Selly Oak Station Prospectus

STATIONS AS PLACES Opportunity Prospectus

An integrated masterplan vision and delivery plan for Selly Oak Station

SELLY OAK STATION JULY 2020 Foreword

Introducing the concept of Stations for Places The Stations as Places programme aims to promote local railway stations as community ‘hubs’ rather than simply access points onto the rail network. The vision is to develop local railway stations as an asset highly valued within the community, contributing to economic growth and acting as a hub for creativity, heritage and social amenity. The Vision

“We will develop stations as quality gateways between communities and the railway, supporting the changing needs of our passengers, residents and visitors. Stations in the West Midlands will be community assets, supporting the wellbeing and development of the areas they serve through involving local community and business.” -West Midlands Station Alliance (WMSA) Mission Statement

Why Selly Oak Station has been selected? There is an important role for the railways to play in both the economic and social regeneration of the local areas which our stations serve. This Opportunity Prospectus sets out the economic, social and geographic landscape of the area around our station and highlights some of the opportunities for commercial development, partnership working, inward investment and community regeneration. We have included a profile of Selly Oak Station in this document and looked at different types of activity neighbouring our station, from local businesses providing facilities to the travelling public, local authorities using existing assets in different ways, businesses looking for investment opportunities and the impact of new development in the surrounding area.

Contents

Chapter Page Chapter Page Why ‘Stations as Places’? 3 Opportunity Plan 18 Get in touch and keep up to date Bringing our Partners together 4 'Last Mile' Concept Plan 19 About the Station 5 The Aspiration 20 You can email [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you! What Do We Know? 7 Community Insight 21 Survey Results 8 Development Strategy 23 You can also follow progress on Stations Services and Trains 10 Opportunities for Investment 24 as Places at: Station Layout 11 Action Plan and Targets 25 www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance The Headline Opportunities 13 Who to contact and how to get involved 26

02 Why ‘Stations As Places’ for Selly Oak Station?

Who are the West Midlands Station Alliance? The headline opportunities What do we Know WMSA is a formal alliancing arrangement This Prospectus sets out the headline opportunities for Selly between industry partners with a common Oak Station; including community integration, improvements vision and forward plan, including to the passenger environment and capitalising on future infrastructure owner Network Rail, station development of the Selly Oak area. The flow chart on the facilities owner West Midlands Trains right shows how we are delivering Stations as Places in community (WMT) and local government West Selly Oak. Midlands Rail Executive. The role of the ENGAGEMENT WMSA is to facilitate Stations as Places by bringing together various stakeholders to work together in partnership; ensuring that the Stations as Places vision and local aspirations are shared between the stakeholders, the infrastructure owner - the station facilities owner - and the building a Local Government. VISION

Why Selly Oak Station has been selected?

Selly Oak Station has been selected due to its important location Stations as Places on the cross-city line. It is located in close proximity to large areas PROSPECTUS of residential growth, key employment and student hotspot of Selly Oak, making it the station of choice for commuters, students and tourists alike. The station is located in an area of growth and therefore needs to evolve so that it can continue to serve the needs of residents, commuters, students and leisure trips. Monitoring Progress & Continuing Engagement The drivers for developing this location

Selly Oak Station was used by over 3 million passengers in 2019, and patronage is increasing year on year. This is a high number of passengers relative to the size of the station and is resulting in congestion, at peak times in particular. Therefore, there are significant opportunities for improving the customer experience at Selly Oak Station, for instance improving management of peak hour congestion, improving on-site facilities and facilitating sustainable links to the station. 3 Bringing our Partners together

Our stakeholders really matter to us. Whether it’s a major developer building new homes in reach of the station, or an individual customer that needs to be able to make an easy journey to a hospital appointment using a combination of train and bus, the Stations as Places team wants to hear views from stakeholders and customers.

The Selly Oak and Life Sciences Campuses house some of the most prominent education, research and healthcare organisations in Europe, if not in the world and has been designated as a Green Travel District. They are areas where local businesses and organisations form associations (Green Travel District Associations – GTDAs) and influence investments to bring about transformational change and provide credible sustainable travel choices for people and for freight. The Lead Organisations who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Selly Oak and Life Sciences GTDA are the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Birmingham Women’s Hospital; Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham. The prospectus will be developed in line with the latest thinking, with regards to the Emergency Birmingham Transport Plan and with consideration to principles within the Low Traffic Neighborhoods.

