in this instance, which was SUC&C / BCN operated?

Edited August 4, 2016 by Laurence Hogg

[Heartland]

It was known as Dudley Wood Wharf and nearby were the four blast furnaces operated by the British Iron Co. The buildings are quite old, and perhaps, listable, but as you known applications for listings are accompanied by the pyrotechnic crazed troglodytes who simply love to see worthwhile heritage structures burned to cinders.

 

In 1858 William Bishton junior operated a packet boat through the new Netherton Tunnel to Dudley Wood Wharf

 

Ray Shill

[hecla777]

I went by the wharf yesterday afternoon and whilst the building was still standing looked very sorry having been fire damaged. Passed by again this afternoon and it has been largely demolished.

 

Martin O'Keeffe

[Heartland]

That is sad another heritage loss, looks like the BCN Society Walk was the last to highlight its plight.