Wow, listen to you two, you sound like a couple of cynical old blokes, which of course, you aren't.
Eastside Locks is a regeneration project. All the worn out old industrial buildings have gone. The only buildings worth keeping have been saved, ie. the two pubs, Belmont Works and of course Curzon entrance, oh and of course, they've kept the canal (and what a state that was in). The area is now home to education, student's residences, university buildings and the new site for the Conservatoire, which will be well worth a visit when completed. Developers have learnt, at long last, that a mix of old and new in an area makes for a much better environment, the Jewellery Quarter is a terrific example of that. Belmont Works will be Grade A office space, so attracting quality companies to this gateway to the city.
As in Brindley Place, the canal will become a feature of the area. It's good to see new life in this long neglected neck of the woods.