Our inclusive consultation approach ensures we cover the 4 dimensions of: COMMUNITY LOCAL PERSPECTIVE A railway station is often a great asset to a community, but a community can Some railway stations are ideally suited for some areas and not at all for also be a great asset to a railway station. others.

Selly Oak Station is clearly a vital asset to its local community, however there is To help shape the future of Selly Oak Station to the needs and requirements of the room to growth the community’s involvement in the station. Hence, the community local community, involving the community in the planning process is critical. The being identified as an opportunity for the station. This prospectus will seek to identify travel survey can establish how and when people travel to and from the station key local community groups and stakeholders to engage with so that the station can but community involvement helps to make a station a more attractive and valuable become a source of pride for the local community. community asset. Stations as Places aims to establish strong links between the station management and businesses, the community and other local stakeholders; ensuring that the voice of the community is heard.

SOCIAL VALUE LEGACY Transforming a railway station from a ‘passenger thoroughfare’ into a genuine An important objective of Stations as Places it to provide a long-term legacy community asset will have a positive impact on the local community. by establishing integration and community is involvement as the heart of the Longbridge Station. Residents and businesses are more likely to take ownership of their local station if it is a pleasant and safe place to be, meets their needs and represents local This will involve the community taking a level of ownership of the station and people and heritage. A railway station as a valued community hub can offer a real ensuring that this is passed on to future generations to keep Selly Oak Station a contribution to improving social inclusion and mental wellbeing; from promoting valuable part of the community. Of course, Network Rail, West Midlands Trains inclusivity through membership of a ‘friends of’ group or simply making waiting as a and the Local Government will also have an important role in the legacy of the part of a morning commute more pleasant. Most importantly, an integrated station station and that is why partnership working between the community and these shows that people care and that they have something to be proud of. organisations is so important.

4 About the station

KEY FACTS STATION TYPOLOGY • Selly Oak Station opened in 1876 and was originally built on Midlands Railway’s City and Suburban Branch to serve the suburbs of Selly Oak and Local Gateway - sserves local centre and local interchanges. Bournbrook. Key Features:

• In 1978 the station was completely rebuilt when the Cross City route was • Serves Selly Oak neighbourhood centre and Selly Oak Shopping Park commissioned. Architecturally, the station is built in a very similar style to • Busy suburban station other stations on the Cross City route. • Provides connections to local bus routes, serving Birmingham city centre, Northfield and Rubery • Up until this rebuild, the station operated a fairly limited service, mainly • Serves nearby student communities including Selly Oak Village and the during the peak hours. new Athena Studios development. • Acts as a gateway to the railway to serve local destinations on the Cross • The station received a facelift in 1994, including additional car parking City line, plus Birmingham New Street and Bromsgrove/Redditch for spaces, new lighting, fencing and CCTV. wider rail connections

• The station has now become a designated “Park and Ride” site.

FACILITIES OVERVIEW Selly Oak Station

Accessible Toilets Toilet located in ticket hall Customer Information Screens and Customer help points on both Announcements platforms Secure and covered cycle parking for Station staffed part time 59 spaces CCTV coverage Two platforms Ticket machines located in ticket hall Step free access provision and on platform 1

Seating available on platforms and Monday to Friday: 06:00 to 21:00 in ticket hall Saturday: 07:00 to 21:00 454 car parking spaces Sunday: 09:00 to 19:00

5 About the station LEASE PLAN

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¬ ¬ ¬ ¬¬ ¬ ¬ What do we know?

Public Transport, Walking and Cycling Access Car Parking and Accessibility • Bus stops are provided on Bristol Road, served by the National Express • Car parks are accessed from Bristol Road and from Heeley Road. West Midlands 61 and 63 services. • Bus connections are also provided on an orbital basis by the no 11 outer • There is a total of 454 parking spaces, including 18 accessible spaces. circle, including towards Bournville, the retail park and Harborne. These spaces are 94% full during peak times. • TfWM plans to introduce a Sprint bus rapid transit route along the A38 between Birmingham City Centre, Selly Oak district centre and Longbridge. • The car park operates 24/7, is free of charge and is operated by Transport • There is step-free access to the station, from Bristol Road for Platform 1 for West Midlands and from Heeley Road on Platform 2 • 59 cycle parking spaces located in the car park • There is no EV charging available, however four car sharing spaces are • There is a segregated cycle route along the A38 between the city centre available. and selly oak, and plans are being developed to extend this southwards along the a38 to Longbridge. • The station is located adjacent to the Birmingham and Worcester canal Crime and Safety Figures towpath, which provides a key walking and cycling route to the city centre, and south through Bournville and Kings Norton. Reported crime in Selly Oak has risen from 1,412 in 2017 to 1,704 reported incidents in 2019.

