Apple (Midland Bank) - A Birmingham Gem!

The former Midland Bank building on New Street, Stephenson Place and Stephenson Street. Built from 1867 to 1875. Grade II listed. Was Waterstone's until the end of 2015, Apple since then.


Where is the Midland Bank (Apple) Building?

The former Midland Bank (now Apple) is at 128 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4DB.

 

In brief

Built for the Midland Bank between 1867 and 1875, it was a bank until the early 1990s. It then spent the next couple of decades as bookshops, before Apple moved in at the end of 2015.

Midland BankApple in the Midland Bank on New Street (March 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Midland Bank - New Street - history

Now a Grade II listed building owned by Hortons Estates.

It was built in stages, first from 1867 to 1869 by Edward Holmes, on New Street.

The building was extended to Stephenson Place and Stephenson Street by 1875.

It was the head office of the Birmingham Midland Bank.

HSBC took over Midland Bank in the 1990s, and they moved over the road (near the ramp).

It was a book shop from the mid 1990s until 2015.

It was first Hudson's Book Shop, then Dillons Book Shop, and then Waterstone's.

WaterstonesWaterstone's New Street (December 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

During the building of the first Midland Metro extension from 2012 to 2016, the rear of the building was altered on Stephenson Street.

Midland BankRear of Waterstone's New Street at Stephenson Street and Stephenson Place (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Waterstone's moved out in late 2015, merging with their other store on High Street.

WaterstonesWaterstone's New Street (October 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Since then it has been Apple (who moved out of their Bullring unit which they had since 2003).

AppleApple New Street (March 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The West Midlands Metro extension was closed from July 2021 until February 2022, when the tracks were relaid on Corporation Street to Stephenson Street. The line didn't reopen to Library until the middle of February 2022.

Midland BankApple New Street from Stephenson Street and Stephenson Place (February 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Burlington Hotel in early 2022 is under scaffolding next to Apple. While the new look crossing at New Street for the Metro is now in use. The ex Midland Bank looks spectacular after the stonework was cleaned in the mid 2010s.

Apple Midland BankApple New Street (February 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

22 Feb 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Shopping
Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com