Cathedral Place - A Birmingham Gem!

44 Waterloo Street was built around 1900-02 in the Perpendicular Gothic style. Birmingham Midshires until 2006, then Caffe Nero from 2009 until May 2022. San Carlo from Spring 2023.


Where is Cathedral Place?

Cathedral Place is at 44 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5QB

 

In brief

Grade II* listed offices built from 1900 to 1902 for the Ocean Assurance Corporation. By the 1990s the Birmingham Midshires (a bank) was on the ground floor. When that closed down in the 2000s. Caffe Nero took it over, and they have been here ever since, but they are due to close this branch at the end of May 2022.

Caffe NeroCaffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (May 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Cathedral Place - 44 Waterloo Street - history

A corner site at Waterloo Street and Temple Row West, and opposite St Philip's Cathedral.

Built from 1900 to 1902 by Mansell & Mansell.

An office block built of brick and cream terracotta.

It was originally built for the Ocean Assurance Corporation.

Given Grade II* listed status in 1981.

The ground floor windows were lowered in 1983.

44 Waterloo Street

44 Waterloo Street

44 Waterloo Street

44 Waterloo Street

44 Waterloo StreetCaffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (February 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

A bank called the Birmingham Midshires was based in the retail unit from about the mid 1980s until around 2006 (after mergers with other banks, resulted in branches closing down).

New offices were built at 42 - 44 Waterloo Street during 2008, at this time the retail unit on the ground floor was vacant.

Caffe Nero has been based here since at least 2009.

Caffe NeroCaffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (March 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

During the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, they were having less customers than in the previous decade.

Around the third lockdown early in 2021, you could sit at tables outside on Temple Row West.

Caffe NeroCaffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

By the summer of 2021, all restrictions had gone, and you could sit and have your coffee once again inside of Caffe Nero. But it was still quiet in here.

Caffe NeroEnjoying a coffee inside Caffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (June 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Going into 2022, many office workers are still working at home.

According to the Birmingham Mail, this branch of Caffe Nero will close down at the end May 2022.

Before 2020, Caffe Nero had at least 7 branchs in Birmingham City Centre, after this one closes down, it will be reduced to only four.

Caffe NeroEnjoying a coffee inside Caffe Nero at 44 Waterloo Street (April 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Caffe Nero sadly closed down for good during the middle of May 2022. After serving coffee to it's loyal customers for years. They recommend that you instead go to the Caffe Nero at Martineau Place on Corporation Street.

Cathedral PlaceCaffe Nero closed for good at 44 Waterloo Street (May 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sign on the automatic doors, recommend going to Corporation Street.

Caffe NeroCaffe Nero closed for good at 44 Waterloo Street (May 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Almost a year later, San Carlo will soon be moving into the former Caffe Nero unit. A new concept. There is already a San Carlo Italian Restaurant on Temple Street, around the corner from here.

San CarloSan Carlo at 44 Waterloo Street (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

01 May 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com