CITY CENTRE MASTERPLAN

July 2011

Contact
City Centre Development Development Directorate Birmingham City Council Click Email: bigcityplan@birmingham.gov.uk Web: www.bigcityplan.org Call Telephone: ( 0121) 303 3075 Visit Office: 1 Lancaster Circus Birmingham B4 7DJ Post: PO Box 28 Birmingham B1 1TU

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Plans contained within this document are based upon Ordnance Survey Material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majestys Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Birmingham City Council. Licence Number 100021326, 2011. big city plan / contact contents

Contents
Foreword Introduction Birmingham context Why a city centre masterplan City centre masterplan Areas of transformation Growth Sustainability Connectivity Walkability Building heights Heritage The quarters City Core Eastside Digbeth Southside and Highgate Westside and Ladywood The Jewellery Quarter St George and St Chad Delivery Acknowledgements Image credits 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 18 20 24 30 32 35 45 53 59 67 75 81 86 90 91

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big city plan / foreword

Foreword
The Big City Plan is the most ambitious, far-reaching development project ever undertaken in the UK. Our aim is to create a world-class city centre by planning for the next 20 years of transformation.
This masterplan, forming a key element of the Big City Plan, is about delivering transformational change in our city centre by supporting sustainable growth, creating new and improved public spaces, giving our streets back to pedestrians and bringing the cultural life of Birmingham to the heart of the city. It represents the culmination of our work since 2007 and is a seminal moment in our progress with the Big City Plan. We have set our vision, defined our objectives and consulted widely on the type of city centre we want to create. Since 2007 Birmingham has enjoyed one of the most transformational times in its development history, with a wide range of plans coming to fruition which already underpin the Big City Plan. In this period we have also made significant progress with major investments including: New Street Station - The 600 million Gateway scheme to deliver a bright, modern, 21st century focal point for Birmingham, helping to regenerate parts of the city centre creating thousands of jobs. The Library of Birmingham - 188 million city council investment creating one of the largest libraries in Europe in the heart of the city and underpinning the wider regeneration of the citys westside. Midland Metro Line 1 Extension - 129 million extension of the Metro Line from Snow Hill Station to New Street Station, to be completed by 2015. City Park - The 12 million City Park in Eastside, set for completion in 2012, will be the first urban park to be developed in Birmingham for over 125 years. High Speed Rail - With the Government confirming its plans to bring High Speed Rail direct into the heart of Birmingham, with a proposed city centre station in Eastside. A new City Centre Interchange on Moor Street Queensway - 12 million investment by the city council and Centro improving the bus system in the city centre. These and others represent well over 1 billion of public investment in the city centre - almost all of it committed, and much of it being spent right now. Of course, while public sector investment is important, what pleases me most is how our private sector partners have responded to the Big City Plan even in this difficult climate for development. The Big City Plan has been adopted by a wide spectrum of organisations with both the private sector and our partners. This has included support for a further 500 million of investment in new developments throughout the city centre. With the launch of the masterplan in September 2010 the Big City Plan has already been shaping future investment with the announcement by John Lewis Partnership to open a new 150 million store in the city centre as part of the redevelopment of New Street Station. Since its launch the Big City Plan has received international recognition in China, Europe and in the Middle East and will inspire imaginations across the world capturing billions of extra investment and value for our local economy. We now have a clear blueprint for the future, to deliver a world class city centre.

Councillor Mike Whitby Leader of Birmingham City Council

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Introduction
The Big City Plan City Centre Masterplan is being produced as a non-statutory planning and regeneration framework for Birminghams city centre. The key principles of this masterplan will be embedded in the Councils Core Strategy - the statutory planning document that will provide the vision and overarching direction to guide the future development of the whole city. Where further detail is needed for particular parts of the City Centre, this will be provided through Supplementary Planning Documents. Together these documents will provide the statutory planning tools to support land use change and development activity. How to use the document The masterplan is divided into three sections; the first covers the key issues facing the physical development of the city in the next 20 years and our proposed strategic responses; the second, from page 34, presents a detailed overview of how the city centre will develop over that time. The third section deals with how we will deliver our vision. For the purposes of the masterplan the city centre has been split into seven distinctive quarters. The accompanying diagram identifies landmark buildings and key roads, common to plans throughout the document, to help with orientation.

KEY
City centre boundary A38 Key city centre roads Canals River Rea

Key city centre destinations

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
New Street Station Town Hall St Philips Cathedral Snow Hill Station Moor Street Station Rotunda Bullring Shopping Centre St Martins Church and Bullring Markets Custard Factory Birmingham Coach Station

11 Birmingham Hippodrome 12 Mailbox 13 International Convention Centre

and Symphony Hall

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National Indoor Arena

15 St Pauls Church 16 St Chads Cathedral 17 Millennium Point

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Landmark buildings, key routes and features in the city centre

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Birmingham context
With a population of just over 1 million and an economic output of 18 billion per year, Birmingham is the West Midlands regional capital and the UKs second largest city, with an ever-increasing international standing.
Birmingham is a strategic location at the centre of the national motorway network (M5, M6, M40 and M42) and at the heart of the UK rail network. Direct access to over 100 destinations including cities in Europe, North America and Asia from Birmingham Airport, which is a 9 minute train journey from the city centre. Birmingham has a workforce of over 484,000 employed across a wide range of sectors. It is continuing to diversify its economic base attracting investment from new science and technology based industries and is a designated Science City and a Digital City. There is an expanding creative industries sector which boasts over 3,400 businesses representing 10% of the citys total number of firms. The city attracts 33 million people a year for business and pleasure. Birmingham has the youngest profile of any in Europe with 37% of the population under 24 years of age and is the second most ethnically diverse population in Europe. Has a strong education and learning base represented by three major universities with a total of 65,000 students. More than one fifth of the city consists of open space including parks, nature reserves, allotments, golf courses and big city plan / context playing fields. Many of these areas are linked by rivers, watercourses and canals forming an inter-connected network. Eastern Growth Corridor, situated between the economic hubs of the city centre and the Airport/NEC, will accommodate Birminghams growing population through new sustainable urban neighbourhoods. Lozells, Newtown and Aston, to the north of the city centre, will see revitalised communities through housing regeneration, improvements to local community facilities and provision of new employment opportunities. Sutton Coldfield town centre, in the north of the city, will see regeneration that will turn it into a destination of choice for retail, leisure and commercial investment. Selly Oak and South Edgbaston, is undergoing significant change with the new Queen Elizabeth hospital and ongoing transformation of the Birmingham University campus alongside major redevelopments. Longbridge, is a major redevelopment scheme transforming the former MG Rover site into a vibrant new community. The development of these areas will be guided by individual frameworks.

The Big City Plan Context

The regeneration of the city centre, seeing it grow to cover 800 hectares of the city is set within the context of the wider transformation of Birmingham. Over the next 20 years the city will: Grow its population by 100,000. Create new jobs to meet the needs of its growing population. Significantly improve its connectivity to the rest of the region and beyond. Deliver a transformation of the physical environment. This change will focus on a number of key areas, shown on the map on page 7, and the city centre will be central to this transformation. Others are: Greater Icknield, occupying a strategically significant location to the immediate west of the city centre, will become a major new sustainable urban neighbourhood. Bordesley Park, to the east of the city centre, will be a focus for the wider transformation of the east of Birmingham, providing a significant opportunity for large scale leisure and employment uses.