Station Facilities A total of 421 violent or sexual offences were registered in 2019, making this There is no waiting room at the station, however, 13 benches are provided for the most common type of crime (25%). Bicycle theft makes up 4% of those seating. There is a ticket office and two ticket machines on site. crimes reported.

There are three customer information screens; one for each platform and one Reported Crimes at Selly Oak Station between in the ticket office. 2017 - 2019

1800 1600 Annual Passenger Footfall 1400 2016/17 2017 / 18 2018 / 19 1200 1000 2.804 Million* 2.972 Million* 3.296 Million* 800 Patronage grew by over 300,000 (11%) in just one year, 600 reflecting the rapid economic development of this area 400 and the important role of the station. 200 0 *Source: Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Estimates of Station Usage 2019 2018 2017

7 84 Respondents Survey Results Undertaken between July 2019 and February 2020 What are the three main factors that influence how you travel to and from the What are the three main factors that influencestation? how you travel to and from the What are the three main factors thatstation? influence how you travel to and from the station? What do you use the trainWhat for? do you use the train for? What do you use the train for? Accessibility / Disability 1% Accessibility / Disability 2%1% 2% 4% 2% Cost Cost 4% 2% 10% 10% 3% 12% Convenience 3% 12% Convenience 3% What was the main purpose of your journey today? 3% Parking or Storage 26% Parking or Storage 26% Distance Distance Commuting Commuting Car Share 18% 18% 15% Education Car Share 4% Education 15% 4% Weather Leisure Leisure Weather 5% 22% Business Travel time to station 3% Work Business 22% Travel time to station 3% 9% EducationVisiting friends or relatives Service reliability Visiting friends or relatives 6% Service reliability Shopping 9% Tourism 6% Environmental 9% Leisure/recreation Tourism 8% Environmental Meeting friends/relatives 1% Health and Fitness Personal business 1% Health and Fitness 12% Other commitments 34% 70% 12% Other commitments 17% 34% 17% Other (please specify): Other (please specify):

Did you know? A key part of delivering a SAP prospectus is to The survey results demonstrate that 38.6% of respondents walk to the station whilst just 2.4% cycle. 34.9% gather people’s views on travelling by rail and to of respondents drive and park at the station. understand their experience of accessing stations on the network. This is important for helping guide The main factor influencing travel to the station was convenience, outscoring other factors such as cost and the type and scale of future improvements to the distance. Another key factor was availability of parking which was the second highest scoring. passenger experience.

8 84 Respondents Survey Results Undertaken between July 2019 and February 2020

How do youHow usually do you travel usually to travel the station? to the station? How safe would you feel about leaving your bike at your local station? How do you usually travel to the station? Wa lk How safe would you feel about leaving your bike at your local station? Wa lk How safe would you feel about leaving your bike at your local station? 0.0% 0.0% Bicycle (Stored at station) 3.9% 0.0% 0.0% 7.2% Bicycle (Stored at station) 3.9% Bicycle (Taken on train) 7.2% Bicycle (Taken on train) 7.2% Folding Bicycle 2.4% What was the main purpose of your journey today? 7.2% Folding Bicycle Electric Bicycle 2.4%1.2% 25.0% Very safe Electric Bicycle 25.0% Very safe 1.2%2.4% 38.6% Car (parked) 39.5% Safe 39.5% Safe 2.4% Car (parked) 38.6% 4% Car (drop off) 4% Unsafe Unsafe Car (drop off) 5% Electric vehicle Very unsafe Very unsafe Electric vehicle Work Car share 9% Couldn't use as a result EducationCouldn't use as a result Car share Shopping Bus Unsure Leisure/recreationUnsure Bus 8% Taxi Meeting friends/relatives 34.9% Personal business Taxi Motorbike 23.7% 34.9% 70% 23.7% Motorbike 3.6% 0.0% 1.3% 6.6% 2.4% Other or Combination (please specify):1.3% 6.6% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4% Other or Combination (please specify): 0.0%

