Austin village was built in 1917 by Herbert Austin to house munitions workers at Longbridge in World War 1. The village was built with imported American prefab bungalows creating a distinctive look and feel to the area.

The project produced a book that sold over 500 copies both locally and to car clubs. A programme of talks to local community groups has helped to raise the profile of the forthcoming centenary of Longbridge in 2005. A street party (see photos) launched the book and celebrated the areas identity and the achievements of Lord Austin.

One result of the project is that a Civic Society blue plaque has been awarded to the village. Some of the bungalows are very close to their original appearance and the next step is to see if the Preservation Society can achieve listed building status for them.