On 17 November 1940 a parachute mine was dropped on Chapelhay between Franchise Street and Chapelhay Street causing considerable damage, affecting 879 houses and 12 deaths.
The Council established a Comprehensive Development Area and acquired the properties either by Compulsory Purchase or private treaty. A number of schemes were proposed until the layout seen today was decided upon.
Part of the development included a square of neighbourhood shops called Gordon Row with flats above. Shops included grocers, a fish and chip shop, woollen shop, ironmongers, a chemist and a greengrocers.
Over the years these have changed hands and there has been a decline in local shopping, many preferring supermarkets.
The area was transferred to housing associations and in 2023 there was a proposal by the owners, the Aster Group to sell the properties.The photo was taken in 1959 on the completion of the development.
Does anyone recognise the shoppers?