SUTTON COLDFIELD

KINGSTANDING

ERDINGTON

PERRY BARR HANDSWORTH LOZELLS, NEWTOWN AND ASTON

ICKNIELD PORT

BIG CITY PLAN

BORDESLEY PARK

HS2

EASTERN GROWTH AREA

HS2 NEC BHX BALSALL HEATH SPARKHILL ACOCKS GREEN

HARBORNE

EDGBASTON

MOSELEY

SELLY OAK KINGS HEATH

BOURNEVILLE

NORTHFIELD

KINGS NORTON

LONGBRIDGE

City wide context with existing neighbourhoods and key growth areas

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Why a City Centre Masterplan?

The city centre accounts for a third of Birminghams economic output, accommodates over 150,000 jobs, attracts more than 2 billion of shopping expenditure every year and is home to over 30,000 people.
We last set out our vision and strategy for the city centre over 20 years ago. That strategy was instrumental in shaping the city centre we have today and achieved many successes, but over this period many new challenges have emerged. In particular Birmingham is operating in a more competitive and globalised world and faces new economic, social and environmental pressures. Central to Birminghams success in the future will be the strength and sustainability of its economy which will need to be robust and diverse enough to perform alongside European and international competitors. Creating a strong post-industrial economy driven by a range of sectors including knowledge, technology, research, science and local services will be key. Birmingham can already take advantage of those sectors where it can boast a competitive advantage such as business and professional services, the creative and digital sectors, automotive assembly, low-carbon research and development, financial services, clinical trials and environmental technologies and services. These industries identified by Marketing Birmingham in Support to Inward Investment represent, alongside existing firms, the economic future of the city. There will need to be support for innovation, enterprise and start-ups, developing and diversifying the skills and knowledge of the workforce, investing in infrastructure and utilising existing assets including Science City and Digital City status, three universities, the Birmingham Science Park Aston and Birmingham Research Park. In addition to supporting new growth sectors the City needs to create the quality of place and range of accommodation to retain existing businesses and employees. While the challenges are city and regionwide, the city centre will play a central role in realising this future economic success. As well as an important economic asset the city centre is a source of creativity, culture and consumption. It is the shop window for the city. Its role will not just be about supporting and providing the skills, accommodation and infrastructure for the economy but providing the softer location factors which are critical to attracting investors, employers and skilled workers. In The Birmingham City Centre Masterplan: The Visioning Study Professor Michael Parkinson identified the things that we need to focus on in order to create a successful and competitive city centre, as shown in the diagram below. There are a range of issues that will need to be addressed for the city centre to perform better in relation to these five drivers for urban success.

Innovation & Skills

Economic & Cultural Diversity Strategic Decision taking

Connectivity
Interelationship of the key drivers of a modern economy

Place Quality

big city plan / city centre masterplan

Innovation and skills The key to future success in a knowledge based, high value-added economy is whether a city can continuously innovate in products, processes and services. The city centre benefits from a strong university and college presence, supports existing service and knowledge based industries and accommodates the Birmingham Science Park Aston. There is a growing creative sector and significant land and premises available to accommodate future growth sectors. The challenge for the future will be retaining and attracting skilled graduates and workers through offering the right jobs and providing a high quality of living. Cultural and economic diversity To succeed in the future cities will have to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The current quality of the city centre experience is not sufficiently diverse in terms of its cultural facilities, heritage, retail offer and services especially for young and ethnic minority groups. In an economic sense there is still a reliance on a narrow set of industries but with great potential to exploit creative and high value-added industries. Creating a diverse economic base will require the provision of workspace, housing, infrastructure and cultural facilities. Connectivity The quality of the connections are an important ingredient in a citys economic performance. The city centre is in an ideal location to be very successful, with extensive rail and road connections and direct links to Birmingham Airport. In order to achieve the ambitions for the city the quality of the external and internal connectivity will need raising. This not

only relates to vehicular transport but also the connections and environment for pedestrians and cyclists within and beyond the city centre. Place quality The quality of place is central to attracting and retaining investors, employers, workers, students and visitors to the city. The quality of the architectural, public realm, environmental, recreational, leisure and residential offer in the city centre needs improving and diversifying. These softer location factors need to be addressed across the city centre building upon the areas of quality and diversity that already exist.

Strategic decision making The ability to mobilise strategic support consistently to deliver long term development is a crucial feature of a successful city. Strong leadership, vision and a long-term integrated and partnership approach is a crucial feature for a successful city. The emergence of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), centred on Birmingham, will provide a further opportunity to achieve this. Responding to these challenges we have produced a new strategy, the City Centre Masterplan, to provide the direction for the next 20 years of the city centres transformation and to support Birminghams aim to become a leading world city in the 21st century.

View of Birmingham city centre looking west

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City Centre Masterplan

We want to transform the city centre by growing its central core by 25%, improving its connectivity, strengthening its authentic character and diversifying its economic base.

What the masterplan does

The masterplan sets out our vision for how we will improve the city centre over the next 20 years. It: Identifies our priorities as those areas that will grow the City Core by 25%, delivering space for over 1.5 million square metres of new floorspace, over 50,000 new jobs and contributing 2.1 billion to the economy each year. Identifies key projects to deliver over 65,000 square metres of new and improved public spaces and 28 kilometres of enhanced walking and cycling routes. Sets out a movement framework transforming connectivity. Identifies how we will grow the city centre population by providing new housing, including over 5,000 new homes in the areas of transformation to attract more families to live in the city centre. Explores the evolution of land uses and activities, locations for tall buildings and the role of heritage. Sets out visionary proposals for each of the city centre quarters. Fully integrates both sustainable development and addressing the impact of climate change as part of the future transformation of the city centre. big city plan / city centre masterplan

This ambitious agenda will be guided by a set of objectives and a spatial strategy which underpin the masterplan and set the context for our proposals.

Spatial Strategy
To achieve our ambition for the city centre we will need to allow the City Core to grow to accommodate greater levels of economic and cultural activity. The City Core will be allowed to expand beyond its current boundaries as shown in yellow on the diagram on page 11. In delivering this growth we will support and strengthen the distinctive character of the areas surrounding the City Core improving connections and raising their overall quality and offer. Covering a combined area of 800 hectares, the 7 quarters collectively represent the strength of the city centre but are also a significantly underutilised asset that presents immense potential. Each of the quarters has unique qualities which contribute towards the authenticity, diversity and vibrancy of the city centre. These areas are largely based on historic clusters of related uses and existing physical boundaries. By allowing the City Core to grow, and in supporting the distinctive activities and environments of the quarters we will facilitate the city centre to change and adapt to meet future needs and to support Birminghams ability to succeed economically.

Objectives
We have set six broad objectives which will guide the transformation of the city centre. Liveable city - provides a high quality of living, creating places for people that offer a diverse mix of activities and spaces within an accessible, safe, resilient and attractive environment. Connected city - is safe and convenient for pedestrians and cyclists to move around and has an effective and attractive public transport system with an efficient highway network. Authentic city - offers a unique and diverse experience through its architecture, its streets and spaces, its arts and culture, its businesses and its neighbourhoods. Knowledge city - utilises and supports its universities, colleges, businesses and people to create a strong and sustainable economy. Creative city - values and supports creativity and industry in all its forms. Smart city - responds to the challenge of climate change through sustainable growth, pioneering the low carbon future.

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ST.GEORGE AND ST.CHAD

JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE

CITY CORE

WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD

DIGBETH

SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

KEY
City Core as existing City Core growth

City centre spatial structure showing the expansion of the City Core and the seven quarters

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Areas of transformation
Five areas of transformation will deliver over 1.5 million square metres of new development, investing in new high quality buildings and public spaces, enhancing the citys environment and connectivity.
The masterplan focuses on continuing the process of transforming our city centre by extending and connecting the City Core beyond its existing boundaries while diversifying activity and supporting economic growth. To achieve this expansion five areas of transformation have been identified which create new distinctive places within the city centre. These five areas will be our priority.

