General Purposes Sub-Committee: April 11th 1927
The General Manager called attention to the conditions prevailing at the Bearwood
Branch and stated that Mr Stevens, of the City Surveyor's Department, who had inspected the premises together with the Chairman of
this Committee and the General Manager, had been asked to submit a scheme for the best utilisation of the premises to meet Bank requirements
and for improving the existing living accommodation.
1107 RESOLVED:- That the matter be referred to the Chairman
and the Chairman of the General Committee with the General Manager, with power to arrange for the carrying out of such suitable scheme
as they may consider desirable at the premises named.
Bearwood Branch -
Alterations.
Your Sub-Committee report that the conditions prevailing at the Bearwood Branch necessitate further adaption of
the premises being made and also that it is desirable to take steps to improve the living accommodation which is at present unoccupied.
Your
Sub-Committee have referred the matter to their Chairman and the Chairman of your Committee with the General Manager, and have empowered
them to arrange, in conjunction with the City Surveyor, for carrying out a suitable scheme at these premises.
General Purposes
Sub-Committee: June 13th 1927
On Minute No 1107 (Bearwood premises) the Sub-Committee proceeded to consider the question of the
future accommodation for the Bearwood branch and it was pointed out that the approximate cost of altering the existing premises to
temporarily relieve the present difficulties would be £1,400 which with the purchase price of the property and the cost of the alterations
already carried out would represent an approximate amount of £3,000. It was considered that for leasehold property having about 70
years unexpired with a ground rent of £4. 2. 0. per annum, the expenditure referred to would be excessive and as the buildings were
not in good condition such expenditure would only be justified in the event of it not being possible to secure a suitable site or
premises elsewhere.
The General Manager stated that the Tramways Department, who were very desirous of making better facilities
for turning omnibuses at the Sandon Road terminus, had been in communication with the owner of buildings and land at the corner of
Rutland Road and Sandon Road about 250 yards from the Bearwood branch. The Bank had been approached with a view to joining with the
Tramways Department in the purchase, and the site had been visited by the Chairman and General Manager, who came to the conclusion
that it would be desirable for the Bank to co-operate with the Tramways Department in the purchase if suitable terms could be arranged.
The land comprises 906 square yards and the price asked by the owner for the same including buildings was £2,750, which appeared excessive
having regard to the fact that the valuation obtained by the Tramways Department for the whole property was £1,500. The Tramways Department
had enquired whether the Bank would be prepared to join in the purchase in the event of a bid being made of £2,000, although it was
possible that this offer would not be accepted. After consideration, it was:
1130 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager
be authorised to co-operate with the General Manager of the Tramways Department with a view to a joint purchase of the property being
effected by the Tramways and Bank Committees, providing that the same can be carried out at a reasonable figure and on the understanding
that one half of the cost should be borne by the Bank.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: June 20th 1927
Premises at Bearwood.
The question of making further adaptations of the Bearwood Branch premises (177 Sandon Road, Edgbaston) to meet the increased need for accommodation has received the very careful consideration of your Sub-Committee.
The approximate cost of altering the existing premises to temporarily relieve the present difficulties would be £1,400, and having regard to the money already expended upon the property, your Sub-Committee are of opinion that it would be preferable to secure, if possible, other accommodation.
In this
connection it has transpired that the Tramways Department are desirous of making better facilities for turning omnibuses at the Sandon
Road and Rutland Road. The Bank has been approached with a view to joining the Tramways Department in such purchase, and your Sub-Committee
are of opinion that this would be a better proposition for meeting the requirements of the Bank than to spend further money on the
present Bearwood Branch premises. They have therefore authorised the General Manager to co-operate with the General Manager of the
Tramways Department with a view to a joint purchase, providing it can be achieved at a reasonable figure, and on the understanding
one half the cost should be borne by the Bank.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: July 11th 1927
On Minute No 1130 (Bearwood
Premises), it was:
1145 RESOLVED:- That the matter remain in abeyance for the time being in the hope that the Tramways
Department will be able to arrive at suitable terms for the purchase of the property.
Bank Committee: September 26th 1927
The
General Manager presented the following report with reference to the Bearwood premises and the negotiations which had taken place
for the purchase of land at the junction of Sandon Road and Willow Avenue:
Land at Bearwood.
In accordance with the plans
prepared by Mr H Stewart Evans, Architect, for altering the existing Bearwood premises, the usual advertisement was inserted in the
press inviting tenders for the work, and the quantities required in connection therewith have been prepared.
In discussing the
matter with the Architect, it was found that it would be extremely difficult for the Contractor to carry out a reconstruction of the
front and an enlargement of the present Bank premises at the rear, while the work was continued of this daily Branch, which has developed
rather quickly during the past twelve months, and that to carry out the work under these conditions would very much prolong the time
required for completion.
