urbancentres
A framework for inclusive growth Draft • November 2018
Contents 1 Birmingham is now ranked as one of the “ “ best cities for quality of life in the UK Foreword 3 Introduction 5
Context 9
The strategy 13
Centres for transformation 17
• Sutton Coldfield • Perry Barr • Bordesley Green • Coventry Road • Stechford • Meadway • Erdington • Northfield • Stirchley • Alum Rock Road
Delivery 61
urban centres framework / contents contents / urban centres framework 2 Foreword 3
As Birmingham continues to develop and prosper a key priority will be the delivery of inclusive economic growth. This growth agenda encompasses new housing, employment space, leisure attractions and cultural facilities. It also involves creating the highest quality liveable environments, improving local skills and access to jobs; and expansion of the City’s transport network. Pivotal to the delivery of this agenda will be the City’s network of Urban Centres.
These Urban Centres are a focal point for our communities. They form the vital hub for local activity, providing places for us to shop, socialise, live and work. As we look to the future these Urban Centres and local parades will need to evolve; responding to new demands and becoming truly multifunctional places.
The success of Birmingham’s City Centre offers a blueprint for all of the City’s Urban Centres. Since the launch of the Big City Plan in 2010 the City Centre has seen a further renaissance in its economic role and its cultural and residential offer. Billions of pounds of investment and millions more visitors are being attracted and its appeal as a place to live continues to grow. With a clear plan for the City Centre its potential to drive further growth is significant.
The City’s Urban Centres also have huge potential.
Building on existing successes, like Kings Heath and Boldmere, the network of Urban Centres can drive our agenda for inclusive economic growth. With over £2 billion of new development planned for transformational change a city wide renaissance is underway.
Through this Urban Centres Framework we are setting out how these places can become catalysts for change and so in turn strengthen their role at the heart of the City’s diverse communities. In delivering this, there are countless opportunities for us to work
collaboratively, harnessing the resources, knowledge, expertise and energy of everyone who wants to make Birmingham an even greater City.
I am delighted to be launching this framework as a mechanism to guide the future transformation of our Urban Centres promoting inclusive economic growth. With over £2 billion of new “ Councillor Ian Ward Leader “ development planned...a city Birmingham City Council wide renaissance is underway
urban centres framework / foreword foreword / urban centres framework 4 5
Introduction Over the next 15 years the City“ “is set to see significant growth urban centres framework / introduction introduction / urban centres framework 6 Introduction 7
Birmingham’s diverse network of Urban Centres and local parades have a central role in
delivering the City’s agenda for inclusive economic growth. With over 70 Urban Centres and more than 100 local parades, Birmingham has a network of places that can become the focal point for future investment, jobs, housing, cultural activity and connectivity.
Over the next 15 years the City is set to as a great place to learn, work and invest The City’s network of Urban Centres ranges and the Big City Plan of 2010, encourages see significant growth, with 51,000 new in. This growth is driven by an increase in in size from the City Centre, which attracts a mixture of uses in a well-connected, high homes, over a million square metres of new Birmingham’s population from 1.1 million millions of visitors and is home to major quality setting and provides a blueprint for floorspace for commercial uses and billions to 1.25 million in 2031 and the continued employers and cultural attractions; to Sutton creating thriving centres throughout the “ of pounds of investment in infrastructure success of the City as one of the key centres Coldfield, the second largest centre in the City. to meet the City’s needs. These priorities for investment in the UK and the arrival of City with shops, restaurants and offices; As the city looks to the future are making Birmingham a great city to High Speed rail (HS2) in 2026. to smaller clusters in centres like Kings As the City seeks to deliver new grow up in, live and grow old in, as well Norton and Balsall Heath, which provide an development and create successful important focus for local communities. and vibrant places, its Urban Centres it needs to reimagine the and parades will need to evolve to Over recent years the way in which people accommodate a diverse range of uses and “ use centres has altered. Changes in activities that meet the needs of all. This role of its Urban Centres shopping habits, use of space and consumer document provides a framework to guide demands have made it challenging for them this by setting out the key principles that to remain shopping destinations. Whilst will enable centres to evolve and thrive into some centres have met this challenge by the future. In implementing these principles, finding new focus and flourishing, others a series of ‘centres for transformation’ need to evolve to remain attractive, viable have been identified to direct investment and vibrant places. As the City looks to the decisions and target actions to create future it needs to reimagine the role of its sustainable, inclusive and connected Urban Centres as places which offer more places. This approach will play a key role in than just somewhere to shop. supporting delivery of the growth agenda of the Birmingham Development Plan. Since the late 1980’s, Birmingham’s largest centre - the City Centre - has undergone The framework will importantly provide dramatic transformation, responding to context for local communities to bring challenges of a low quality environment, forward their own plans for their Urban lack of activity, limited retail and leisure offer Centres, and a mechanism to seek and and poor accessibility. Its success has been secure funding and investment. driven by the creation of a destination with broad appeal. Its mixture of shops, offices, The delivery of this framework will leisure, cultural and community uses, and be supported by a Toolkit allowing the growth of City living has successfully communities to drive improvements in their drawn people, investment and new activity centre or parade. Local communities, in into the centre. Well-connected by public partnership with the City Council and other transport and the high quality pedestrian organisations, can create successful and environment makes the centre easy to vibrant places that sit at the heart of thriving access and get around. This approach, neighbourhoods. defined in the Highbury Initiative of 1987
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Context The City is currently experiencing “ “unprecedented levels of investment
urban centres framework / context context / urban centres framework 10 Context 11
Birmingham’s network of Urban Centres is well established, reflecting the City’s historic growth. The network includes over 70 centres which are identified in the Birmingham Development Plan. They are varied in terms of size, offer and who they serve; ranging from the City Centre, which holds a national position as a retail destination, Sutton Coldfield which serves a regional population, to local centres which meet day-to-day needs. In addition, there are many smaller shopping parades throughout the City.
As an international City, Birmingham is This huge potential is being capitalised Across 130 hectares, new development King’s Heath High Street is the focal point has created a focal point in the high street, home to over one million people and is on, and the centre is being revitalised is delivering 10,000 jobs, over 1,450 new for a number of neighbourhoods in south a place for people to relax and meet and a thriving as a great place to live, work and with new retail, and commercial uses. homes, a Regional Investment Site for Birmingham. Much like the neighbouring location for events and markets. visit. The City is currently experiencing The Birmingham Battery, Triangle and employment uses, ITEC Park, a biomass centre of Moseley, it has become a unprecedented levels of investment in Dingle sites will deliver a new supermarket Combined Heat and Power network, thriving destination for shopping and Soho Road is a successful centre located infrastructure, and major development supported by a mix of uses, including retail, education facilities and an urban park. socialising, with a mixture of high street and north west of the City Centre in the schemes are being delivered with a number commercial, leisure and community uses. Longbridge Town Centre is already home independent shops, restaurants, community Handsworth neighbourhood. It plays an of centres already seeing significant to over 28,000 square metres of high quality facilities, parks, and local events (supported important role as a destination for ethnic transformation. The City’s network of Urban Identified as a Green Travel District, Selly retail, as well as leisure and community by an active Business Improvement District retailing, and has a wide catchment area Centres is already playing a key role in Oak will see improved traffic management facilities. As a Green Travel District, (BID)). The High Street has also benefitted extending outside of Birmingham. Over the supporting this. and new development that delivers public development is underpinned by high from its large catchment area and excellent last 15 years Soho Road has undergone a Birmingham... spaces, creates new connections and quality public transport facilities, walking connectivity. Recent investment in the programme of regeneration, supporting
Investment in Selly Oak, situated extends and improves the walking and and cycling routes and improved highway village square in front of All Saints Church and enhancing the vitality and viability of around 5km south west of the City cycling network. This will include access infrastructure. the centre. Its success is characterised by Centre, is establishing the location as improvements to the centre’s network of a low vacancy rate and diverse uses. There an internationally recognised centre of green spaces and the canal network. is a strong representation from small and is thriving as
excellence for research, education and independent ethnic retailers, a healthy “ healthcare. Driven by the expansion of The brand new centre at Longbridge is business environment and an active BID. the University of Birmingham and Queen the focal point of the £1bn of investment It is important for its shopping, and its Elizabeth Hospital, the area has seen over in the comprehensive regeneration of education, health, community and cultural a great place £850m of investment in strategic healthcare, this southernmost area of the City. The facilities. “ life sciences and education developments. regeneration of Longbridge, through Further investment in these uses could bring exemplar mixed use development, is nearly 4,000 additional jobs and 650 new transforming the area following the closure homes to Selly Oak over the next 10 years, of the MG Rover plant. to live, work in addition to the 18,000 people employed in the area today. and visit
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The strategy There is unrivalled opportunity“ for transformation across Birmingham’s “network of Urban Centres
urban centres framework / strategy strategy / urban centres framework 14 The strategy 15
With over £2bn worth of new investment potential, there is unrivalled opportunity for transformation across Birmingham’s network of Urban Centres. This potential will see the delivery of new homes, jobs and amenities and significant improvements to connectivity and the local environment.