Qualitative survey answers A large proportion of interviewees identified some facilities as non-existent: Interviewees also reported issues with pedestrian congestion during peak commuting times – both on trains and on platforms. • Community projects; The following three facilities were the most highly rated station facilities: • Refreshments; and • Toilets. • Lighting; Some respondents noted issues with cycle storage at the station, including fear • Cleanliness; and of bike theft and a lack of security. Others noted concerns that the current bike • Customer Information Screens hub storage was too complicated to use (requiring pre-registration). The results suggest that the station could benefit from an upgrade of some facilities to improve the customer experience, including cycle facilities.

9 Services and Trains

OVERVIEW

Selly Oak Station is a ‘turn up and go’ station with a frequency of a train every 10 minutes on the core section of the Cross City Line between Longbridge and Four Oaks.

The station has 6 trains an hour to Four Oaks and Longbridge during weekdays.

SERVICE DETAILS

Destinations and Key Stations Monday-Saturday Daytime Sunday Daytime (trains per (trains per hour) hour) Lichfield Trent Valley via 4 2 Birmingham New Street Lichfield City via Birmingham 4 2 New Street Four Oaks via Birmingham 6 2 Redditch 3 2 Bromsgrove 3 2

• First Train: 05:23 – Birmingham New Street to Redditch

• Last Train: 00:13 – Longbridge to Birmingham New Street

TIMETABLES https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/timetables

10 Station Layout

Map Key

Cycle Parking Lifts Seats Pay Phone

Ticketing Help Point Waiting Room Toilet

11 Understanding the potential for Growth

Why is it important to integrate stations and local growth?

Birmingham City Council can choose to use planning conditions (or Section 106 or 278 obligations) for defined schemes e.g. 100 secure cycle spaces and a bike hire building. Where new housing or employment development is likely to occur, these should also be recognised in the scheme planning application. Off-site sustainable travel measures which fall outside the station boundary should be delivered and funded via local transport strategies, or development control contributions through the relevant property developer.

There is a great deal of development taking place in the Selly Oak area. Developments include residential sites, new employment and retail sites and large-scale student accommodation, and are listed below:

• Life sciences campus – located at northern end of Birmingham Battery Site. Purpose built campus in high quality environment.

• Further development at University of Birmingham.

• Strengthening of Selly Oak District Centre – new mixed-use developments including retail, leisure, community, medical and office uses. The centre has capacity for up to 25,000sqm comparison retail, up to 10,000sqm office.

• Development of over 700 new homes at: Former Selly Oak Hospital site (including open space, leisure, community) (Constructed/Under construction.)

• Sainsburys Triangle Development – Student Accommodation

• Completion of Selly Oak New Road and upgrading of Harborne Lane will increase accessibility via car/bus and also improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

These new developments will establish Selly Oak as a destination in its own right, and cement its position as a student hub. It should therefore be ensured that last mile journeys can be accommodated adequately so that the station is well connected to these new sites. The Selly Oak Supplementary Planning Document sets out the clear aim for new developments to contribute to the need for carbon reduction, with new residential schemes aiming to be zero carbon.

It is important that the use of Selly Oak station is maximised to alleviate congestion at University Station untill the University Station redevelopment project is complete.

12 Understanding the potential for Growth

Growth potential of station (footfall, services, increased interchange)

All these developments boost the growth potential of the station. With an increasing number of residential developments in the area, there will be an increased demand to use the station to access cross city services to central Birmingham. Conversely, with an increasing hub of employment and educational sites in the area, Selly Oak will have a stronger draw than ever, meaning a greater influx of passengers arriving at the station, and then looking to use sustainable modes to access these hubs of development.

Improvements to transport connections to the station:

• Selly Oak New Road/Harborne Lane upgrade.

• Improvements will be needed along Bristol Road including pedestrian, traffic management and public transport improvements to improve journey times.

• Improvements to natural environment along Bournbrook corridor and completion of key missing links in the

City’s linear Open Space walkway network.

• Improvements to the canal network – planning permission to provide a ramp down to canal. Also consent to provide a new landscaped area at the Former Goodman’s Yard site, including a footbridge over the canal.

