For many people, Barton Hill is synonymous with the high-rise tower blocks built during its redevelopment at the end of the 1950s.

Historically, the area was largely rural until its industrialisation during the 1800s. It was a densely populated and compact neighbourhood with sub-districts that evolved consisting of terraced housing, pubs, shops, churches, chapels and schools. There were a large number of long-established residents who developed widespread family ties and deeply rooted neighbourly relationships, bound together more closely by the daily use of abundant local services.

In the 1950s, Barton Hill was home to 10,000 people but many were living in sub-standard housing conditions. In 1952 the Council published a 20-year redevelopment plan aimed at improving the neighbourhood. Many inhabitants of Barton Hill were faced with the compulsory purchase of their homes. Whilst some welcomed the proposals, the majority opposed them. The community, in part represented by the 'Barton Hill Planning Protection Organisation', tried to fight off the redevelopment, but ultimately failed. The tight knit community was broken up and many moved out to new estates such as Hartcliffe where their sense of community could not be replicated.