In order to ease the difficulty, the General Manager made enquiries with a view to placing a wooden building on land in the vicinity, or securing temporary accommodation in other premises. Messrs Winchurch Bros, Garage Proprietors, very kindly undertook to permit a wooden building to be erected on their land fronting Sandon Road for a period of six months, during which time the alterations could be completed; but in the course of conversation it was ascertained that Messrs Winchurch Bros owned a piece of land at the junction of Sandon Road and Willow Avenue (almost opposite to their garage) which they were disposed to sell, and suggested that it might suit the Bank purposes. After inspecting this land, the General Manager at once got in touch with the Chairman, and arranged for him to view the site and discuss the matter with Messrs Winchurch Bros.
The land is approximately
40 yards by 40 yards, and is at the exact spot used at present as a loading station for the buses. The buses have to go into Willow
Avenue, then back into Sandon Road, and then draw up by the side of this land. The General Manager being of opinion that there was
sufficient room to meet the requirements of the Tramways Department as well as to erect a suitable Bank, at once got in touch with
Mr MacDonald of the Tramways Department and explained that it was the intention of the Chairman to deal with the matter the same afternoon,
and it was probable that terms would be arranged. Mr MacDonald thought there would be sufficient room for the purposes of the Tramways
Department, and that if the land could be secured at a price less than the two Committees agreed to go to for the land at the corner
of Rutland Road and Sandon Road, there would be no difficulty in the two Committees co-operating.
Mr Wilde valued the land at
16/- per square yard, and Messrs Winchurch Bros asked £1 per yard. After negotiating, Messrs Winchurch Bros offered to meet the Bank
halfway by accepting 17/6d per square yard, which in the opinion of the Chairman was a reasonable action, and they have accordingly
placed the land on sale to the Bank at that figure.
Having regard to the fact that the present Bearwood premises are leasehold
with only 48 years to run, and a ground rent of £8. 6. 8d. per annum is payable thereon, and to the further fact that
the sum of £700 has already been expended on alterations and a further expenditure of approximately £1,000 was contemplated, the Chairman
was of opinion that it would be better to purchase the land and erect a new building, rather than carry through the proposed alteration
scheme, which, owing to the restricted space, could not result in a satisfactory permanent Bank. Added to this there would be additional
expenditure of approximately £300 in erecting a hut and equipping it to carry on the business of the Bank temporarily for a period
of six months.
It is accordingly recommended that the Bank should purchase this land in conjunction with the Tramways Department,
on the basis of halving the cost; but should the Tramways Department find that they cannot obtain the necessary turning space for
the buses in addition to the erection of a Bank, then that the purchase should be undertaken by the Bank alone.
The Chairman
was informed by Messrs Winchurch Bros that an adjoining owner of property in Willow Avenue would be prepared to purchase a portion
of the land at a price appreciably higher than what the Chairman intimated his willingness to pay, and it is not anticipated that
there would be any difficulty in satisfactorily disposing of any surplus land, or otherwise dealing with the land in a manner financially
satisfactory to the Bank.
The General Manager has suspended any further action in regard to the alteration scheme pending this
Meeting, and subject to the Committee agreeing to purchase the land the alteration scheme would be definitely abandoned, and Mr Evans
asked to submit plans for a Bank, and tenders invited in accordance therewith.
|
|
No of Accounts at 31st March |
No of Transactions for
the Year |
Amount standing to credit of Depositors at 31st March £. s. d. |
|
1920 |
307 |
1,454 |
8,413. 6. 2. |
|
1921 |
832 |
5,564 |
20,716. 5. 6. |
|
1922 |
1,355 |
7,992 |
36,381. 17. 8. |
|
1923 |
2,128 |
12,503 |
68,954. - . 2. |
|
1924 |
3,221 |
21,133 |
102,953. 10. 1. |
|
1925 |
4,420 |
29,046 |
153,864. 19. 1. |
|
1926 |
5,650 |
36,468 |
198,294. 9. 10. |
|
1927 |
6,782 |
40,065 |
249,311. 1. 2. |
2776 RESOLVED:- That, subject to the consent of the City Council, the purchase of an approximate
area of 1600 square yards of land at the corner of Sandon Road and Willow Avenue at the price of 17/6 (Seventeen shillings and six
pence) per square yard be approved provided there are no restrictive conditions attaching to the land which, in the opinion of the
Chairman, would involve the Birmingham Municipal Bank in an undue risk through erecting a Bank and dwelling house on the land in question;
further that, subject to the Tramways Department being able to secure the necessary space to construct a road on the land around which
omnibuses could turn, such an arrangement be agreed to on the understanding that the purchase price of the land will be shared equally
by the Bank and Tramways Committee.