• Proposed footbridge from Selly Oak High Street to Battery Park shopping centre area.

• The Birmingham Local Cycle and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) designates a number of proposed cycle routes in the vicinity of the station which could come forward with LCWIP funding. This is a ten year strategy. Potential routes include extending the on-road route on Bristol Road.

• There are plans to extend the segregated cycle route that currently runs along the A38 between the City Centre and Selly Oak, southwards along the A38 to Longbridge.

• TfWM plans to introduce a Sprint bus rapid transit route along the A38 between Birmingham City Centre, Selly Oak District Centre and Longbridge.

13 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Physical Improvements By providing an upgrade to toilet facilities and providing refreshment machines in easy to locate areas for customers, the customer experience could be improved. Despite the various functional improvements to the station facilities and the step free access, this like many of the other cross city stations looks dated, not necessarily welcoming and could do with a route-wide treatment to address this. There is also potential to better link to pedestrian and cycle routes to the station. For instance, there is a potential need to improve cycle access to the station from Bristol Road and the A38 cycleway. Other opportunities include improving access to the Birmingham and Worcester canal from the station as there is currently no step-free access. Selly Oak Station is the ‘Gateway’ to the local centre along Bristol Road and to a smaller local centre along Raddlebarn Road and it is beneficial to have an orientation map of the wider area and the locations of onward public transport/cycle hire stops at the station exit. It may also be desirable to provide artwork relating to the University on the platforms to enhance the user waiting experience and sense of arrival. The provision of parcel delivery lockers would also be a great convenience facility for those passing through the station as part of their daily commute and would strengthen the station’s role as the hub of the community. The university offers an annual bike hire scheme for students, this could be promoted within the station to increase the uptake of the scheme. The inclusion of a cycle hires scheme at both Selly Oak and University Station would enable the student community to cycle between the residential areas and to the university campus, This would reduce the number of short trips by train between these stations, assisting to ease congestion issues along the line. Consideration could be given to opportunities to improve passenger capacity within the station itself. Easier access to the secure cycle parking using a Swift card or bank card would help infrequent users who do not wish to preregister. There are currently 4 carshare bays located within the car park, increasing this provision would increase the overall car parking capacity at the station.

14 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Integration Potential operational improvements include upgrading the existing CCTV, in particular, in the area surrounding the bike hub to reduce fear of bike theft. The station would also benefit from an increased staff presence on platforms at peak times to manage crowds. There is currently a lack of wayfinding maps at the station to help inform customers of how they can undertake their last-mile onward journeys. Context maps highlighting key walking and cycling routes and the local street network could be beneficial, particularly on the Heeley Road exit.This could incorporate artwork relating to the University. There is the potential to investigate partnerships between the ‘pop-up’ bike shop that operates in the University and the station, with the opportunity for discounts to be provided for season ticket holders, and advertisement to be placed on trains. The station building is set back from Bristol Road, surrounded by car parks, and would benefit from a more direct walking route and enhanced waymarking to improve its visibility. For the benefits of the community and its Stations, it is advantageous to promote access to all modes of transport (e.g. connectivity with the local buses), to consider planned development in the surrounding area and to promote activities in and around the University and Selly Oak centre. The provision of real time bus information at both the station exits and at the bus stops would improve the effectiveness of any interchange.

Operational improvements Selly Oak is becoming an important destination in itself and therefore it is crucial that we work with developers to ensure that the station is well-connected to proposed developments. This is crucial to facilitate “last mile” trips within the area. Importantly, walking and cycling routes should be maintained and implemented between these developments and the station. The railway network between University Station and Selly Oak experiences congestion during term time due to a high number of students making this short journey by train. The majority of these trips could be undertaken by bicycle, particularly through the introduction of a west midlands cycle hire scheme between the two stations. This could be enhanced by promoting the newly completed cycle infrastructure on New Fosse Way and along the A38 towards Selly Oak centre through wayfinding and information boards.There is the potential to displace a number of these railway journeys and to relieve an identified area of congestion on the network. New trains will be introduced later this year on the Hereford services (diesel) and the new Cross City line trains next year (electric). They will offer increased capacity and a more pleasant customer journey.

