Alum Rock (also known as "The Rock") is an inner-city suburb located roughly 2 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and is officially a division of Saltley. In the past, Alum Rock was largely known to be an Irish immigrant area, but now contains a large Asian population mainly from Pakistan (Mirpur, Punjab and Kashmir) which also extends into nearby Small Heath and Sparkbrook. Asian-owned businesses are commonplace within the area including many food stores and restaurants.
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Neighbouring areas
Alum Rock includes the connecting streets of the three kilometre long Alum Rock Road[1], beginning at Saltley Gate and ending at Railway Bridge. Once through the main shopping area, Alum Rock Road continues towards Stechford, passing through Pelham before joining Washwood Heath Road at the Fox & Goose the eastern part of the main road is in Ward End. The area locally known as "The Rock" starts at Saltley Gate and ends at the junction with Highfield Rd and Bowyer Rd[2]. Alum Rock covers most of Saltley and so runs into many of Saltley's neighbouring areas, Bordesley Green to the south, Ward End to the north and east and Nechells to the west. Washwood Heath Road, which also begins at Saltley Gate, runs loosely parallel to Alum Rock Road for a mile, before both main roads join up in front of the Fox & Goose.
Administrative area and census information
Alum Rock is part of the Washwood Heath ward[3]. Census Data from the 2001 Census identifies the ward as having a higher population density, lower average age and a significantly higher ethnic minority population against the Birmingham average [4].
Community organisations
The Saltley Gate Peace Group is an organisation based in Alum Rock, taking its names from the local roundabout which leads to the areas main shoping area, Alum Rock road.
Sports
The Alum rock area also has its own football club. Set up in the 90's by the late Farid Raja, Alum Rock FC is now a very successful club , taking part in the South Birmingham Football League every season. The club is now looking to expand and include youth teams along with its senior First XI[5].
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