Nechells has historically been an industrial area as it borders Erdington. Nechells Power Plant dominated the area with its three massive cooling towers up until they were detonated in the late 1990s. Star City was then built in its place. Riots over racial abuse had become subject of discussion in the area during the 1970s, however, the area appears to be in racial harmony at present. Elsewhere in the area in the north side of Nechells, there was four tower blocks constructed on the Holte & Priory Estate as well as 3 separate tower blocks very nearby.