15 The Headline Opportunities THE SURROUNDING AREA

Wider connectivity improvements to the station Worcester and Birmingham Canal Selly Oak Station Walking audits in the vicinity of the station show that there is scope for improvements to be Towpath made to walking routes towards the station. Key issues noted were primarily litter and obstacles which could act as barriers for some pedestrians. The presence of graffiti can increase the Towards perception of crime in the area and should be removed. Birmingham City Centre There are some crossings in the area which lack tactile paving and dropped kerbs, and therefore Rail to University are not suitable for disabled users. Access to the station via the canal is currently convoluted and to Birmingham and there would be benefit in providing a direct, step-free link from the station. New Street Plans to downgrade access for vehicles along Selly Oak High Street, whilst improving the Towards environment for pedestrians and cyclists, will provide a great benefit for those accessing the Northfield and station. Longbridge

There are wider connectivity improvements planned for Selly Oak which will benefit the station, including improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure as part of the Selly Oak New Road scheme and also a new footbridge connection to the shopping park area. Rail to Bournville The northbound bus stop, adjacent to the station benefits from real time information whilst the southbound stop contains simple flag and timetable information. Real time information could also be provided at the southbound stop.

Cyclist infrastructure links the area of Selly Oak with the University Campus and the University Birmingham Hospital. It would be beneficial to promote this link by providing enhanced wayfinding. Bus Interchange on Bristol Road

16 The Headline Opportunities INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Investment in surrounding land use activities and their relationship to the station

As noted, there is a wealth of planned development and sites under construction. Through this prospectus, there is a clear opportunity to facilitate and improve connectivity to key developments in Selly Oak such as the Life Sciences campus. As mentioned, Selly Oak is home to a large student population, and it is important that transport links to existing and proposed student accommodation are maximised.

Source: Birmingham Development Plan 17 Opportunity Plan

Real time information for Potential Station New context maps local bus routes to assist the Neighbours at station exits convenience of interchange There is an opportunity to implement community projects that will better integrate the station with its local community, including local schools to get young people involved with the station through creative projects.

Touchbase Pears is a multipurpose community centre who will be a key stakeholder to engage with, in relation to issues surrounding inclusive accessibility.

Finally, the station will engage with the Selly Oak community partnership to ensure that residents views are heard throughout the Stations as Places programme.

Other important neighbours can become West Midlands more involved as formal ‘Friends of’ the bike share scheme station including:

• The Bristol Pear • There Goes Coffee • Local commercial occupiers • Unite student accommodation

Installation of real Installation Investigate the potential to Installation of parcel lockers for time information at of CCTV provide a coffee kiosk adjacent the convenience and efficiency southbound bus stops to the station entrance of commuters

18 'Last Mile' Concept Plan

Last Mile Concept Plan The 'Last Mile' concept plan considers other land uses in the surrounding area and what the priorities should be in terms of integration of sustainable transport modes and station facilities. Key local stakeholders have been identified through initial consultation and auditing of the local area. Engagement will focus on improving access to rail services and how Stations as Place can unlock development potential and enhance existing connectivity for residents and the local economy.

Key Strategic Housing Land Availability Existing residential development (SHLAA) Open space/rural The SHLAA has indicated Existing Commercial/Industrial that there is capacity for 717 new homes within a QueenLocal Elizabeth Centre Hospital one-mile radius of Selly University Hospital Oak Station. Major Road Birmingham University Station Railway Line University Station Cycle Route Birmingham Improvement to pedestrian University and cyclist environment Canal/Waterway Birmingham University on route to local student populations, including Heeleys Road. Improving access to the canal so that the station links in with both the Selly Oak shopping park area and the planned Life New Wayfinding along Selly Sciences Campus. Oak High Street towards the Selly Oak Station station.

Selly Oak Station Real time information provided Improvement to pedestrian at the southbound bus stops and cyclists access along Selly Oak High Street New West Midlands Cycle Hire Stations

19 The Aspiration

A workshop was hosted with the Principal Transport Policy Officer and the Travel Demand Manager from Birmingham City Council. Here’s what they had to say:

“While Selly Oak is usually seen as a park-and-ride type station, Selly Oak is increasingly becoming a destination. Therefore, last mile initiatives are increasingly important.“ What STAKEHOLDERS have to say about “Key issues at the station include last mile connections to key destinations such as the the station shopping park area and the High Street.”