Westside

The redevelopment of Paradise Circus, Baskerville Wharf and Arena Central provides significant new mixed-use office led floorspace. Centenary Square, to be expanded across Broad Street, the new Library of Birmingham and the enhanced setting of the Town Hall and Council House will provide key focal points for the area.

New Street Station

Opening in 2015 the redeveloped station will transform the arrival experience and create new links within the city centre. It will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration. The introduction of a new southern entrance will open up the area around John Bright Street to improvement, with opportunities for selective redevelopment for further variety of uses.

city centre masterplan / areas of transformation

Snow Hill District

The eastern expansion of the central office core incorporating key developments around Snow Hill Station will generate major opportunities for mixed-use office led floorspace. Enhanced pedestrian linkages across Great Charles Street will improve the transition from the City Core into the Jewellery Quarter.

Eastside

The expansion of the City Core eastwards will see opportunities for mixed-use development, including office, residential, learning and leisure space. Acting as the main focus, the Eastside City Park will deliver a linear route through the area joining a series of new squares and development opportunities. Future proposals for the new High Speed 2 rail terminus will provide a significant catalyst for regeneration.

Southern Gateway

Expanding the City Core southwards, the redevelopment of the Wholesale Markets site will provide an opportunity for creating a new destination for Birmingham. Extending the retail offer at its northern end graduating through niche retail, improved markets, food and leisure space to new residential neighbourhoods with a wider opportunity to stimulate the regeneration of Highgate. The centre piece for the area will be Moat Square; a new public space.

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Growth
A city should bustle. It should be full of people, of movement, of functions and activities. Providing greater opportunities for people to live and stay in the city centre will be central to a successful area and delivering greater sustainability.
The masterplan is not intended to be a rigid, land use zoning plan. It respects that investment markets need the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and that rigid zoning will inhibit our ambition to grow the City Core and create a liveable city centre. The masterplan sets out a vision of how the city centre could evolve over the next 20 years in terms of land use patterns, as shown in the supporting diagrams.

Offices and Business

The city centre already provides over 150,000 jobs ranging from office based activity, to employment in shops, and jobs in factories and warehouses. Within the office market the city centre has space occupied from global businesses to small start ups relying on cheap space to build their businesses. The masterplan envisages: Growth of the Colmore Row Central Business District of Grade A office space into Westside and east around Snow Hill station. Both will be facilitated by improved linkages. Fiveways developing as a focus of major office activity. A southern extension of the Central Business District to link the area around

Martineau Galleries and on to the High Speed 2 rail station and Eastside. The growth of Eastside as a technology and knowledge based area focused at Birmingham Science Park Aston, but at lower densities and more modest rents than the City Core, with the potential to also capture Civil Service relocations and back office shared services. Strengthening of the potential for the Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth to provide a range of accommodation for creative industries, professional practices and start ups, respecting the historic environment of these areas. The continued provision of low-cost affordable accommodation in St George and St Chad, parts of Digbeth, the Jewellery Quarter and Southside, supporting manufacturing and new growth sectors.

KEY KEY KEY

CityCity centre boundary centre boundary City centre boundary
Major road - A38 Major road - A38 A38 Major road Other key roads Other key roads Other key roads Main city centre reference points Main city city centre reference points Main centre reference points Existing office core Existing office corecore Existing office

Expanding office corecore Expanding office Other existing professional, manufacturing Other existing professional, and creative business clusters manufacturing and and creative business clusters creative business clusters Expanded clusters of creative business Expanded clusters of other professional, manufacturing and other professional, manufacturing and and creative business manufacturing creative business
Science and research Expanded clusters of other professional, Other existing professional, manufacturing

Expanding office core

Science and and research Science research

Present
Office and Business

Future

city centre masterplan / growth

KEY KEY
KEY
City City centre boundary centre boundary Major road - A38 A38 Major road Major road - A38 Other key roads Other key roads Other key roads Main city centre reference points Main city centre reference points Main Residentialcity centre reference points Existing office corecore Existing office Existing office core City centre boundary

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meet a range of needs and increase the desirability of the city centre as a place to live. The quality of the places, buildings and their design will be central to achieving improved living spaces and attracting more people. At the same time we will need to achieve higher density development to achieve the levels of growth required. Well-designed dense living environments in the city centre will need to be matched with private and communal open spaces. We want to see architects and urban designers produce high quality interior and exterior residential neighbourhoods that will attract families, young and old. The proximity of housing to where people work and educate their children will be an important feature for living in the city centre, supporting sustainable city living. New schools, shops, leisure and job opportunities will need to support the growing population. We envisage concentrations of residential activity in the following locations: Contributing to city living development at Attwood Green, around Broad Street and in Southside. Development of a diverse provision of housing, utilising and respecting the historic environment of Digbeth, St George and St Chad and the Jewellery Quarter. Creation of a new family neighbourhood at medium densities centred upon the Southern Gateway area of transformation. Strengthened family housing in Highgate and Ladywood delivered through selective demolition and renewal working alongside existing communities.

The city Expanding office corecore recent centre has experienced Expanding office growth in Expanding office core introduced city living that has concentrations of apartments in and Other existing professional, manufacturing Other existing professional, manufacturing Other creative and City Core. business clusters creative business clusters city around the and existing professional, manufacturing The wider and creative business clusters Expanded clusters of other professional, Expanded clusters more professional, centre however supports a of otherdiverse Expanded clusters creative professional, manufacturing and tenures. manufacturing of other business mix of housing typesand and creative business manufacturing and creative business Through continued renewal of existing Science and and research Science research Science such as Attwood Green, housing in areasand research Highgate and Ladywood, there have been improvements in the wider housing offer. A key challenge for the future will be to support growth in the city centres population, expanding the housing offer and encouraging more families to live here. This will require a much wider mix of types and tenures of accommodation and a focus on attracting and retaining families. Future developments will need to provide adaptable, flexible accommodation to

KEY KEY
City City centre boundary centre boundary
Major road - A38 City centre boundary

KEY

Major road - A38 A38 Major road Other key roads

Other key roads reference points Other centre Main city key roads Main city centre reference points Main low density family Existing city centre reference points Existing low low density family Existing density family living clusters living clusters Future expansion of medium Future expansion of medium Future expansion of medium densitydensity livingCity Living density family clusters High family flats,living clusters
Medium-high density City High density flats, Cityflats, Living High density flats, Living conversions, new type houses etc. density family living clusters living clusters

Medium-high density flats, Medium-high density flats, conversions, newnew type houses etc. conversions, type houses etc.

Present
Residential

Future

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Cultural and Civic

The city centre is a hub for both local and international cultural events and activities. A range of major venues including the Symphony Hall, Town Hall, the Hippodrome Theatre, the Birmingham Rep Theatre, the National Indoor Arena and the Ikon Gallery, along with many others, offer important national and international attractions. The new Library of Birmingham, in Centenary Square, will further strengthen the city centre as a hub for major civic and cultural activities. A variety of local events and activities are centred throughout Digbeth, Southside and the Jewellery Quarter. The ambition in the masterplan is to achieve the following: A growing cultural offer in Southside and Westside with the expansion of existing facilities and the creation of new ones including art galleries and performance space.

Strengthening the offer and appeal of the Jewellery Quarter as an important tourist destination and focus for cultural activities and events. The evolvement of a local cultural offer in Digbeth reflecting its history and creativity. Bringing culture to the streets. Street entertainment and festivals on the streets and in squares reflecting the diverse population of Birmingham. Integrate the thinking, work and creative process of artists into city centre regeneration through collaborative engagement between the city council, developers and communities. Opportunities for a broad and diverse role for the arts throughout the life of a development and into the future will be promoted. Cultural activities that contribute to a transition through a space and that create distinctive senses of arrival and place.