2777 RESOLVED:- That subject to the preceding Minute No 2776 the suggested alteration
scheme to the Bearwood premises be abandoned and that Mr H Stewart Evans, Architect, be requested to prepare plans for submission
to the General Purposes Sub-Committee for the erection of suitable buildings on the site at the corner of Sandon Road and Willow Avenue,
Bearwood.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: October 10th 1927
On Minute No 1130 (Premises at Bearwood) the Sub-Committee were
informed that Mr Frank Wilde had made a measured survey of the land in question and found the area to be 1613 square yards as compared
with 1585 square yards shewn on the plan attached to the title deed.
The Clause in the title deed containing restrictions as
to new erections on the land was considered and after discussion the Sub-Committee arrived at the conclusion that no undue risk would
be taken by proceeding with the purchase with the object of erecting a Bank and dwellinghouse on the land.
1159 RESOLVED:-
That the General Committee be recommended to proceed with the purchase on the understanding that the cost was divided between the
Bank and the Tramways Department.
Bank Committee: November 14th 1927
2838 On Minute No 2776 (purchase of land
at Bearwood) the following communication was received from the Tramways Committee:
6420 - RESOLVED:- That the plan showing the
proposed terminal facilities on a piece of land at the corner of Sandon Road and Willow Avenue be provisionally approved, and the
Bank Committee informed that this Committee will be prepared to join with them in the purchase of the site.
Finance Sub-Committee:
December 12th 1927
The General Manager reported that an application had been received to enter into the tenancy of the flat at Bearwood
which was at present vacant, and it was:
155 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be instructed to authorise Mr Wilde to arrange a tenancy on suitable terms, having regard to the fact that the premises as a whole will be for sale as soon as the new Bearwood Branch Bank is erected.
Report to the City Council: December 13th 1927
PURCHASE OF LAND AT BEARWOOD.
Your
Committee have been experiencing difficulty for some time in providing accommodation for depositors at Bearwood Branch. The present
leasehold premises, situate at No 177, Sandon Road, were purchased in December, 1925, and although full advantage has been taken of
the available space by making minor structural alterations, it would be difficult and expensive to provide adequate facilities to
meet the growing depositorship, owing to the limited frontage, the low building and the peculiar boundaries of the site.
Your
Committee, moreover, do not consider it advisable to undertake expensive alterations to premises subject to a lease which has only
48 years to run, and they have therefore turned their attention to obtaining another site. Ascertaining that a plot of land fronting
Sandon Road and Willow Avenue was for sale, negotiations were commenced with a view to its acquisition. The vendors agreed to sell
approximately 1,585 square yards of land at 17s. 6d. per yard, which your Committee were professionally advised was a reasonable
figure, and as the vendors pressed for a contract to be entered into without delay, the Town Clerk was directed to take the necessary
steps accordingly.
It is understood that the Tramways Department are experiencing difficulties in dealing with the turning of
omnibuses on the Sandon Road route, and as the land is more than your Committee require, conferences have taken place with the Tramways
Department, with the result that the Tramways Committee have intimated their willingness to join with the Bank Committee in this purchase
on the basis of halving the cost. The Tramways Department would thus be able to secure the necessary space for a private carriage-way
for omnibuses which would circulate around the Bank building.
The Council are, therefore, asked to confirm the action of your
Committee in undertaking to purchase the land at the price named, which will be defrayed out of Bank funds; to the transfer of half
the land to the Tramways Department, and to the disposal of any portion of such land (if any) as may be surplus to the requirements
of both departments. Further, that the approval of the Council should be given to the acceptance of a tender for the erection of a
Branch Bank on the site, and authority given to your Committee to dispose of the present Bank premises, No 177, Sandon Road, at the
best price obtainable.
It was moved by Alderman Sir Percival Bower, seconded by Mr Councillor Salt, and
Resolved: 28,424. That
the action of the Bank Committee in agreeing to purchase approximately 1,585 square yards of land, fronting Sandon Road and Willow
Avenue, at 17s. 6d. per square yard, be approved and confirmed, the purchase money to be defrayed from the funds of the Bank.
It
was moved by Alderman Sir Percival Bower, seconded by Mr Councillor Shurmer, and
Resolved: 28,425. That the Bank Committee be, and
they are hereby, authorised to transfer to the Tramways Committee half the land referred to in the preceding resolution and, subject
to Standing Instruction No 31, to dispose of any portion of such land, if any, as may be surplus to the requirements of the Bank and
Tramways Committees.
It was moved by Alderman Sir Percival Bower, seconded by Mr Councillor Griffin, and
Resolved: 28,426. That
the Bank Committee be, and they are hereby, authorised to accept a tender for the erection of a new Branch Bank fronting Sandon Road
and Willow Avenue, and also to dispose of the present Bank premises, 177, Sandon Road, at the best price obtainable.
General
Manager's Annual Report for the year ended 31st December 1927
Buildings and Sites Purchased.
During the year buildings or
sites have been acquired at Bristol Street, Longbridge, Hobmoor Road, and Bearwood; while negotiations are taking place for sites
at Yardley and Tyseley.