"Selly Oak is a key transport interchange, as it facilitates links between the station, high frequency bus services, and the canal towpath."

SELLY OAK AS A DESTINATION

There is a great deal of development taking place in the Selly Oak area, making it a destination in its own right. Developments include residential sites, new employment and retail developments and large- scale student accommodation developments.

20 Listening to our community

Community Workshop

A virtual community workshop for both Selly Oak Station and University Station gave the community a great opportunity to put forward their views on the station issues and opportunities. The following suggestions were discussed during the workshop:

• Initiatives to reduce commuter parking in adjacent residential streets

• Defined pedestrian route with priority over motor traffic through the car park at Selly Oak Station

• Better ‘Gateway’ to improve links for pedestrians and bus users from Bristol Road

• Decorative planting on rail embankments adjacent to Heeley Road and Bristol Road.

• Improved Wayfinding from the station to local pedestrian and cycle routes, including the new step free access points to the canal.

Thanks to our key stakeholders who had their say:

• Birmingham City Council

Litter Graffiti Congestion • West Midlands Stations Alliance Easier ticketing across modes of travel Step-free Coffee Shops • Birmingham University Overgrown Vegetation Enhanced pedestrian • Local Members arrival from Bristol Road Initiatives • University Hospitals Birmingham to reduce parking Better signage Wayfinding Maintenance • Canal and River Trust Planting Community involvement Security

21 Making station a better place

How to get more efficient use of the station? Pedestrian and Cycling Access

• Sustainable access links to the station could be integrated into future • Improve wayfinding signage from the station to local areas such as within masterplanning, planning frameworks and land use development proposals to student residential areas, and from Selly Oak high street. ensure that railway offers an attractive transport choice for new residents and workers. • Improve walking routes to the station – By increasing directness and ease of access, more users will be persuaded to ditch the car and travel to the station • Community hub space within waiting rooms, ticket offices and redundant station on foot. buildings to bring community project together and raise awareness of community projects. • The proposed improvement works to downgrade Selly Oak High Street is critical in improving the pedestrian and cyclist environment and access to the station. • By increasing cycling and walking mode share between the University Station and Selly Oak, the number of rail trips between these two stations will be • Improve cycling mode share by introducing cycle schemes (both local and decreased, improving the current congestion issues on this known pinch point regional schemes) and promote the new cycle infrastructure linking the station on the network. with the University.

Managing car parking demand With station car parking currently at full capacity on weekdays in tandem with passenger growth targets for the station, there is a strong need to focus on supporting mode shift from car and manage any additional pressures on parking from Birmingham’s Clear Air Zone. This could partly be achieved through increasing the number of car share bays, in order to reduce single car occupancy.

Some of the car parking capacity may be due to the location of Northfield and Bournville stations which are some distance away from the A38 with some heading to selly oak as a more convenient option. The Longbridge Park and Ride expansion should help to remove some of the longer distance car journeys further back up the line but there is still the potential to target cycling and maybe bus interchange for areas such as Northfield or Weoley Castle.

Public Transport The introduction of real time bus information at the station would support rail to bus interchange.

22 Making the Station a better place DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Short Term

• Providing posters and information at the station promoting walking, cycling and public transport options. • Arrange monthly clean ups to ensure pedestrian routes in the vicinity of the station are clear of litter and obstacles. • Graffiti in the surrounding areas should be cleaned up to reduce the perception of crime in the local area • Increase the number of carshare bays within the park and ride car park. • Speak to local employers about bike2work schemes to encourage rail-bike travel to the station. • Adoption of the station by a community group. • Connect with local communities by working with local schools to increase awareness of walking/cycling safety. • Provision of wayfinding maps to display at the station, highlighting key walking and cycling routes for last mile journeys. • Increase CCTV presence at the bike hub area. • Staff presence during busy peak hours will be increased in order to effectively manage crowds on the platform.