The creation of a new contemporary art gallery and other cultural attractions including public space as part of future redevelopment of the Wholesale Market site. The civic heart of Birmingham is focused on the Town Hall, the Council House, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Victoria and Chamberlain Squares. Through the redevelopment of Paradise Circus we will see a strengthening of the civic heart, creating a world-class setting for key heritage buildings.

KEY KEY KEY

CityCity centre boundary centre boundary City centre boundary Major road road - A38 Major road - A38 Major - A38 Other key key roads Other roads Other key roads MainMaincentre reference Main city centre reference city city centre reference CivicCivic centre Civic centre centre Existing world class/ Existing world class/ Existing world class/ international cultural attractions international cultural attractions international cultural attractions Expansion of world class/ Expansion of world class/ Expansion of world class/ international cultural activities international cultural activities international cultural activities Existing local/authentic cultural Existing local/authentic cultural Existing local/authentic cultural activities activities activities Expansion of local/authentic Expansion of local/authentic Expansion of local/authentic cultural activities cultural activities cultural activities

Present

Future

Culture and Civic

city centre masterplan / growth

KEY KEY

Retail and Leisure

The city centre masterplan envisages: Continued support and investment in the retail core bounded by the Bullring, Mailbox, Pavilions, Pallasades, New Street and Corporation Street as prime shopping locations. Within this area uses that create greater activity throughout the day and night will be supported. The development of new locations for independent high-value retail locations between St Phillips Cathedral and New Street, around John Bright Street onto the Mailbox and as part of the Southern Gateway. The further development of art and craft/alternative independent sectors, centred upon Digbeth High Street and in the Jewellery Quarter, facilitated by improved connections to the City Core. Entertainment/leisure focuses around Broad Street, St Pauls Square and Digbeth High Street.

City City centre boundary centre boundary

Birmingham is ranked as the third largest Major roadroad - generating over Major - UK, retail centre in theA38 A38 2billion ofOtherroads expenditure Other key key roads per annum. The city centre gained the Purple Flag status Main city centre reference Main city centre reference for the area covered by the three Business CivicCivic centre centre Improvement Districts and the Southside area. The city centre has a broad shopping Existing world class/ Existing world class/ offer ranging fromcultural attractions international regional shopping international cultural attractions centres to value retail locations, and Expansion world class/ Expansion of world class/ accompanied byof cultural activities of niche, a limited range international international cultural activities high-value and independent shops. Whilst the city centre has been a success Expansion of local/authentic it Expansion of location, as a main stream retaillocal/authenticis cultural activities cultural activities recognised that it lacks the diversity of offer as a retail centre. It needs to broaden its offer to create a lively mix of experiences leading to a world-class shopping experience.
Existing local/authentic cultural Existing local/authentic cultural activities activities

The provision of cafs, bars, restaurants and other leisure activities as part of a broader mix within the retail area. The Business Improvement Districts continuing to play a central role in supporting the improvement of the City Core and Southside area. New and improved markets supporting a food quarter as part of the Southern Gateway.

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KEY KEY
City City centre boundary centre boundary Major roadroad - A38 Major - A38 Other key roads Other key roads Main city centre reference Main city centre reference Existing retail core core Existing retail Retail core core expansion Retail expansion Existing independant Existing independant and boutique retail and boutique retail Expansion of independant Expansion of independant and boutique retail and boutique retail Markets Markets

Present
Retail and Leisure

Future

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Sustainability
Making Birmingham Green - an ambitious target has been set for a 60% reduction in the citys carbon dioxide emissions by 2026.
The city centre has an important role to play in helping to meet this goal and to contribute to achieving the wider priorities for sustainable development and adapting to climate change. These priorities include: Improving the energy efficiency of the citys homes and buildings. Reducing the citys reliance on unsustainable energy through lowcarbon energy generation and energy planning. Reducing the citys impact on nonrenewable resource use through resource management. Reducing the environmental impact of the citys mobility needs through lowcarbon transport. Ensuring the city takes a flexible and resilient approach to embracing emerging responses to climate change. The city centre is in a good position to support the achievement of these priorities. It has the potential to deliver future sustainable growth supported by an extensive, integrated public transport, pedestrian and cycling network, connecting a wide mix of uses including housing, employment and leisure. The proximity of these activities and the opportunities for future development will help reduce the need for people to travel. Our proposals include improving public transport, promoting a network of pedestrian and cycle routes; extending the network of electric charging points for motor vehicles; supporting denser mixed-use developments including more housing; creating and improving open spaces including more green infrastructure; promoting the use of new technologies and emphasising the role of our built heritage for conversion and re-use. These will all contribute to creating more sustainable patterns of development. There is also great potential to utilise the existing building stock for energy generation, efficiency gains and future conversions. The greening of buildings including roofs and walls and the spaces around buildings with opportunities for small allotments in residential neighbourhoods and increased biodiversity will be important to improving environmental quality and reducing water run-off. Achieving this will require a coordinated approach to ensure that development in the City Centre is future-proofed and able to adapt to and exploit the impacts and opportunities presented by climate change. The masterplan proposes that all future development will need to demonstrate strong sustainability credentials and integrate a response to the impacts of climate change. This will include energy efficiency and low/zero carbon energy provision, ensuring that new development is of an exemplar standard of sustainable design and construction; addresses water efficiency and flood risk; utilises sustainable sources of materials; enhances biodiversity, reduces waste and is supported by high quality future-proofed design. Building to the standards of BREEAM excellent and above will be promoted.

Promotion of cycling in the city

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To ensure the delivery of our ambition for sustainability and the need to address the impacts of climate change are fully integrated, a range of methods and technologies can be applied. Each development will need to show how they contribute to meeting the priorities for the city and the objectives of the Masterplan. On a city centre-wide scale there are a range of opportunities to incorporate new technologies to deliver more sustainable forms of development. These are already being rolled out in some of the areas of transformation but the masterplan envisages that the following are incorporated in future developments: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) has huge potential in utilising the critical mass of buildings and activity in the city centre. This system integrates the production of usable heat and power (electricity), in one single, highly efficient process. CHP is already in use in the city centre and the extension and expansion of the network will offer significant benefits to future development. Digital technology will be an important tool in the future knowledge economy and help contribute to reducing the need for travel. The creation of a Digital District in Eastside is starting to realise the opportunity and supporting economic growth and promoting greater social inclusion. The provision of infrastructure and new technologies which enhance digital connectivity should form part of future developments.

Living wall at the Library of Birmingham construction site

Brown roof on BSC building in Digbeth

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Connectivity
The Vision for Movement led by the business community in partnership with the City Council and Centro seeks to deliver a new approach to movement in the city centre creating a well connected, an efficient and a walkable city.
Birmingham is an ideal location to be a successful well-connected city; served as it is by extensive rail, road and air links. While the city benefits from a range of excellent transport connections, the quality of the transport environment and the connectivity of the transport network requires improvement. The challenge for the future will be to improve the quality of the transport environment and the efficiency of the transport network, making the city centre a place that encourages people to move around on foot, bike and public transport. Major improvements are planned for Birminghams transport networks, including a number of imminent projects such as the transformation of New Street Station, the Metro extension from Snow Hill Station to New Street Station, Centros plans to transform bus travel and the recent completion of the new Digbeth coach station. In the longer term high speed rail and the runway extension at Birmingham Airport will enhance international access to the city. Our strategy will ensure that these major improvements are matched by an outstanding pedestrian environment and an attractive, easy to use public transport system, which together will provide capacity for, and stimulate, economic growth. city centre masterplan / connectivity

Connected city
To support the growth and regeneration of our city centre we will need to focus on improving the quality, legibility and choice of sustainable transport modes along major routes in to the city, and their interchange to key destinations. The transformation of New Street Station (Gateway Project) will dramatically improve the arrival experience into the heart of the city centre. Just as important as these external linkages are the new internal ones that will be opened up, creating improved links through the station and in particular with a new southern entrance. Opening up the station in combination with our proposals for improving the walking experience will set the scene for wider improvements to connections within the city centre. There will be a greater emphasis on the role of public transport. This will mean improving what we have but also introducing new methods which have the ability to be delivered in the short to medium term. In the longer term the proposals for high speed rail and the terminus in Eastside will significantly enhance connections with London and potentially Europe. The city centre will need to adapt to enable the connections from the High Speed 2 station to integrate into the wider area. Our approach will have to reflect this. Our focus for the future of public transport will be upon: Increasing the quality and capacity of Birminghams rail network.

