Part of former Birch's factory, north side of Leigh Street
Location/Address
None recorded
Type
Other site, structure or landscape
Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.Description
Early twentieth century machine shop of former Birch's factory, built in the late 1920s or early 1930s.
Part of the furniture - factory of Wm Birch Ltd comprising a two-storey building on the north side of Leigh Street now in separate ownership from the remainder of the former factory and used for window-making. Part of the building also used as a night club. Former uses include a bowling alley. Thought to date from the late 1920s - early 1930s (OS map evidence). Anecdotal evidence that this was the machine shop for cutting timber which was transported to the rest of the factory via the bridge over Leigh Street which still exists in 2004. Timber was brought into the yard of this machine shop from an entrance in Desborough Road. See MBC23712 (PRN Cass number 0846000000) for remainder of Birch factory. Report, photograph and history (B1).
In October 2002 the buildings were in use as a snooker club and bingo hall, with other parts used by an engineering company, an alarm company and by Chiltern Window Supplies (B2).
A significant building within the Leigh Street Furniture Heritage Conservation Area (B3).
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Early twentieth century machine shop of former Birch's factory, built in the late 1920s or early 1930s.
Date Listed
06 Aug 2024