Medium Term

• Introduction of West Midlands bike share scheme to the station. • Improvements to walking routes to the station. • Improved provision of dropped kerb and tactile paving crossings on key routes in the vicinity of the station e.g. Heeley Road. • Mobile coffee offer at station entrance with a potential link up with an established local company • Provide real time information at the train station for bus services, improving the interchange experience. • Provision of Wifi at station - continuous wifi between trains and the stations

Long Term

• Provide upgrades to the station’s facilities, including new toilets and provision of refreshment facilities. • Work with developers as planned developments in Selly Oak come forward to ensure that passengers from the station are able to access these developments sustainably. • Increase capacity and number of carriages for peak hour services • Improving access to the canal so that the station links in with both the Selly Oak shopping park area and the planned Life Sciences Campus. • Consideration to increasing passenger capacity within the station itself.

23 OPPORTUNITIES for INVESTMENT

The Stations as Places Prospectus should act as a means of providing an evidence base which can attract funding opportunities and implement quick-win initiatives and measures. To achieve this, continuous stakeholder involvement and collaboration is crucial to develop relationships within the communities that the Stratford-upon-Avon stations serve. OPTIONS FOR DELIVERY

Section 106 External Funding Match Funding Commercial Revenue Third Party Funding

Section 106 funding can be West Midlands Combined Access for All (AfA) funding is Potential for commercial Customer and Communities secured when a third party Authority, Transport for West a key part of the Government's revenue from any new Improvement Fund (CCIF). development relates to the Midlands, West Midlands Inclusive Transport Strategy refreshment’s facilities Subject to Department for station (in planning terms). Trains, Network Rail to improve the accessibility of implemented. Transport (DFT) approvals, Heritage Fund, Birmingham Great Britain's railway. This West Midlands Trains has CC, Local Enterprise funding is specifically targeted an annual budget 2020-21 of Partnership, Growth at providing improvements at £1.7million to support schemes Company Funding etc. stations which can enable more that are proposed, developed disabled people to access the and delivered by our customers, rail network. communities and stakeholders. This exciting programme will run every year for six years.

EASY WINS

Cycle Rail Community and Volunteering resources

As result of the Cycle Rail Fund awarding in 2019, it was announced an extra 2,300 cycle The Birmingham LCWIP prioritises a number of proposed cycle routes in spaces to be built at 48 stations across England, enabling commuters to cycle directly to the the vicinity of University and Selly Oak Station which would be funded by station and lock-up their bike securely. the LCWIP should they come forward. A number of these would increase accessibility to the station by bike. The Cycle Rail Programme has already tripled the number of cycle parking spaces at more than 500 stations, bringing the total to over 80,000. The Cycle Rail programme is a great opportunity to get funding to improve cycling facilities and security around railway stations.

24 ACTION PLAN Making the station a better place - achieving mode change

Mode shift targets provide a focus for the Stations as Place prospectus, as a way of measuring whether future schemes have a positive impact on sustainable travel. Walking Cycling Public Transport Currently, 38.6% of people access the station by walking and 6% by cycling. Customers wishing to access the station on foot, are able to use a network of footways with good Target Target Target pedestrian crossing provision in the vicinity of the station.

Two key cycle routes come within close proximity to the station – the A38 cycleway 50% 15% 10% and the canal towpath. There are plans to improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity Existing Existing Existing along Selly Oak High Street, by reducing the available carriageway width to vehicles. As such, there is a real opportunity to increase the number of passengers that cycle to access the station and the railway network. 38.6% 6% 7.2%

Action Responsibility Timescale

Secure adoption by West Midlands Railway Short community group

Install wayfinding along TfWM and West Midlands Short Heeleys Road and context Railway maps at station exit points

Mode shift from car to cycle TfWM, West Midlands Medium as a method to travel to the Railway and BCC station.

Deliver improvements to the BCC Long public realm along Selly Oak High Street

In light of the changes with travel behavior as a result of Covid-19, these targets will be revisited potentially with further surveys, with a focus on increasing trips by foot and by bike in the local area.

25 Who to contact and how to get involved

The Stations as Places initiative is designed to be open to all.

We really want to engage with organisations of different shapes and sizes. We’d love to hear from developers and their consultant teams about how we can work more closely with you to connect with your development schemes, especially if you are needing people to take the train to ease pressure of the road network and make your development proposals work effectively.

But we’d also love to hear from shopkeepers and other local businesses, from social enterprises and residents groups, and from organisations supporting disabled people and others needing accessibility support. So how to get involved?

You can email [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you!

• Give us feedback about this Prospectus • Flag up an opportunity with your proposed development • Talk to us about how your organisation can get involved

You can also follow progress on Stations as Places at www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance