Small Heath is an inner-city area within the city of Birmingham, West Midlands, England. It is situated on and around the A45 (Coventry Road). Small Heath has been plagued by a poor reputation in recent years - a problem which is seen in similar neighbouring districts such as Aston and Handsworth. Despite having problems associated with all inner-city suburbs, Small Heath is host to many thriving local businesses. In recent years, the Coventry Road has attracted a growing increasing number of ethnic fast food restaurants. During World War II, Small Heath was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe, resulting in well over 100 fatalities in local houses and factories
In Small Heath are two large supermarkets, Asda and Morrisons and the outdoor pursuits centre Ackers Trust. There is also a business park that is home to the former Birmingham Cable Company (now Virgin Media), the international CADCAM company Delcam and the UK's leading independent kitchen appliance repair specialists, Repaircare. Until 1973, Small Heath was the home of the massive Birmingham Small Arms factory on Golden Hillock Road and Armoury Road, manufacturing amongst other things, motorcycles, guns, cars including taxi cabs and bicycles and dominating the local and national economy. The factory was briefly acquired by Norton Villiers Triumph following their takeover of BSA but closed down, much of it being demolished following the collapse of the British motorcycle industry. A business park now occupies the site whilst the remaining buildings are still used for manufacturing.
A large number of mostly terraced houses were built around Small Heath towards the end of the 19th century, and over the next few decades these buildings became the residence of numerous Irish immigrants. In the 20 or so years that followed the end of World War II, the area attracted more immigrants - mostly from the Indian sub-continent. Immigrants from the West Indies also settled in Small Heath, but Pakistani immigrants were by far the most significant people to settle in the area.This included a large majority from Azad Kashmir which is disputed. House prices have been steadily increasing on a par with other areas within Birmingham.
The total population of the area is approximately 36,898, based on 2007 estimates. Majority of the residents are of South Asian origin, mainly of Pakistani (51%) and Bangladeshi (9%) descent, while people of White British ethnicity is 22%.[3] Majority are also Muslim, there are many mosques in the area, the largest mosque in the Small Heath area is the Ghamkol Shariff Masjid, located on Golden Hillock Road, and is also one of the largest in the UK. It holds regular Muslim prayers, funeral services and other religious ceremonies.
There are several parks and green spaces in the suburb, of which the largest (Small Heath Park - formally known as Victoria Park) occasionally hosts festivals. An episode of Charlie's Garden Army featured a permanent installation in Small Heath Park. Small Heath is home to Birmingham City Football Club's St. Andrews stadium.
Small Heath is centred around the Coventry Road that formed part of the main route from Birmingham to Coventry, but the section of Coventry Road that passes through Small Heath was bypassed by a dual carriageway that opened in January 1985. It is served by the Small Heath railway station on the Birmingham to Stratford Line of the London Midland railway system. The Grand Union Canal also passes through the area. Local transport connections are very good, with a mainline railway station and many bus routes to other parts of the city.
Small Heath is part of the Birmingham Hall Green constituency, which is held by Labour MP Roger Godsiff. The constituency has a high proportion of people of South Asian origin, and this section of the community has historically supported the Labour Party.
