HP sign to be preserved

Jul 25 2007 By Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM'S most famous sign is to be saved and handed over to a museum - keeping the memory of the HP Sauce factory alive.

Chancerygate, the firm behind the proposed regeneration of the former factory in Aston Cross, has confirmed it will be taking down the HP sign during demolition work.

A local firm of steeplejacks has undertaken an investigation of the landmark and ruled that it can be retained for eventual display in a museum.

Charlie Withers, Director of Chancerygate, said: "We are pleased to confirm that the HP sign can now be taken down and entrusted to the people of Birmingham, thus honouring the site's industrial heritage.

"The sign can be re-mounted on a comparable background so local people can celebrate the site's history. It will then be entrusted to a local museum for future generations to view and appreciate.

"Our involvement on this site has always been mindful of the site's distinct heritage. This is why we commissioned specialist consultants to undertake a full historic building record of the site, prior to commencement of demolition."

Chancerygate launched demolition of the factory in Tower Road, Aston Cross, last month, signalling the end for one of Birmingham's last remaining world-famous industrial sites.

The development company is planning to construct a new Chancerygate Business Centre, providing small industrial and warehouse units from 1,500 sq ft upwards for purchase or lease for local businesses.

The scheme could create up to 200 jobs. The HP Sauce factory closed in March after more than 100 years despite a huge Save Our Sauce campaign led by the Birmingham Mail and supported by thousands of people around the world.

It followed Heinz's decision to switch production to Holland.