KEY
Indicative rapid transit vehicle routes within city centre City centre metro line extension Train stations Airport City centre area

Delivering high quality Rapid Transit Routes into and around the city centre. Transforming bus travel into and around the city centre making it more attractive to use. Providing safe and convenient cycle routes to and within the city centre. Providing Park and Ride facilities to increase the capacity of routes in the city centre. Simplifying the convenience of the public transport network through improved interchange facilities, ticketing and way finding. The following proposals will deliver the improvements we want to make to our transport system: A series of Rapid Transit Routes providing high quality frequent services, as shown in the diagram on page 21.

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Proposal for improved public transport network in the city centre

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The introduction of smarter routes creating greater efficiency of road spaces to support Rapid Transit routes. Cycle parking at key locations and within new developments to encourage cycle and ride. Junction improvements at key locations on the Ring Road including at Five Ways, Bordesley Circus, Dartmouth Circus and the Hockley Flyover. Improved pedestrian linkages along St Martins Queensway between New Street and Moor Street Stations. Extension of the Metro from Snow Hill Station to Stephenson Street. Link up existing rail lines at Camp Hill to enable new railway stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell to the South and Fort Dunlop and Castle Bromwich to the North. Implementation of the city centre Interchange proposed for Moor Street Queensway.

Providing priority access for public transport and pedestrians and cyclists at congested locations. Developing co-ordinated parking strategies to improve the efficiency of planning within the city centre. Promote and facilitate the provision and use of alternative fuels including electric charging points. Improve servicing and waste collection arrangements in the city centre and access for emergency vehicles. Promote the use of sustainable travel options through existing business and residential communities. The improvement of key junctions around the Ring Road will be required to reduce delays for public transport routes and encourage cross-city drivers to use this route rather than the A38. Expanding Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and/or on-street parking controls. The following proposals as shown on the plan on page 23 will deliver the improvements we want to make to the efficiency with which our highways are used: A number of junction alterations may be required as part of the Rapid Transit Routes. Other junction improvements may be required at locations on the RIng Road. Responding to large scale developments in Eastside and Southside the city centre road network will be improved, with new connecting roads between Digbeth High Street and Pershore Street as well as between James Watt Queensway and Digbeth. An effective signage strategy to encourage cross-city car drivers to use the Ring Road.

KEY
Middle ring road and A38 Train stations Coach station A38 road interventions, pedestrian crossing improvements Main distributor roads New connecting roads Existing roads to be connected Ring road junction improvements

Cycle hire hubs: New Street Station Mailbox public realm Paradise Forum Ludgate Hill Colmore Plaza Eastside Station Square Moat Square Electric car charging stations: Bullring multi storey car park Margaret Street Temple Row Brindley Drive multi storey Brindleyplace car park Aston Street (Aston University)

Efficient city
Giving greater priority to pedestrians and public transport will improve movement in the city centre which has long been dominated by the private motor vehicle. Promoting greater pedestrian priority and public transport use will be central to raising liveability, decreasing carbon emissions, improving air quality and ultimately delivering more sustainable patterns of development. Making more effective use of our highway network and creating more attractive, sustainable modes of travel into and out of the city centre will encourage people to make greater use of them and lessen the reliance on private vehicles. This will however mean hard choices regarding road capacity, access and availability of long-stay car parking in the City Core. Our approach proposes: city centre masterplan / connectivity

Electric charging points at a variety of locations including Aston University and the National Indoor Arena. The provision of cycle parking and cycle hubs at a variety of locations including St Pauls Square, the NIA, Eastside, Jewellery Quarter, Southside as proposed on the plan. Development of a co-ordinated and effective strategy to promote sustainable travel.

23

b
Snow Hill Station

b b
Eastside Station Moor Street Station

b b

New Street Station

b
Birmingham Coach Station

Efficient city

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Walkability
Improving and expanding the walking routes and open space network will support our ambitions for a liveable and well-connected city centre.
This is an essential element of the overall strategy, providing attractive, safe and legible routes between transport connections and destinations. In the last 20 years Birmingham has achieved great success in creating a pedestrianised spine running through the City Core from St Martins via Centenary Square to Brindleyplace. Our proposals for the next 20 years will see major improvements delivering a wider network of new spaces connected by enhanced streets. The evolution of the space and routes network is depicted in the diagram on page 25. Providing a network of high quality pedestrian routes and a series of accessible open spaces, parks and squares will be vital in helping the city to reduce its carbon emissions, improve visitor experience and create a safer and more welcoming environment. This network will connect our wider city centre within and beyond its existing boundaries. New Street Station (Gateway Project) - the transformation of the station will create a number of new squares, enhancing the public realm and the arrival experience at one of the UKs busiest stations. These new spaces will improve north-south and east-west connections. Golden Square - a new focal point at the heart of the Jewellery Quarter for events, exhibitions and markets. Centenary Square - the setting for one of Europes largest public libraries; the square will be expanded across Broad Street creating an attractive centrepiece to an extended City Core. Moat Square - the cradle of Birmingham with archaeological remains hidden under the Wholesale Markets. The new open space will be a reflection of the citys historical core and pride for Birminghams cultural identity. Acting as a centrepiece for the Southern Gateway and expansion of the City Core.

Walkable city
The city centre benefits from a series of distinctive public squares and civic spaces that are concentrated in the City Core along the pedestrian spine. Beyond this there are a range of other spaces, parks and cemeteries which need to be better connected and utilised. Our priority over the next 20 years will be to extend the existing network of spaces building upon the successes to date. We will create a series of upgraded and major new public spaces throughout the city centre to deliver a world-class experience for visitors and residents:

Centenary Square with new Library of Birmingham

New Street Station eastern square

city centre masterplan / walkability

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20 years ago At present In 20 years

20 years ago The concrete collar - Inner Ring Road

canal is hidden and underused.

The concrete collar Inner Ring Road restricting linkages -between open spaces. restricting The canallinkages between open spaces. The is hidden and underused.

At present The city core has started to grow east

The west breaking through the Inner Ring and city core has started to grow east and west breaking through the Inner Ring Road. The Road. The main pedestrian spine has been main pedestrian spine has been established established between key spaces. Part of between key spaces. Part of the canal has the canal has been exposedimprovements. been exposed to public realm to public realm improvements.

The city core expanding north and south The city core through the former Inner by breaking expanding north and south by breaking through the Ring Road and A38 former Inner Ringof the with expansion Road and A38 with expansion of the open space open space network. Further canal are of sections network. Further sections of the the canal and River ReaRiverbe exposed to will Rea revealed. exposed and parts of the public use.

