Goodyear clock tower in Wolverhampton to get blue plaque
Goodyear will be commemorated with a blue plaque in recognition of the firm’s iconic status in the city and its workers.
Wolverhampton’s Civic and Historical Society has unveiled plans for the plaque, which will be placed on the famous clock tower at the former Goodyear site off Stafford Road.
It has been sponsored by Persimmon Homes, which started building houses on the site after demolition of the Goodyear factory first began in 2008 when the landmark blue and yellow tower vanished from the skyline.
Goodyear was one of Wolverhampton’s major employers in the city for 90 years until bosses decided to close, saying it had become unprofitable.
The move for a plaque was spearheaded by Bushbury North councillor Ian Angus.
He said the idea had come from a local resident who was keen to see the impact that Goodyear had on the city recognised.
Mr Angus said: “Goodyear was in the city for 90 years and was a major employer.
“A plaque recognising the contribution that the company and its workers have made to Wolverhampton would be a fitting tribute.”
Society secretary Barry Hodgson said the wording for the plaque would be agreed in the next three to four weeks. The design would then be put together and produced, with a view to a full unveiling early next year.
“The committee believe that Goodyear is an ideal subject for a blue plaque and we expect this to be very well received by former Goodyear workers and the Wolverhampton public,” he added.
“In our view it will certainly be a fitting tribute to the huge tyre industry that once operated at this particular site.”
The news comes after it was revealed that plans for an Enoch Powell plaque in Wolverhampton had been scrapped.
Shut down
The Goodyear plant closed its doors for good in the city last year. And the remains of the plant have now been demolished too.
However, the firm’s name has been kept alive thanks to the extraordinary efforts of former workers, who have donated a fortune to good causes through the 5/344 Transport and General Workers’ Union Benevolent Fund.
The US-owned firm remains one of the world’s top four tyre manufacturers.
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said Goodyear and its staff had made a huge influence on the whole city.
“This is a great decision that I’m sure will be met with a great deal of support,” he said.
“The work of Cyril Barrett and the workers who are part of the benevolent fund is absolutely fantastic, and this plaque is deserved recognition for their efforts.”
Last month plans were submitted for 129 new homes on the site, including a refurb of the clock tower.
Stephen Cleveley, from Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “We are always aware of the history and community that surrounds each of our developments and are keen to honour that heritage.
“When we discovered that there was a move to provide a blue plaque on the clock tower, which recognises the contribution that Goodyear has given to the city, we were delighted to offer to sponsor this commemorative piece and are honoured to be a part of this scheme.”