Maximising the potential of Birmingham’s Activity • Higher densities of development that are Spatial Strategy Urban Centres will be driven by a strategy • Diverse mix of uses to create focused on key transport nodes to create Centres of transformation that promotes them to adapt and change. clusters of economic and social activity multipurpose areas that bring life to Centres of transformation will be at the By focussing on core themes of activity, and make efficient use of available land. the Urban Centres, underpinning their heart of delivering inclusive growth, with connectivity and local design and identity, economic vitality. This range of uses significant opportunities for investment and centres can become more vibrant and • Attractive streets and spaces that are includes shops, leisure, homes, community development. The City Council has identified sustainable places. To support the safe, accessible, interesting and well- facilities, markets, training, skills and maintained, encouraging people to visit its initial priority centres of transformation, application of these principles a Toolkit M6 (Toll) employment opportunities and services and there is potential for other Urban Centres has been created that can be applied to all and use their Urban Centre. Sutton Coldfield located in a focused cluster. Some centres in the City to be identified in the future. centres aiding local businesses, residents are, or will become, the focus for a niche • Environmental quality that sees • Centres at and and organisations. As part of this strategy, offer or activity, which can provide a Urban Centres taking opportunities Sutton Coldfield Perry Barr will be the focus for significant growth, M6 a range of centres have been identified unique selling point to help them remain to make sustainable design integral BIRMINGHAM delivering new homes, jobs and local with potential for transformation based vibrant. to development, including green A34 on the scale of opportunity, investment in infrastructure, sustainable drainage and services. Based upon the growth potential Erdington set out in the Birmingham Development A38 infrastructure or focus at the heart of a wider Connectivity energy generating features. Plan these places will play a leading role neighbourhood. Perry Barr M6 • Accessible public transport that connects • Active communities that take the lead in in delivering the City’s inclusive growth centres to their neighbourhoods, driving the improvement of their Urban agenda due to their size, location and Soho Road A38(M) Core Themes employment opportunities and the wider Centres. scale of potential. City, via bus, metro and train. Alum Rock Road The components for successful Urban • Centres on key public transport corridors A457 Delivery Centres • Walking and cycling routes that allow present major opportunities for investment, Stechford City Centre people to safely and conveniently Alongside the centres identified in this Meadway Successful Urban Centres are places that enabling local communities to better Bordesley Green access Urban Centres within their framework, there are opportunities Coventry Road offer diversity, not just in the uses but in the connect with economic growth. The neighbourhoods. throughout the City’s Urban Centres and A45 spaces, environments and activities that proposed East Birmingham Metro will drive parades for investment through local occur there. Equally they will need to feel • A safe and resilient road network that forward the delivery of clusters of economic communities, businesses, organisations and A38 safe; be accessible by a range of modes of operates efficiently and sustainably, and social activity at key places along the landowners. All play an important role in transport and have good connections into managing traffic, congestion and servicing route including Bordesley Green, Coventry Selly Oak creating thriving Urban Centres. their local communities and the wider City. and allows for an appropriate level of Road, Stechford and Meadway. Kings Heath KEY good quality car parking. • At a more local scale, there are a number Stirchley By focusing on the following key The Delivery section at the end of this Centres for transformation • Digital connectivity that meets residents’ of centres and parades city-wide with components, Birmingham’s network of document provides some information on Current transformation and businesses’ existing and future growth potential that are at the centre how change can be delivered in centres. Northfield Motorway Urban Centres can flourish; re-positioning of neighbourhoods. These centres have communication needs. Major roads their offer where necessary to become An online Toolkit will also be made the potential to adapt to meet the needs Rail line thriving hubs at the heart of communities available to view at: www.birmingham. Longbridge Design and local identity of their communities and businesses. Metro Line and fully supporting the City’s growth gov.uk/urbancentresframework which A38 Erdington, Northfield, Stirchley and Alum Metro Line (Proposed) • Local character and history that sees provides practical advice and information agenda. Rock Road all present opportunities to development, uses and activity in centres to communities and organisations on how re-focus their offer to serve their growing reinforcing or creating a positive sense of to make centres more active, attractive and neighbourhoods, remaining relevant and 8 place and local distinctiveness. connected. n NOT TO resilient into the future. NORTH SCALE
urban centres framework / the straegy the strategy / urban centres framework 16 17
Centres for transformation
• Sutton Coldfield • Perry Barr • Bordesley Green • Coventry Road • Stechford • Meadway • Erdington • Northfield • Stirchley • Alum Rock Road
urban centres framework / centres of transformation centres of transformation / urban centres framework 18 Sutton Coldfield 19
Sutton Coldfield Town Centre is the largest suburban centre in the City, and is located to the north of Birmingham. It has excellent connectivity by train and bus, and access to the motorway network. It extends from the High Street in the north to Birmingham Road to the south. It incorporates the train station and Town Hall to the north-west, and is bounded by Victoria Road and Queen Street to the east and the rail line to the west. Sutton Coldfield Old Town, which is the historic heart of the centre, creates a distinctive high street environment. Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is a 10 minute walk from the Town Centre.
Sutton Coldfield’s Town Centre will become The Birmingham Development Plan Town Square an unrivalled destination with a unique identifies that the centre can accommodate A major new public square will create an experience of new shopping, leisure, further retail growth, major commercial attractive place for people to meet and commercial uses and residential offer. As floorspace, and a significant number of new relax. Birmingham’s second largest centre after homes. The Royal Sutton Coldfield Town the City Centre, it has opportunities for over Council and Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Connecting Sutton Park £500m of investment to build on the areas BID will be key partners in achieving these The enhancement of key routes will success as one of the most attractive places ambitious levels of growth. transform the connections to Sutton Park, to live in the City. making the most of this major green asset as part of the Town Centre offer. THE BIG MOVES The Town Centre is both a well-established Vibrant mix of retail and leisure uses Sutton Coldfield gateway shopping destination and an important The comprehensive redevelopment of A new public transport interchange will link commercial location for office based the heart of the Town Centre will create a bus and rail passengers directly to the Town businesses. Capitalising on the spending new offer with food and beverage, hotel, Centre, providing enhanced facilities and power of its surrounding neighbourhoods, cultural, community and retail uses, and new a quick and efficient way of linking to the the centre will be rejuvenated with a high residential development. wider City and beyond. quality shopping and leisure offer, cultural and community uses and new homes. Improved road connections Growth will be facilitated by a substantial Thriving businesses A proposed relief road will reduce traffic investment in new infrastructure of New commercial space will be developed on the town’s historic High Street creating approximately £35m. to provide additional floorspace for existing an attractive environment for businesses, businesses to grow and to attract new pedestrians, cyclists and shoppers which will The role of the centre will become even companies to the Town Centre. revitalise this part of the centre. more important over the coming years as the sustainable urban extension at Langley and the employment site at Peddimore will see 6,000 new homes and 71 hectares of employment land delivered. This will create further opportunities for the Town Centre to reposition itself and attract new investment.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 20 SUTTON COLDFIELD 21 CEMETERY SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL CORE THEMES Activity Design and local identity • A mix of uses; including retail, leisure, • The aspiration for the Gracechurch commercial, cultural and community; will Shopping Centre in the long term is to 8 be delivered through the redevelopment remodel the layout to integrate fully with SUTTON COLDFIELD of key sites; including the Red Rose the significantly enhanced public realm STATION Shopping Centre, Brassington Avenue and connectivity in the centre, especially RECTORY and Station Street. The potential for a new to the Brassington Avenue development 6 5 PARK community hub will be explored. site. RECTORY ROAD 2 • The success of the Town Centre’s festival • The new town square will be a focal point programmes, restaurant quarter along as a lively hub for cultural events, markets Key Birmingham Road and its thriving evening and festivals. Proposed/upgraded public space SUTTON PARK economy will continue to be supported, with improvements to the public realm • The scale of the development Development opportunity 10 facilitated by the redirection of through opportunities available within the Town Improved pedestrian and cycling link traffic. Centre provides significant scope for 1 creatively and well-designed buildings Streetscape/public realm improvement CLIFTON ROAD • New residential development will play to make a substantial contribution to the Future relief road 4 9 an important role and will capitalise on public realm and enhance the River Tame. the popularity of recent developments New developments can enhance the * * Landmark existing/proposed 3 within the Town Centre, such as Royal centre both visually and in terms of wider Conservation Area Sutton Place, supporting the vibrancy and placemaking by improving the legibility 7 liveability of the centre. of the Town Centre, with the potential for Rail station public art. Waterway/Lake/Pool Connectivity • The creation of a dedicated public • Sutton Coldfield’s rich heritage and variety Sites/Opportunities transport interchange will enable of historic buildings makes the town 1 Brassington Avenue the centre to become completely unique in the City’s hierarchy of centres, pedestrianised, facilitating easier with its own heritage trail. The creative 2 Station Street/Brassington Avenue movement by foot and by bike around the re-use of historic buildings will bring a new 3 Sutton Park Link l core area. range of uses to the historic part of the town. 4 New town square BIRMINGHAM ROAD • A high quality walking and cycling link 5 Station Street between the rail station and the centre will • Sutton Park has significant historic and create a direct, safe and pleasant route. leisure value, and lies in close proximity 6 Sutton Park Link II to the Town Centre. Opportunities will be CROSS CITY RAIL LINE 7 Town Centre development opportunity • The shopping experience on the High taken to promote Sutton Park as a major Street will be improved through a asset to the Town Centre offer, and the 8 Future relief road reduction in traffic through the delivery links between the two will be improved. 9 Red Rose Shopping Centre of the relief road. This will allow widening of the pavement, creating a safer walking 10 Gracechurch Shopping Centre and cycling environment through the heart of the historic core of Sutton Coldfield. Parking provision will be reviewed as part n 8 NOT TO NORTH SCALE of delivering these enhancements. HOLLAND ROAD
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 22 Perry Barr 23
The Birmingham Development Plan identifies Perry Barr as a District Centre for significant growth. It is 3.5km (2.2 miles) north of the city centre, and is served by key bus and rail routes. The centre will become increasingly accessible with significant investment in infrastructure and placemaking interventions, with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as a major catalyst.
The centre will be transformed through THE BIG MOVES the development of major sites with high Vibrant Urban Centre destination quality buildings, enabled by investment in Perry Barr will be a focus for higher density sustainable transport and the public realm. development; a place with a strong urban This will provide improvements to the character of well-designed buildings and commercial offer and a significant increase spaces, an attractive place to live, work in the number of homes in and around the and visit for a wide range of shopping and centre. It will be an attractive urban place leisure uses. that draws many more people to live, work and visit. Enhanced A34 corridor environment The highway will be redesigned to improve The Athletes’ Village will be developed pedestrian and cycling movement, and on the former Birmingham City University public transport priority within the centre campus and adjoining sites; in legacy whilst maintaining vehicle access. These this will provide sustainable residential changes will also create opportunities for growth at the heart of the centre. Other new development. improvements will include upgrades to rail and bus infrastructure, a new Sprint/ Public transport hub rapid transit service, segregated cycle High quality, easily accessible rail, Sprint/ routes, and improvements to open spaces rapid transit and bus facilities at the heart and pedestrian connectivity. The legacy of the centre will make public transport the projects will lead to over 3,000 homes being preferred travel choice between Perry Barr, delivered across the area. the City Centre and the wider area.
One Stop Shopping Centre is a successful East-west movement retail destination with a large number of People will be able to easily walk and national stores. In the longer term there is cycle within the centre, and between Perry an opportunity, through remodelling, to Hall Park to the west and new residential open up the site to improve the frontage to neighbourhoods to the east. Walsall Road and access to Perry Hall Park. Commonwealth Games Athletes Village The traditional shopping centre, focussed The 1,400 homes legacy development will around Birchfield Island, will be boosted be a major catalyst for the area, bringing through redevelopment of gateway sites new residential accommodation along with to provide commercial and residential infrastructure investment. growth around a redesigned junction which provides a high quality town centre environment.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework ALDRIDGE ROAD WALSALL ROAD
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RIVER TAME
CORE THEMES Activity interchange, interconnecting with the • Development across the centre will
• New vibrancy will be added through the Sprint/rapid transit service. be based on creating attractive, well 9 development of more than 2000 homes • Changes to the strategic highway network overlooked streets and public spaces, within the centre, of which approx. with coherent design guided by a clear PERRY HALL 1 will rationalise vehicle movements, PARK 1,400 will be developed ahead of the including improved access to One Stop, approach to public realm. Commonwealth Games and used as part and deliver improved walking and cycling of the Athletes’ Village during the Games. Key DOUG ELLIS connections both east-west and north- SPORTS CENTRE More new homes will be developed on south within the centre. Key to this will PERRY BARR Proposed/upgraded public space STADIUM sites to the north and east, which will be be closure to through traffic of part used temporarily in Games time before of Aldridge Road alongside the new Development opportunity being developed for housing. residential neighbourhood, creating a Business opportunity • Community and leisure facilities in the public space with high quality pedestrian area will link well with the centre. A new and cycle provision. Future public transport interchange secondary school will be developed • Proposals will support public transport Cycle route on Holford Drive, and accessibility to priority through the centre and the 11 education and leisure provision will be delivery of a high quality segregated cycle Improved pedestrian and cycling link enhanced. A new community centre, and 7 route along the A34 connecting the City Streetscape/public realm improvement commercial uses to meet local need, will Centre to Walsall via Perry Barr and the be provided within the Athletes’ Village Landmark existing/proposed 8 Alexander Stadium. * * 2 residential scheme. • Perry Hall Park will be made more Rail station • Land around the junction of the A34 accessible and become an important asset S 4 and Wellington Road/Aston Lane will be for the centre offer, by providing a walking Future Sprint/Sprint stop developed for commercial and higher and cycling route alongside the River Waterway density residential uses to enclose a Tame, and by opening up links through WELLINGTON ROAD remodelled Birchfield Island, forming a One Stop Shopping Centre. Sites/Opportunities new gateway in the traditional part of the 1 New walking/cycling route alongside 10 centre. Sites include the former Crown Design and local identity the River Tame and Cushion public house and adjacent 3 • The scale and quality of development 2 Remodelled One Stop Shopping land, the former library site and adjoining within Perry Barr will clearly identify it as Centre 5 land, and the shops on the eastern side of an attractive and modern Urban Centre 3 Former Crown and Cushion PH Birchfield Road, including land to the rear. 6 ASTON LANE destination. This will be reinforced by 4 New public transport interchange • The aspiration for the One Stop Shopping landmark buildings in prominent locations, 5 Birchfield Island enhancements Centre is to remodel the layout to provide including at Birchfield Island and on the 6 activity to the Walsall Road frontage, Athletes’ Village site. Former library and adjoining land 7 Major public space bring forward underutilised land, and • The new residential development created 8 to integrate fully with the significantly as a legacy of the Commonwealth Games Commonwealth Games Athletes Village enhanced public realm and connectivity in Athletes’ Village will be an attractive and the centre. vibrant place to live with a distinctive 9 New school character and strong sense of place. New 10 Birchfield Road development Connectivity public space, including that created by opportunity BIRCHFIELD ROAD • A new public transport interchange and the closure of part of Aldridge Road, will 11 Later residential phases upgraded passenger facilities will be reduce the dominance of the road network formed by the redevelopment of Perry and provide a high quality setting for n 8 NOT TO SCALE Barr rail station and the adjacent bus development. NORTH
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 26 Bordesley Green 27
This is a linear centre extending along Bordesley Green, serving the local community with a variety of shops and services. The majority of businesses are small and independently owned, with the primary shopping area at the western end around the junction of Bordesley Green Road and Victoria Street. Two small supermarkets - Lidl and Asda - are located at the eastern end. The South and City College adjoins the centre and is an important local hub for education and community uses.
Most shops occupy the ground floors of Mixed use regeneration of Bordesley two-storey Victorian terraced buildings Green north lining the southern edge of Bordesley Good quality redevelopment for higher Green. The northern side generally density housing, shops and other facilities comprises industrial and commercial uses on the northern side of Bordesley Green will not typical of a Local Centre. enhance the vitality and appearance of the centre. Bordesley Green is part of a wider Green Travel District and is accessible by both bus Enhanced public realm and train, with Adderley Park rail station New and improved public spaces, less than a 10 minute walk from the centre. and walking and cycling routes will be Metro will run along the entire length of delivered in conjunction with Metro and Bordesley Green and be a major catalyst for redevelopment opportunities in the centre, growth and regeneration, which will bring making the place a more attractive place to new life and uses to the centre, enhance the visit. quality of the environment and connect local residents and businesses with economic opportunities across the City and beyond.
The centre is located within the emerging Bordesley Park Area Action Plan area, which promotes the creation up to 3000 new jobs and the delivery of around 750 new homes in the wider area.
THE BIG MOVES Metro connectivity The arrival of Metro will make Bordesley Green a very accessible location at the eastern edge of the City Centre, and a convenient interchange for rail and bus routes including the inner circle. Improved walking and cycling links will enable people to move easily around the area.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework ADDERLEY PARK STATION
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CORE THEMES Activity Design and local identity • A range of new uses, including residential • In places, the environment of the local and a much improved environment will centre is poor with a number of underused increase activity and create a more vibrant properties and premises, especially centre offer. to the north of Bordesley Green. The arrival of Metro offers scope to create • The emerging Bordesley Park Area Action a more distinctive urban character of Plan already identifies a number of areas attractive streets and public spaces WHEELS within and adjacent to the centre that ADVENTURE PARK enclosed by good quality new buildings SOUTH AND have the potential for redevelopment to to complement the Victorian terraced CITY COLLEGE deliver new mixed uses and housing. This buildings along the southern side of BORDESLEY GREEN ROAD CHERRYWOOD ROAD includes sites that are currently vacant or Bordesley Green. in poor condition. • Existing buildings that are local landmarks • The introduction of Metro creates should be retained within an improved significant additional opportunities to setting, including the imposing former provide new retail, services, businesses, police station and fire station. leisure, community and education uses Key 6 - as well as higher density and family • New residential development will include 1 housing - on under-used land occupying Proposed/upgraded public space 8 4 a range of housing types to meet local 3 much of the northern side of Bordesley needs and support the vitality of the Development opportunity 7 Green within the local centre. This includes centre. This will include larger family units the opportunity to extend the site of Improved pedestrian and cycling link of which there currently is a limited supply 5 Bordesley Green Girls’ School and Sixth within the area. * * Landmark existing/proposed 2 Form. • New public space will be created along M Future Metro/Metro station BORDESLEY GREEN Connectivity Bordesley Green at Five Ways junction and • The introduction of Metro will address the open space at Denbigh Street will be Sites/Opportunities congestion issues which will provide re-shaped to create a more welcoming 1 Bordesley Green Girl’s School and and usable space. benefits for other road users including bus Sixth Form services. VICTORIA STREET HENRY BARBER 2 Five Ways junction public space PARK • Metro will improve connectivity across 3 East Birmingham, giving Bordesley Former police station Green better access to the City Centre, 4 Former fire station Birmingham International Airport, the 5 National Exhibition Centre, the HS2 Asda supermarket Interchange, as well as destinations in- 6 Lidl supermarket between. 7 Mixed use regeneration • There will also be opportunities for 8 Denbigh Street open space improved local bus services and links improvements to Adderley Park rail station, whilst redevelopment of the centre will include
good quality walking and cycling routes n 8 NOT TO SCALE and highway improvements. NORTH
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 30 Coventry Road 31
Coventry Road forms a traditional linear centre to the east of the City Centre, and stretches from Cattell Road to Small Heath Park, a distance of around 1.6km. It is well served by public transport including major bus services, and is part of a wider Green Travel District. A new Metro line is scheduled to serve the northern part of the area.
Forming one of the largest centres in east THE BIG MOVES Birmingham, Coventry Road serves the day Attractive western gateway to day needs of its local community, as well New development alongside as growing niche markets with a much wider redevelopment of existing key sites around catchment. Bordesley Circus will define and enhance the gateway at the western end of the It has a wide and diverse range of shops centre. and community facilities, including health centres, a leisure centre, the historic Small Vibrant mix of retail, business and leisure Heath Park (which often accommodates uses large community events) and the smaller The mixed-use offer along Coventry Road Sara Park. The majority of shops are small will be enhanced through redevelopment of and independently owned, occupying a existing under-utilised sites, the introduction diverse mix and age range of buildings, of residential accommodation and by including some with surviving historic and improving connections to existing facilities. architectural value. High quality public realm These uses are complemented by the retail Improvements to the street, shop and offer of Morrison’s, a number of larger business frontages along Coventry Road, national retail chains on St. Andrew’s Retail St Andrew’s Stadium and the retail park, Park at the western end of the centre and as well as the general environment and Asda to the east. routes to the main commercial areas, Small Heath Park and Sara Park will enhance the Small Heath is home to Birmingham City centre as a pleasant, safe and increasingly Football Club at St Andrew’s Stadium - a attractive place to visit and walk around. major leisure and sports attraction opposite the retail park at the western gateway to the Metro centre. The environment around the new Metro stop at St Andrews will be a high quality, Development and investment in the area, welcoming arrival space, with an opportunity the creation of new jobs and the delivery of to create a new focal public space on new homes, education and community uses Coventry Road. will be guided by the emerging Bordesley Park Area Action Plan.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 32 33
CORE THEMES Activity • There is a significant network of green built environment and public realm around • Under-utilised sites provide the infrastructure in the form of parks, open the Stadium and the adjacent shopping opportunity to increase activity in the space and green corridors, such as the centre, together with a new Metro stop, centre. Land between Coventry Road and Grand Union Canal, around the centre. will create a prominent arrival place at the Wright Street, has potential for mixed- Walking and cycling links will be enhanced western gateway to the centre. use development, including residential. A to improve the connections between these ST ANDREWS STADIUM new public space to better integrate the facilities and the centre. • Small Heath Park at the eastern end of (BIRMINGHAM CITY BORDESLEY GREEN FOOTBALL CLUB) community facilities at Small Heath Library the centre is a key historic and community Well-being Centre and School into the • Walking and cycling links will be enhanced asset used for a range of community centre and create a new focus for activity across Small Heath Highway to improve events and has the potential for greater will be pursued. access to the railway station and canal. use as a focus for local people and visitors alike. • The former tram and bus depot at Design and local identity 1 Coventry Road/Arthur Street has potential • Sites within the western gateway 3 4 to be redeveloped for a mix of uses provide opportunities for higher density Key including residential. development defining the approach to Proposed/upgraded public space 2 the local centre from Bordesley Circus, Development opportunity BORDESLEY • St Andrews Stadium is a key focus for transforming this arrival point into the STATION activity on match days, as well as other area. Business opportunity events throughout the year. The uses and SARA PARK environment around it have significant • There is a longer term opportunity to Improved pedestrian and cycling link potential for improvement. redevelop existing municipal housing 6 Streetscape/public realm improvement COVENTRY ROAD at Coventry Road/Dart Street for 5 Landmark existing/proposed • Redevelopment, together with higher density, modern residential * * CHARLES ROAD rationalisation and improvement of accommodation. Rail station existing uses at Herbert Road, Jenkins Street, Parliament Street and Whitmore • The centre contains significant lengths of M Future Metro/Metro station
Road, will deliver new business and traditional shop fronts and key buildings, Waterway/Lake/Pool SMALL HEATH HIGHWAY community uses. particularly in the eastern part of Coventry Road. Sensitive refurbishment of facades Sites/Opportunities Connectivity to reveal historic features would benefit 1 Coventry Road/Dart Street • The new Metro stop at St Andrew’s and the character and attractiveness of the 2 the Sprint/rapid transit route along Small centre. Land at Bordesley Circus SMALL HEATH PARK Heath Highway will promote public 3 Former tram/bus depot GOLDEN HILLOCK ROAD transport and improve access to Coventry • There are a number of underused sites, Road, and connections with the City including at corners along Coventry Road, 4 Western Gateway opprtunity Centre and key destinations in the wider which with appropriate, well-designed 5 Herbert Road/Jenkins Street/ area. development will form local landmarks Parliament Street/Whitmore Road SMALL HEATH and add to the area’s distinct identity. opportunity STATION • Existing bus services through the centre can be improved by the better • St Andrew’s Stadium is an important 6 Coventry Road/Wright Street management of existing road space. destination and landmark. Improving the opportunity
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urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 34 Stechford 35
Stechford Local Centre is focussed along a 300m stretch of Station Road, between the railway station to the north and leisure centre to the south. The shops generally form the ground floor of traditional 3 storey buildings, serving the day to day needs of the local community. On the western side of the street, shops are set well back behind car parking and open land, offering considerable potential to enhance the centre’s character.
Stechford railway station provides fast THE BIG MOVES connections into the City Centre and to Distinctive, vibrant Local Centre Birmingham Airport. It is easily accessible The centre will be defined by the landmark from the centre, although there is potential new leisure centre and opportunity for to improve the entrance to the station. The a distinctive new railway station which, centre is served by a number of bus routes along with refurbishment of key traditional including the outer circle, whilst the Metro buildings and selective redevelopment, will extension will run along Bordesley Green create a more attractive and usable public East/Meadway, approximately 5 minutes’ realm. walk to the south of the centre. High quality homes The new leisure centre, including a New high quality homes will be delivered swimming pool and café, is a key attraction on a range of sites in and around the centre, within the centre. The site of the existing which will meet a range of local needs. More leisure centre will provide a number of people living locally will help the centre development opportunities including retail become more vibrant. and housing. The River Cole Valley is also an important asset for Stechford residents, Easily accessible local centre providing a strategic green space and Accessibility will be improved by all modes recreational route within 10 minutes walking of transport, including an enhanced railway distance of the centre. station and environs, along with upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes along Station The traditional centre is complemented Road. by larger retailers at Stechford Retail Park located to the north of the centre. The two shopping areas are connected by a section of Station Road that would benefit from an improved appearance and a better walking and cycling environment.
Stechford is located in the City’s Eastern Growth Triangle, which aims to deliver around 1,000 new homes, community facilities, economic growth and regeneration. Improvement of the centre as a destination, with a clear identity and that meets the retail, service and community needs of local residents and visitors, will be taken forward.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 36 RIVER COLE VALLEY 37
CORE THEMES Activity cycling routes to the River Cole Valley. • Refurbishment and redevelopment of Walking and cycling routes will also be buildings and remodelled public realm provided along Station Road to improve will create a new heart for Stechford and connections between the retail park and encourage more active uses that spill out the rest of the centre. STATION ROAD 1 in to public spaces. • The redevelopment of the former leisure • The new leisure centre will attract more centre site will provide improved access WYNDHURST ROAD people to Stechford. The former Cascades between Station Road and Manor Road site has the potential to be redeveloped recreation ground. 2 AUDLEY ROAD for a range of uses, including retail and housing, with an opportunity to provide • Waymarking of walking and cycling routes new housing facing Manor Road recreation between the centre and Stechford rail ground. station will be improved.
• New homes will help create more vibrant Design and local identity Key streets and public spaces. Possible • The centre will be transformed into a development sites to the north of the destination with a strong identity and Proposed/upgraded public space centre include, Bulls Head Allotments, sense of arrival that attracts people to Development opportunity vacant land off Avocet Close and stop and use local shops and facilities. underused commercial premises to the Key to this will be treatment of roads, Improved pedestrian and cycling link west of Station Road between the railway parking and other open spaces to create a Streetscape/public realm improvement line and the River Cole Valley. recognisable heart to the centre. This will 8 include refurbishing significant buildings, Landmark existing/proposed STECHFORD 3 * * STATION Connectivity such as the parade of shops at 195- Rail station • Remodelling of the spaces between 231 Station Road, the former bank and 4 buildings within the centre will masonic hall buildings and redevelopment Waterway/Lake/Pool accommodate vehicle movement, create of selected buildings and underused land. Sites/Opportunities more attractive public spaces that are 5 easier to walk and cycle around, and • The centre’s character will be strengthened 1 Bull’s Head allotments reduce the dominance of roads. by a well-designed, more prominent new MANOR ROAD 2 Highway improvements railway station building connected to • There is potential for the railway station Station Road, enhanced public realm and 3 New rail station building and forecourt
VICTORIA ROAD to have a distinctive new building with the new leisure centre as an important 4 Parade of shops at 195-231 Station 6 a more prominent entrance, improved landmark building. Road facilities and better access for all. • There is potential to develop and enhance 5 Remodelled/consolidated civic space 7 • Traffic congestion at the Station Road, land alongside Station Road between the 6 Former Cascades site Flaxley Road and Iron Lane junction railway and River Cole Valley to create an STATION ROAD (by the retail park) will be resolved attractive approach to the centre from 7 New leisure centre by programmed highway works that Stechford Bridge. 8 Land off Avocet Close will also incorporate new walking and
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urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 38 Meadway 39
Meadway is being transformed through the phased redevelopment of the Poolway Shopping Centre. This will revitalise the centre’s offer and attractiveness, providing up to 15,000 square metres of new retail, community and leisure floorspace, 136 new homes and the enhancement of the Kent’s Moat Recreation Ground to provide a modern, safe and attractive park with facilities provided for all ages. The residential development has commenced on site, and the first phase of the new District Centre will follow along with the works to the park.
Meadway is part of the City’s Eastern New housing Growth Triangle, an area that will see A broad mix of modern properties for both regeneration and growth with the provision sale and social rent, with the enhanced of around 1,000 new homes. It’s location on Kents Moat Recreation Ground as a key the route of the proposed East Birmingham asset on the doorstep, will replace the Metro extension will transform connectivity large number of flats and maisonettes that enabling local communities to better have become increasingly unpopular and access economic opportunities. The £735m unattractive. investment in the extension will run from the City Centre, through East Birmingham via Heartlands Hospital, and on to Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre and the proposed High Speed 2 rail station in Solihull.
THE BIG MOVES A new destination Complete redevelopment of the District Centre with retail and complementary uses, housing and improved leisure and recreation facilities.
Better connectivity A Metro stop at Meadway, connecting it with the City Centre, East Birmingham and beyond. Planned improvements to Lea Hall rail station, will make getting around easier and safer.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework LEA HALL STATION
40 41
CORE THEMES Activity • New links through the area will improve • The new centre will provide an additional connections to the centre - attractive retail and community focus for this part footpaths will link though the revitalised of the City, with the potential to serve a open space to adjoining roads, and wider catchment across East Birmingham. improved facilities will be provided for It will provide a broad mix of facilities cyclists. including shops, opportunities for office development and community uses. • Improvements to Lea Hall rail station will include formalised parking as well as • The centre will be complemented by upgrades to the interchange and walking improvements to the recreation ground to and cycling links to the centre. create one of the best public open spaces KELYNMEAD ROAD in the area. Design and local identity • The new shops and community facilities • There is potential to create a new public will have a strong, prominent frontage square within a future phase of centre facing the Meadway, and a welcoming development, which can provide a focal environment that maximises benefits from point for community events. passing and local trade. MEADWAY • New housing, which is already being • High quality new housing, laid out in delivered through the Birmingham traditional street patterns with a mix of Municipal Housing Trust, will enhance local 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties, will 2 housing choice in the area. Additional overlook the improved open space. Key 4 residential development opportunities Extensive landscaping and tree planting, OUTMORE ROAD Proposed/upgraded public space within the new centre as part of mixed use particularly within the recreation ground 1 development will also be realised. and along its boundaries, will further Development opportunity enhance the attractiveness of the new Connectivity streets and setting of the buildings. Improved pedestrian and cycling link • Metro will help to improve connections * * Landmark existing/proposed 5 between Meadway, the rest of East • The revitalised recreation ground will Birmingham and beyond, and enhanced include a range of new play and sporting M Future Metro/Metro station transport interchanges along the route will facilities, providing a valuable resource Lake/Pool widen and improve local travel choices. for the local community and also Sites/Opportunities complementing the new shopping centre. 3 • A Metro stop will serve the new centre, 1 Residential development opportunity with improved access to the new housing and improved recreation ground. 2 New public square Meadway will become one of the key 3 New BMHT housing development destinations on the route. 4 New retail development SHELDON HEATH
ROAD 5 Enhanced open space
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urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework BLAKENHALE ROAD 42 Erdington 43
Erdington, in north east Birmingham, is one of the larger centres in the City. It is a linear centre, about 0.85km (0.5 miles) long, which developed along High Street from the late 19th century. It has a range of shops, including national brands, smaller independent stores and indoor markets, as well as cafes and pubs, and a range of community facilities. A new leisure centre and swimming pool has recently opened on the northern edge of the centre.
The High Street is pedestrianised at the THE BIG MOVES northern end, providing space for local Vibrant mix of retail and leisure uses events. On and off-street car parking is The redevelopment of key sites within and provided, and it is well served by public adjacent to the centre will create a new retail transport, including bus services and the offer along with leisure, residential, cultural nearby Erdington rail station. and community uses. The most striking building is the recently High Street transformation restored St Barnabas Church and café (a High Street will be transformed to provide Grade II listed building dating from 1822) a more attractive shopping environment located at the heart of the High Street. with new modern retail development of high The southern half of the street retains quality design. Improving the quality of the significant lengths of attractive Victorian pedestrian environment and reducing the and Edwardian terraced buildings, whilst impact of vehicles will create public spaces a number of historic buildings, including for informal gathering and community Erdington Library and the former swimming events. baths, are located close to The Green at the northern end of the centre. Distinctive local identity Consistent, high quality treatment of shop There are opportunities to strengthen fronts to the terraces of Victorian and the retail offer and vibrancy of the District Edwardian buildings between Church Road Centre and its public spaces by building on and Six Ways junction will create a positive its strong assets and character features. local identity for the southern part of High Street.
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CORE THEMES ERDINGTON Activity • Redevelopment of the former Colliers site ERDINGTON ABBEY STATION • Central Square Shopping Centre and will enhance pedestrian connectivity to the
adjacent land at High Street will be centre and adjacent leisure centre. 8 redeveloped with a mix of uses, including retail, leisure and residential. There will Design and local identity be enhanced public space in front of • Public spaces will be enhanced to become the church, car parking and an improved attractive places for people to meet and relationship with High Street and St relax, as well as focal points for local ERDINGTON GRAVELLY LANE LIBRARY Barnabas Church. events. There is potential to create a new ERDINGTON LEISURE CENTRE space at the heart of the centre between • Wilton Indoor Market attracts people Barnabas Road and Church Road,
to the centre, however it has a poor enhancing the setting of St Barnabas 6 relationship with the pedestrianised Church and other historic buildings on 7 5 High Street. Remodelling of the market High Street. EDWARDS ROAD and adjacent buildings will create an Key opportunity to enhance the retail offer and • The value of The Green as a community quality of public spaces, including The space and northern gateway to the local Proposed/upgraded public space Green. centre will be enhanced by redevelopment Development opportunity of surrounding outmoded buildings • The former Colliers site on Orphanage with active frontages and environmental Business opportunity 4 SUTTON NEW ROAD Road at the edge of the centre will be enhancements to better utilise the public Improved pedestrian and cycling link redeveloped with mixed uses that will space connecting to Erdington Library. support the centre offer. Streetscape/public realm improvement 3 • New signage, upgraded public realm, * * Landmark existing/proposed Connectivity public art potential and development of • Walking and cycling movement along land at the junction of Wood End Lane Rail station High Street will be enhanced; possible and Wood End Road will complement ST BARNABUS measures include one-way vehicle existing attractive buildings at the Sites/Opportunities CHURCH flows and reducing on-street parking. prominent Six Ways junction and will raise 1 Six Ways junction enhancements Consideration will also be given to the profile of the centre from the southern restoring a vehicle route at the northern gateway. 2 Wood End development opportunity end of the centre with pedestrian priority, 3 New public space and enhancing High Street in front of St • Redevelopment of Central Square 1 CHURCH ROAD Barnabas Church. Shopping Centre will help create a strong 4 Central Square Shopping Centre opportunity identity for High Street. 2 • Enhancements to St Barnabas Churchyard 5 Wilton Indoor Market WOOD END ROAD with improved walking and cycling routes • Redevelopment of the former Colliers will provide better connections between site will be sympathetic in design to the 6 The Green improvement the centre and residential areas to the historic character of Erdington Abbey. 7 Former swimming baths east. 8 Former Colliers site • Walking and cycling routes from the west will be improved to reduce the barrier effect of Sutton New Road, particularly n 8 NOT TO SCALE between Erdington Station and the centre. NORTH
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 46 Northfield 47
Northfield is one of the larger centres in the City and serves a wide area of south-west Birmingham. It supports over 200 shops, including local and household names and two supermarkets. The centre is also home to businesses in the financial, leisure, administration and service sectors, and health and community uses.
Most shops and businesses front Bristol THE BIG MOVES Road South, which runs for 1.1km through Vibrant mix of retail and leisure uses the centre and offers a pedestrian-friendly Northfield will have a wider mix of uses high street environment. Northfield with restaurants, coffee shops and leisure Shopping Centre, towards the northern end uses complementing national retail chains, of the centre, is home to a large number independent shops, services and community of shops, including many national retailers. uses to include more family-orientated and Supermarkets are located in the south of the evening activities. centre. Enhanced Northfield Shopping Centre Historic buildings include the striking The Shopping Centre will be remodelled to Black Horse pub (Grade II* listed building), provide a more welcoming street frontage, which marks the southern gateway to the improved visitor experience and better centre and listed cottages on Bell Lane in access to Victoria Common Park. the north. There are a number of attractive older buildings along the Bristol Road High quality environment South, some of which would benefit from Further investment in creating a high refurbishment. quality pedestrian friendly environment, including improvements to public spaces, Northfield, a Green Travel District, has good refurbishment of attractive older buildings public transport links with frequent bus and high quality new buildings will services through the heart of the centre and strengthen Northfield’s identity as a place to Northfield rail station is within 20 minutes’ visit. walk. The centre offers a pedestrian-friendly environment and accessible car parking, as New developments alongside Sir Herbert through traffic uses Sir Herbert Austin Way. Austin Way Development alongside Sir Herbert Austin The centre has received significant Way will create an attractive and active investment over the last 15 years, including frontage to the relief road and improved the construction of a relief road (Sir Herbert links to the high street. Austin Way), new and improved shops, new leisure centre and swimming baths, and upgraded public spaces. It also benefits from active Town Centre management and a Business Improvement District. The Northfield Regeneration Framework was produced in 2014 to help ensure that the momentum built up through recent investment is carried forward into new development opportunities.
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BRISTOL ROAD CORE THEMES BELL HILL Activity • Public access to Victoria Common • Northfield Shopping Centre is a key from Bristol Road South will be greatly shopping destination, hosting well known improved by remodelling of Northfield high street brands and offering convenient Shopping Centre. parking. Remodelling of the 1960s style building will transform this key gateway Design and local identity site, creating an active frontage to Bristol • High quality developments will mark the Street South and providing much better approaches to the centre and the frontage access to Victoria Common. This will to Bristol Road South. Development of 1 2 provide an expanded, modern retail, food, land and buildings between Bristol Street beverage and leisure offer. South and Sir Herbert Austin Way could
be up to 4 to 5 storeys high to reflect the 3 • Sites around Prices Square and Bell scale of the road, with potential for taller Lane offer a significant opportunity in elements in key corner locations and at 4 the heart of the centre for mixed use approaches to the centre. These will also
redevelopment, including new uses for help identify and promote the centre. 5 listed buildings that will enclose and CHURCH ROAD animate the public space and streets. • Improvements to Northfield Shopping Key Centre and adjacent public realm will Proposed/upgraded public space • Prices Square and Tays Corner will be provide a positive identity in the north of enhanced as attractive, visually coherent the centre. Development opportunity and vibrant public spaces straddling the Business opportunity high street, with outdoor seating for cafes • The quality of the high street will be 6 and space for activities and events. improved by new buildings in key Improved pedestrian and cycling link locations on the western side and Connectivity refurbishment of existing Victorian and Streetscape/public realm improvement • Routes between the high street and inter-war buildings on the eastern side. * * Landmark existing/proposed Sir Herbert Austin Way will be made more welcoming and convenient for • Northfield Baptist Church is hidden Conservation Area pedestrians. behind buildings of poorer quality and SAINSBURY’S redevelopment offers an opportunity to Sites/Opportunities • Waymarking of walking and cycling routes open it up to the street. 1 Northfield Shopping Centre between the centre and Northfield rail NORTHFIELD POOL station will be improved. 2 Listed cottages on Bell Lane AND FITNESS CENTRE 3 Tays Corner • The junction of Bristol Street South, Bell BLACK HORSE 4 Prices Square PUBLIC HOUSE Lane and Church Road will be remodelled FRANKLEY BEECHES ROAD to reduce the dominance of roads and 5 Northfield Baptist Church enhanced make it a more attractive place for frontage pedestrians and cyclists to navigate. Measures could include wider footways 6 Mixed use opportunities and fewer barriers.
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urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework
NORTHFIELD STATION 50 Stirchley 51
Stirchley is one of the main centres in the south of Birmingham. It is an up and coming area, with great public transport links, proximity to attractive parks and the River Rea valley and accessibility to local employers attracting a growing community of young professionals.
It is within easy walking distance of Stirchley will become one of south Improved high street and visitor Bournville rail station, has good bus Birmingham’s most important sustainable experience connections, easy access to the Rea Valley and vibrant District Centres, offering The appeal of the high street will be walking and cycling network linking to the shops, cafes, restaurants and spaces for enhanced by improvements to public realm City Centre, and is close to the Worcester local markets and events. With major and building frontages along Pershore and Birmingham Canal. Employers in the development sites available and other Road. New and improved walking and local area include Cadburys, the University opportunities for investment, there is cycling routes will link the centre with the rail of Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth potential for positive change. station, canal and Millennium Cycleway. Hospital complex. THE BIG MOVES The centre has a range of independent shops, services and community facilities Hazelwell Lane development stretching for about 1.2km along Pershore A large vacant site at Hazelwell Lane will Road. Towards the north of the centre, deliver a major mixed use scheme of retail, the historic buildings of Stirchley Baths, offices and homes that would complement converted for community uses including a growing range of attractive independent a café, Constituency Offices and regular and specialist shops in the traditional centre indoor market, Stirchley Library and The and improve links to the River Rea and British Oak public house provide a strong green spaces to the east. community focus. Stirchley Square The centre is generally characterised by A new public square at the junction of terraces of relatively modest two storey Pershore Road and Hazelwell Street will Victorian buildings lining Pershore Road, create a community space at a key location with some sections that would benefit from in the centre, in front of the historic British refurbishment. Surrounding the centre are Oak public house. bulky goods retail units, employment sites and residential areas. Stirchley Park Stirchley Park will be remodelled, New homes have recently been built at with improved access and visibility to the southern approach to the centre by complement community activities at the the Pershore Road canal bridge, and at adjacent Stirchley Baths Community Hub. Fordhouse Lane permission has been granted for development of 101 homes and improved public access to the River Rea valley.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 52 1 53
CORE THEMES Activity • New and enhanced connections to the • Retail uses will be consolidated in the core Millennium Cycleway will be incorporated shopping area at the heart of the centre, in to new housing on the former Arvin including potential for combining adjacent Meritor site and will be integral to PERSHORE ROAD terraced buildings to form larger units. A development at Hazelwell Lane. mix of new retail, leisure, office, health, community, residential and employment Design and local identity uses will add to established and recently • The identity of Stirchley as a destination opened facilities to bring more activity. will be strengthened by improvements to the high street environment. Buildings • The major redevelopment site at Hazelwell will be refurbished to retain their Victorian Key Lane will provide new retail, food and character, with opportunities for good 4 beverage, employment uses and new Proposed/upgraded public space STIRCHLEY 2 quality new buildings to add visual interest BATHS homes. Together with the potential and activity in key locations. 10 HAZELWELL LANE redevelopment of the former KwikSave Development opportunity 3 store facing Stirchley Square on Hazelwell • The historic Stirchley Baths and Library Improved pedestrian and cycling link Street and the development site south of and British Oak public house, together Streetscape/public realm improvement the British Oak public house, this will bring with attractive new development at 9 increased vitality to the centre. Hazelwell Lane, the former Kwik Save site * * Landmark existing/proposed 5 and the new Stirchley Square, will create a • The new Stirchley Square public space Conservation Area distinctive character in the northern part of and improved Stirchley Park will be places the centre. Rail station BOURNVILLE BRITISH OAK where people meet and relax as well STATION PH as providing space for local events and Waterway • The public square in front of the former markets that complement community Selly Oak Constituency Office building Sites/Opportunities MARY VALE ROAD activities at the former Stirchley Baths will be upgraded as part of wider public Community Hub. 1 Northen approach realm works to form a landmark space on HAZELWELL ROAD • The site of the former gym/bowling Pershore Road. 2 Improved links to Stirchley Park 6
alley on Pershore Road, in the northern 3 Hazelwel Lane development approach to the centre near Cartland • The southern approach to Stirchley Road will be redeveloped with uses that centre will be enhanced by reducing 4 Stirchley Square complement the centre. advertisements and signage, and improving the appearance of Pershore 5 Development site south of The British Oak PH Connectivity Road by upgrading boundary treatments 7 • Pershore Road public realm improvements by the canal bridge and frontages to 6 New public square industrial buildings. will make the centre more accessible and 7 New housing development attractive for pedestrians and cyclists, with measures that include widening of • Improvements to the public realm on 8 Southern approach Pershore Road will enhance the northern footways, new seating and cycle stands. 9 Former Kwik Save Access to Stirchley Park will also be approach to the centre. improved. 10 Pershore public realm improvements • The housing development on Mayfield
• Links to the rail station and canal via Mary Road provides an opportunity to define 8
Vale Road and Bournville Lane will be this corner of Pershore Road and mark the n 8 NOT TO PERSHORE ROAD SCALE maintained and improved. route linking with the River Rea. NORTH
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 54 Alum Rock Road 55
Alum Rock Road is the principal centre serving the East Birmingham neighbourhoods of Saltley and Washwood Heath. The centre benefits from good public transport links, with regular bus services and local connectivity and its specialist jewellery, fashion and textile shops attract visitors from a wide catchment area.
The centre runs for about 1km along Alum Vibrant retail and leisure offer Rock Road and most shops and businesses Development of key vacant sites and are accommodated in two storey Victorian existing buildings will further enhance terraced buildings facing the street. The the mix of retail and leisure uses boosting eastern gateway to the centre is marked by the offer of the centre and enhancing its Shall Hill School, and St Mary and St John potential to draw in more visitors. This parish hall which is a listed building. includes bringing forward land and the conversion of properties to retail use at the There has been recent investment in new eastern end of the centre. housing and community facilities, including Washwood Heath Health and Well-being High quality public realm Centre, at Clodeshall Road on the eastern The image and identity of the centre will edge of the centre. Further growth and be enhanced through investment in shop investment in East Birmingham is proposed fronts and a high quality public realm with by the emerging Bordesley Park Area Action improved footways and street crossings. Plan. In addition to bringing forward some significant development sites, the District Centre will improve its visual quality and visitor experience.
THE BIG MOVES Attractive western gateway A more prominent and attractive gateway to the centre will be created at the junction of Alum Rock Road, Washwood Heath Road and Adderley Road.
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centres for transformation / urban centres framework 56 57
CORE THEMES Activity • Following the construction of HS2, there is Rock Road, and also to introduce new • The largest development site is the former potential to improve walking and cycling streetscape trees to reinforce the amenity Leyland Club between Clodeshall Road routes across Saltley Viaduct and create value of those that already exist towards and Parkfield Road and has the potential improved links and a gateway to the the eastern end of the centre. to be redeveloped for a mix of uses centre. WASHWOOD HEATH ROAD including retail, community, business, training and residential. Design and local identity • Development of the prominent site at the • Another key development site lies at the corner of Alum Rock Road and Adderley junction of Alum Rock Road and Adderley Road, together with the Victorian Crown Road at the western gateway to the centre Buildings will create an attractive gateway with scope for a mix of uses including to mark the western end of the centre. 1 residential above commercial. High quality design is required to reflect 4 the location and complement existing 2 • Also at the western gateway, open land buildings. and buildings to the rear of the Victorian 3 Crown Buildings form another potentially • Public realm improvements will be crucial Key significant development site with possible to create a more welcoming environment Proposed/upgraded public space HIGHFIELD ROAD access on to Alum Rock Road. for visitors to the centre. Wider footways SALTLEY and more convenient crossing places Development opportunity METHODIST CHURCH • At the eastern end of the centre, sensitive will make walking a safer and more Business opportunity conversion of properties on the Alum Rock pleasant experience, with potential to ADDERLEY ROAD Road frontage, between Langton Road introduce more trees and seating. A Improved pedestrian and cycling link and Naseby Road, will enable additional priority for public realm improvements is Streetscape/public realm improvement businesses to locate in this part of the ST MARY AND ST JOHN the key junction where Alum Rock Road PARISH HALL centre. meets Highfield Road and Bowyer Road, * * Landmark existing/proposed
including an opportunity to introduce a Waterway 5 Connectivity focal public space at the end of Gowan • Alum Rock Road is a fairly narrow street, Road. Sites/Opportunities with parking to both sides and is also a 6 8 1 key bus corridor. Public transport, walking • Landmark buildings have potential to Improved walking/cycling routes 7 and cycling will be promoted whilst boost the identity of the centre. The 2 Gateway enhancements recognising the requirements of private Victorian Crown Buildings help mark vehicles. 3 Key western development site SHAW HILL the centre’s western gateway, and the WASHWOOD HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL Alum Rock Road/Bowyer Road junction 4 Land to the rear of the Victorian Crown HEALTH CENTRE • Opportunities to make the centre more is marked by a converted former public Buildings attractive to pedestrians will be realised house building that would benefit from 5 New public focal space BOWYER ROAD through improvements to the public building features being restored and/or realm, including improved footways. A uncovered. Saltley Methodist Church is a 6 Former public house key part of this will be the provision of key building in the centre and focus for 7 additional off-street public car parking and community activity. Former Leyland Club site improvements to loading and servicing ANTHONYROAD 8 Sensitive conversion to retail use areas of commercial premises to reduce • Development of the former Leyland Club road traffic congestion and cater for site is an opportunity to provide a new
displaced on-street parking. high quality building frontage to Alum n 8 NOT TO NORTH SCALE
urban centres framework / centres for transformation centrescentres for of transformation / urban centres framework 58 59
Delivery Employers in Birmingham will be creating “ “thousands of new jobs in the coming years
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The previous sections of this framework identify where significant change will occur, setting out a clear vision and strategy for the growth and transformation for the City’s network of centres. Realising this will involve a wide range of stakeholders and a mix of interventions.
Enabling The City Council’s application of Funding This will be achieved by working in This document sets a statutory framework Development Management and other Having clear ambitions is vital to securing partnership with communities, stakeholder for local communities and organisations regulatory functions will be important in funding. The production of the Big City Plan groups, landowners, developers, and public to bring forward plans for their Urban implementing this framework. In addition, enabled the City Council and the Greater and private sector organisations including Centres. Plans can be produced to set the City Council will proactively use its land Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise BIDs, Trader Associations and Homes out priorities for areas, with opportunity holdings in line with its Property Strategy Partnership to secure Enterprise Zone status England to secure deliverable development for centres to be considered further with to assist delivery and, where appropriate, for the City Centre and the funding this proposals and investment. detailed interventions to secure the changes compulsory purchase powers may be used status brings with it to enable infrastructure envisaged. Support will also be given to to assist with site assembly. improvements. The ambitions set out in Key to success will be ensuring that new Neighbourhood Planning as a means for this framework will enable future funding development and investment helps local communities, including businesses Employers in Birmingham will be creating sources for Urban Centres and parades to to strengthen centres and parades as and residents, to define how their centre will thousands of new jobs in the coming be bid for and secured on the basis of a great places for all those that shop, visit, evolve. years. Major employers will be coming to clear strategy and set of priorities. trade, live and work in them. Working Birmingham, and our small and medium in partnership is central to ensuring this employers will be generating new jobs as Funding available to Urban Centres and success. well. The City is working to close the skills parades may include use of Local Enterprise gap between the skills people have now Partnership, West Midlands Combined and the skills employers will need in the Authority and Government grants. In
future. Urban Centres will be a focus for addition, Section 106 agreements may An online Toolkit is available at: these new jobs, as well as the colleges and be available to secure affordable housing www.birmingham.gov.uk/ training centres that will provide the services and other benefits and the Community urbancentresframework Working in to improve skills. This will will help increase Infrastructure Levy for infrastructure
productivity and economic growth in the delivery where appropriate. The levy that The Toolkit provides practical advice and City, getting more people into work. BIDs collect can also be used to deliver information to communities, businesses, partnership improvements in centres. Other funding local groups, landowners and other Good accessibility by public transport is a sources such as the Big Lottery Fund, organisations on how to make their centre vital part of vibrant centres and parades. development incentives and other initiatives “ more active, attractive and connected. “ The Council is working in partnership with may also become available. is central Transport for the West Midlands (who have overall responsibility for public transport Partnerships Waheed Nazir in the region) to promote and develop This framework will not just be the City Corporate Director Economy public transport. The projects and schemes Council’s vision, it will be owned by Birmingham City Council to ensuring proposed are detailed in Birmingham communities and a range of stakeholders Connected, the City’s long term strategy for and organisations. This is vital, as delivering the transport system. thriving centres and parades requires a partnership approach that focuses effort and success pools resources.
urban centres framework / delivery delivery / urban centres framework These Urban Centres are a “ “ focal point for our communities
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Contact
Planning and Development Economy Directorate Birmingham City Council
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: birmingham.gov.uk/urbancentresframework
Telephone: (0121) 303 3959
Office: 1 Lancaster Circus Birmingham B4 7DJ
Post: PO Box 28 Birmingham B1 1TU
You can ask for a copy of this document in large print, another format or another language. Call (0121) 303 3959
Plans contained within this document are based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
© Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to The Urban Centres Framework produced by prosecution or civil proceedings. Birmingham City Council, Planning and Development, Economy Directorate. Birmingham City Council. Licence number 100021326, 2018. urban centres framework / contact urbancentres