In 20 years

A38

A38

A38

Evolution of spaces and linkages in the city centre

A38

A38

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Station Square - a new focal point in Eastside for those arriving from the proposed High Speed 2 terminus Eastside City Park - the first new urban park to be developed in Birmingham for over 125 years, creating a key focal point for Eastside and providing a catalyst for the areas regeneration with a series of themed open spaces. Water spaces (Emerald Ring) - both the canal network and the River Rea are an important part of the citys historic legacy and represent an unexploited asset. They provide a great opportunity to form a network of spaces and routes within the city centre to help connect the quarters and link to areas beyond the Ring Road. Along the canal and river there are opportunities to create spaces for new and improved public realm, with cafes, performance spaces and squares. In the longer term we envisage creating additional major urban spaces including Digbeth Viaduct, Five Ways Roundabout and Lancaster Circus. To complement these major interventions more localised spaces throughout the city centre will be improved and created. This network will be explored in detail throughout the individual quarter sections. The improvements to and extensions of the walking routes throughout the city centre will help to connect these spaces.

This strategy reflects that achieved in other cities such as London with 20 minute walks from key points around the network, as shown in the diagram below. These routes can support the links to those areas beyond the Ring Road enhancing wider connectivity. The network of walking routes is formed by a hierarchy of streets which prioritise their importance and as a result the scale of intervention and investment. This network is illustrated in the diagram on page 29. The primary walking routes are those that are identified as of significance for the wider city centre connecting key destinations. This makes them the most significant in terms of pedestrian connectivity, movement and activities. Along these routes improvements to the public realm will be targeted and the emphasis on active frontages and street entertainment will be key. Complementing these primary walking routes are the secondary and tertiary routes (local walking routes). These routes provide additional capacity and alternative links. Improvements to the public realm will be prioritised to improve primary routes first and subsequent streets will follow.

KEY
New Street Station - major city centre node Existing major open spaces Major short-medium term improvements and opportunities for open spaces Major long term aspirations for improvements and opportunities for open spaces Extension of primary walking routes Existing primary walking routes Local walking routes River Rea Canals Existing and proposed water space nodes

Major open spaces

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

New Street Station St. Philips churchyard St. Pauls Square NEW - Golden Square Victoria and Chamberlains Squares NEW - Centenary Square Brindleyplace Square Mailbox and Cube public realm Hippodrome and Arcadian public realm Rotunda Square and St. Martins NEW - Moat Square Custard Factory public realm NEW - Station Square NEW - Lancaster Circus Lakeside NEW - City Park NEW - Digbeth viaduct park Highgate Park Park Central Five Ways

KEY KEY
5

Network of walking routes

New and improved routes with pedestrian and cycle priority will be central to delivering a more sustainable city centre that is more attractive to live in. The compact nature of our city centre means that many trips are achievable on foot. The concept of the walkable city puts the needs of pedestrians at the heart of the movement strategy for the city centre. city centre masterplan / walkability
OXF ORD
S RD EET XFO OSTR

City centre boundary

2

City centre boundary

Birminghams primary walking routes

Canal and River Rea

Birminghams primary walking routes Londons major walking loop superimposed

2 E TRE

Londons major walking loop superimposed over Birmingham city centre over Birmingham city centre Canal and River Rea

1
3 4

L PI LY CC AD IL LY

3
PA RK

1 2

1 2 3

St. Philips churchyard St. Pauls Square

St. Philips churchyard St. Pauls Square

Brinleyplace Square

PA RK

PI C

CA

DI

E N LA

3 4Brinleyplace Square St. Martins Martins 4 5St.Lakeside at Aston University 5 Lakeside at Aston University

E N LA

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4 14 3 15

16 2 5 6 7 1 10 11 9 20 13

12

17

19 18

City centre open space network

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In improving the overall walkability of our city centre we will focus on: Extending the city centres network of high quality streets and public spaces. Transforming the quality, safety and security of the walking environment through introducing activity, improved lighting and street furniture so that walking becomes the most enjoyable and convenient way of getting round the city centre. Creating a simple and memorable mental map of the city centre to encourage walking as part of an overall journey that includes public transport. Providing for the needs of the elderly and mobility impaired through design. Our priority over the next 20 years is to create a network of primary walking routes that are legible, clear and easy to use. This will enable direct connections between key areas within our city centre supporting the growth of the City Core and improving connections to neighbouring quarters and beyond. Specific improvements include: Moor Street - New Street Station link A high quality pedestrian route will provide an attractive and convenient connection between the main transport interchanges of New Street Station and the existing Moor Street and proposed High Speed 2 stations. Great Charles Street A number of improvements are proposed to prioritise pedestrian movement and create safe and convenient links between the City Core and the Jewellery Quarter: The main priority will be to create a safe and attractive pedestrian link from Church Street in the City Core to Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter. In the short city centre masterplan / walkability

term improvements to the existing foot bridge are planned enhancing its quality and appearance. In the longer term an innovative design solution will be required to deliver a direct and convenient pedestrian link connecting Church Street and Ludgate Hill. This will involve addressing the access and egress to Great Charles Street at this point and introducing an at-grade pedestrian crossing. Improvements are also planned to the pedestrian route at the upper end of Great Charles Street in connection with the redevelopment of Paradise Circus. This will involve enhancing the connections from Paradise Circus redevelopment to Sumer Row. Linkages to Digbeth/Southside and Highgate The redevelopment of New Street Station will provide new connections through entrances and walkways on the south, north and east of the station. Improvements to Digbeth High Street including alterations to the gyratory at the top end by the Bullring will improve connections between Digbeth and the City Core. Redevelopment of the Wholesale Markets will reintroduce direct connections helping to improve links between the City Core, Digbeth, Southside and Highgate areas. Way finding A new wayfinding system will create an easy to interpret and consistent means for finding your way around the city centre. The system will consist of easy to interpret and access maps, utilise digital and mobile technology and create a single system of on-street signage (identified as signage points on the diagram on page 29). All will conform to a standard approach and style, providing a consistent method for finding your way around the city centre.

The primary walking route from New Street Station to the Colmore Row business district and onto the Jewellery Quarter will be the first area to receive improved onstreet pedestrian information. In the longer term we envisage other key improvements which will extend the network of primary walking routes and improved access across the city centre for pedestrians. To complement this primary route network a wider and more localised network, of pedestrian routes (local walking routes) throughout the city centre will be created. This network will be explored in detail throughout the individual quarter sections.

WALKING CITY
KEY
City centre boundary Train/coach/metro stations Canals River Rea Signed primary walking routes Local walking routes Signage points Canal and river route marker

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Network of walking routes

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Building Heights
Tall buildings provide the opportunity to manage and create an identifiable skyline memorable for its key buildings.
The location of tall buildings needs to be handled carefully, respecting the surrounding environment and the topography. The quality of design must reflect and justify their dominant position in the built environment. Our approach to tall buildings has been a positive one of working in partnership with developers and investors to enable tall buildings of the highest quality to achieve planning consent. High Places, a tall buildings policy document produced in 2003, defined tall buildings as anything over 15 storeys in height. The focus for these buildings is the central ridge, which includes the citys highest point and runs west to east through the city centre. In recognising the value of tall buildings to the city we have developed an approach which identifies: Broad locations suitable for tall buildings. Locations where clusters of taller buildings can be beneficial. Areas where tall buildings are not appropriate. The plan on page 31 shows a broad zone where tall buildings could be appropriate. Within this zone our approach will be for building heights to rise up from the east toward the western end of the city ridge to reflect and emphasise the topography of the area. Whilst individual tall buildings will continue to be important; clusters of taller buildings can also bring benefits in terms of urban structure, skyline identity and definition of key places. Such clusters will consist of three or more buildings that must be carefully planned to address their context and setting. Suitable locations for such clusters of tall buildings are identified by the orange circles in the diagram on page 31 and include areas at: Five Ways/Broad Street, Westside/Paradise Circus, New Street Station South, Snow Hill District, Lancaster Circus and Rotunda Square. In general, proposals for tall buildings will be considered subject to detailed consultation on location, massing, density and design quality. They will need to ensure they integrate into and are compatible with their surroundings; enhance skylines, views and settings; protect and preserve areas of special character and interest including principal views across the city and historic skyline; assist in the legibility of the city and contribute strongly to a sense of place and promote the highest design quality. Tall buildings will also be considered in context, proximity and relationship to neighbouring buildings, overshadowing, impact on micro-climate, key views both distant and local and incorporation of sustainable principles. Each tall building proposal will need to satisfy the Aerodrome Safeguarding requirements of Birmingham Airport. It will be important that such buildings have a good relationship with the street, movement patterns and transport facilities, creating high quality public space at the same time. They will need breathing space, and the creation of a publicly accessible plaza, or extension of existing public realm will be required. The control and concentration of taller buildings along the city centre ridge can only be successful if balanced by limitations imposed within adjoining areas of distinctive character. These sensitive areas, where heights and massing will be carefully controlled and determined by existing heights and guidelines, to enhance and retain intrinsic character are identified within the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth and Southside and Highgate areas.

KEY
City Centre Boundary Key locators: St Philips Cathedral St Martins Rotunda New Street Station New height ridge zone Tall building clusters zones

Zones with restricted height limit Key city landmarks Existing tall buildings (examples) Tall buildings with planning permission Indicative city centre skyline

A
city centre masterplan / building heights

Section line

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A
N

Tall building clusters and height limits within the city centre

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Heritage
Although best known as the Victorian workshop of the world, Birmingham has a rich heritage dating back as far as the Middle Ages.
The citys heritage is its roots, its authenticity and its individuality. This heritage is the physical legacy that has been left by human activity in the form of buildings, monuments, sites and landscapes that reflect the history of trade, population movement, architectural endeavour, economic, political and social development and the use of natural resources from prehistory to the present. Within the city centre this consists of: Individual buildings and other structures, surviving above ground in whole or in part principally dating from the mid 19th century onwards, but a few older buildings survive. Street patterns and property boundaries from the 12th century onwards. Landscapes and townscapes, including cemeteries, squares and canal corridors whose group value in combinations of buildings or structures and their contribution to the street scene may be greater than their individual significance. A wide range of well preserved archaeological remains, including structures and objects, organic remains and evidence for past environmental conditions. Although the archaeological remains generally date from the 12th century onwards, surfaces dating back 10,000 years have been found near Banbury Street. The heritage that survives from the past is unique and irreplaceable. It contributes to sustainability, character, local distinctiveness, and a sense of place. It provides much of the authentic character of the city. The present character of the city centre reflects its historic growth. The diagrams below are based upon old maps of the city, and show how the city centre has evolved over the past centuries with key features and street patterns that emerged. Established as a new planned town in the 12th century, Birmingham was an important industrial and market centre in the medieval period. Although the only surviving buildings from this period are the Old Crown, in Digbeth and parts of St Martins church, the medieval street pattern is still in use throughout the City Core and into Digbeth. Well-preserved archaeological remains provide the evidence of past activity and uses. Growth of the city centre in the 18th and 19th centuries resulted from the release of land from large estates to form industrial development, particularly related to the canal system. The Jewellery Quarter and St George and St Chad are well known as part of this period of the citys development. Elsewhere distinctive street patterns are prominent in the present townscape, for example in north Digbeth and in Southside, even though relatively few 18th and early 19th century buildings survive. The citys canals are an integral part of the surviving industrial character, accompanied in their corridors by wharves, basins, bridges, tunnels, and the remains of adjoining industries. The railways followed in the mid 19th century and features are still a central part of todays

Medieval Birmingham Medieval Birmingham until 1730 until 1730

1730 - 1810 1730 - 1810

1830 - 19 1830 - 1

St. Philips, moat and St. Philips, moat and medieval manor house medieval manor house
city centre masterplan / heritage

St. Pauls and canal system St. Pauls and canal system

Rail viaduct Rail viadu

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network. Further 18th and 19th century development included several public buildings, places of worship and burial grounds. 20th century buildings in the city centre are often under-appreciated but range from offices and department stores to wartime structures. Archaeological investigation of surviving structures and excavation of below ground remains of the past 300 years has provided much additional information on the past uses in the city centre. Some heritage assets have designations reflecting their special significance such as listed buildings, conservation areas and registered parks. These are only part of the historic environment; many nondesignated heritage assets in the city centre are recorded in the City Councils Historic Environment Record, some are locally listed and many simply reflect the important part of the authentic character and an asset in their own right or as a collective. The masterplan recognises that the historic environment will significantly contribute to the future transformation of the city centre. This will be achieved by: Understanding the character and contribution, whether it be as part of a designation or as a result of a better understanding of the inherent quality. Recognising that the historic environment is itself a resource and that retention and reuse contributes to sustainability including reduction in carbon emissions, waste and use of resources. Making the most of whats there already; designing the historic environment into schemes, using it to encourage and inspire high quality modern design that enhances the heritage assets and their settings. The full potential of archaeological remains to provide information about the past will be exploited through investigation and recording where their preservation is not feasible. The important heritage assets that will contribute to the authentic character of the city centre will be identified through the individual quarters.

1930 - 1990
1930 - 1990 1930 - 1990

1830 - 1910 1830 - 1910

KEY KEY KEY

Existing City Centre Existing City Centre Boundary Boundary Existing City Centre Boundary Arterial roads Arterial roads

Arterial roadsroads Other mainmain Other roads

Key features Key features Other main roads

RailRail viaducts and parks viaducts and parks

Ring roads Ring roads

Key features
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the quarters / city core

The Quarters
City Core
Birminghams City Core is the single biggest economic driver of the regional economy. It is the centre of the regions retailing, banking and financial services and the civic and cultural heart of the city.

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

35

About the quarter

The 600 million New Street station (Gateway Project), will deliver a bright, modern 21st century transport hub for the city. 40 million people visit the Bullring and retail heart with over 2 billion spent every year. The Colmore Business District supports over 24,000 jobs. The Town Hall, Art Gallery and Museum and Council House provide the civic heart of the city. It is served by three main line train stations with over 14 million people using New Street station every year. House of Fraser is the largest department store outside London. It is home to over 100 independent shops. The City Core is mainly defined by the route of the former Inner Ring Road which in the most part continues to create a distinct change in character from the surrounding city centre quarters. The Core is densely built up with its historic street layout largely intact. There are several landmark buildings, the most notable being Selfridges and the Bullring development, the Rotunda, St Martins Church, the Council House with the adjoining Museum and Art Gallery and the Town Hall - one of ten Grade I Listed Buildings in the City Core. At the centre of the Core is St Philipss Cathedral, around which the churchyard provides a popular green space to form one of the citys most attractive squares. The square and surrounding streets were originally laid out as a Georgian planned extension of the original medieval town based around St. Martins Church and the Bullring. To the north-west of the square lies the Colmore Business District, the heart of the citys business and financial sector, within a historic and high quality setting, much of which is protected by a conservation area designation. Alongside more recent office developments, some fine historic buildings have been sensitively modernised to provide a variety of spaces for the citys main office offer. To the south-west, the older buildings closest to St Philips Churchyard give way to more modern, large scale retail developments. The heart of the citys retail core is focused upon Corporation Street, New Street, High Street and the Bullring. New Street station sits underneath theST GEORGE Shopping Pallasades AND ST CHAD Centre and the block currently forms a physical JEWELLERY pedestrian access barrier to QUARTER beyond.
EASTSIDE

Victoria Square, to of the Cathedral, is the centrepiece of the civic WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH heart and is overlooked by the impressive Council House and Town Hall. The pedestrianised square, SOUTHSIDE with the together AND adjoining Chamberlain HIGHGATE forms one Square, end of the primary walking route along New Street to the Bullring and hosts markets and events throughout the year. Much of the north-east area of the City ST GEORGE Core is dominated by ST CHADfine historic AND some buildings forming a hub of legal activity JEWELLERY around theQUARTER Law Courts and the Victoria Childrens Hospital complex.EASTSIDE
CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

CITY the west CORE

Vision for our City Core is to strengthen its role as a 24 hour city.
ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD

EASTSIDE

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The vision
The overall vision for the City Core is to strengthen its role as a 24 hour city - a thriving shopping, leisure, and business destination which supports the civic and cultural role of Birmingham within a high quality, distinctive and vibrant environment. Expanding the City Core into the surrounding quarters will provide long-term strength and stability for the city centre.

residential development alongside strong, KEY focused evening economies, much of the Rail stations City Core has not achieved the same 24 M Metro stops hour life and vitality. We want to see the Open spacesspaces Open Open spaces Access to rail stations heart of the city centre come alive at all St.Philips Churchyard KEY KEY KEY St.Philips Churchyard Churchyard 1 1 1 St.PhilipsExisting block structure times with a greater mix and choice of 2 Church Street public realm improvement Rail stations ChurchChurch public realm improvement Street Street public realm improvement 2 2 Rail stations Rail stations activities and uses within distinctive streets Proposed St. Pauls Pauls Pauls Square 3 3 3 St. St.SquareSquare high speed rail Metro Metro stops and MM Metro stops M spaces. stops 4 Victoria Square Blocks within various major
4 5 The station 6 (Gateway Project) will high speed rail generate and 7 Proposed Proposed support Proposed highhigh speed rail visitor investment speedgreater and rail 8 Blocks Blocks variousvarious major Blocks within various major within within This and commuter numbers.major will be transformation area 9 transformation areaarea transformation capitalised Blocks forming partthe Citys profile 10 upon to boostother other Blocks Blocks forming part other forming part of of of major major developments major developments and grow thedevelopments economy. 11 Rail viaducts Rail viaducts Rail viaducts 12 The 1990s pedestrianisation schemes and 13 Existing open Existing open spaces spaces Existing open spaces public realm improvements transformed 14 New open open spaces spaces the feel NewNew open spaceskey streets and 15 of Birminghams squares PrimaryPrimary walking routes - giving them back to people 16 Primary walking routes walking routes Local walking KEY cars and buses. rather than Local walking routes There is now 17 Local walking routes routes
Access Accessstations Access to railrail stations to rail to stations Existing block structure transformation structure Street Existing block of New Existing block structure A38 Corridor a need to revisit those streets, and other A38 A38 Rail stations Corridor Corridor Major road interventions and Major roadroad interventions and Major interventions primary routes, to consider how the andcrossing improved pedestrian Metro stops improved pedestrian crossing M improved pedestrian crossing walking routes Accesspublic squares and to rail stations could be lifted still further as world-class Existing block structure retail and business address streets and destinations. Proposed high speed rail
Blocks within various major transformation area Blocks forming part of other major developments

Big ideas
The City Core accommodates a wealth of activities; however it is relatively small for the size of the city and its wider catchment area. For many years, the concrete collar of the former Inner Ring Road constrained growth and concentrated activity. As a result the central area of the city centre is compact and walkable, yet often confusing to navigate and bursting at the seams. While areas outside the core have become more mixed-use with offices, retail and

URBAN STRUCTURE Rail at present viaducts

Existing open spaces

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN URBAN STRUCTURE atURBAN STRUCTURE present STRUCTURE

at present at at present present

New open spaces URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE routes URBAN STRUCTUREwalking in URBAN STRUCTURE 20 years Primary

in 20 in 20 years walking routes in years 20 years Local

Victoria Square 4 Victoria Square transformation area Chamberlains Chamberlains SquareSquare 5 5 Chamberlains Square part of other Blocks forming Mailbox underpass 6 Mailbox underpass Mailbox underpass developments 6 major New Street NEW - NEW Street StationStation Square New - Rail viaducts Square 7 7 NEW - New Street Station Square Rotunda Square 8 Rotunda Square Rotunda Square 8 Existing open spaces NEW - NEW - St. Martins and Moat Square St. St. Martins Moat Square 9 9 NEW -Martins and and Moat Square NEW- New Square 10 StationStation Square NEWSquare 10 NEW- Station open spaces Old Old Old Square 1111SquareSquare walking routes Primary Colmore Colmore Plaza Plaza 1212Colmore Plaza walking routes Local Snow Snow Hill Corridor Snow Hill A38 Plaza 1313 Hill Plaza Plaza St. Chads public public interventions and St. ChadsMajor road public realm 1414 St. Chads realm realm Lancaster Circus open space NEW Lancaster Circus open space interventions NEW - Lancaster Circus open crossing interventions 1515 - NEW - improved pedestrian space interventions Open spaces NEW Corporation Street Street open NEW - Corporation Street open space 1616 - NEW - Corporation open space space 1 NEW - other opportunities NEW NEW - other key opportunities other key key opportunities 1717 - St.Philips Churchyard for forfor open open spaces spaces public realm improvement Church Street 2 open spaces 3 St. Pauls Square 4 Victoria Square 5 Chamberlains Square 6 Mailbox underpass 7 NEW - New Street Station Square 8 Rotunda Square 9 NEW - St. Martins and Moat Square 10 NEW- Station Square 11 Old Square URBAN STRUCTURE in Colmore Plaza 12 20 years 13 Snow Hill Plaza 14 St. Chads public realm 15 NEW - Lancaster Circus open space interventions 16 NEW - Corporation Street open space 17 NEW - other key opportunities for
open spaces
CITY CORE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

St.Philips Ch

Church Stree

St. Pauls Squ

Victoria Squa

Chamberlain

Mailbox und

NEW - New S

Rotunda Squ

NEW - St. Ma Old Square

NEW- Station

Colmore Plaz

Snow Hill Pla

St. Chads pu

NEW - Lanca

NEW - Corpo

NEW - other open spaces

A38 Corridor CITY CORE Major road interventions and improved pedestrian crossing

Quart

Busine

Increa
CITY CITY CORE CORE CITY CORE

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CITY CITY CORE CORE CITY CORE

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In order to achieve our ambitions for the City Core we will need to address a number of key issues including: The creation of more attractive, distinctive streets and places within a city centre that is easy to navigate. The provision of a unique and diverse retail offer that can compete with other major centres. The provision of a prestige office location with a variety of high quality development opportunities to meet a wide range of business requirements. The opportunities created in the areas of transformation - the redevelopment of New Street station and around Snow Hill.

city centres retail core shopping streets and make Birmingham the top retail and cultural destination in the UK outside of London. Focusing and expanding on our two key shopping streets, New Street and Corporation Street, our retail strategy proposes improvements to transform the streetscape and activities in order to create high-quality, well connected and unique environments. Distinctive character areas have been identified within the retail core where the focus will be to promote their individual characteristics and opportunities as part of a diverse retail offer. New Street will become one of the worlds great streets. It is already the key primary walking route linking the civic heart of the city at Victoria Square to the Bullring shopping centre and comes to life with regular markets and events throughout the year. The streetscape does however need rejuvenating, particularly in order to maximise the benefits of the proposed transformation of the public realm around New Street station.

Corporation Street will be re-discovered as the grand street created by the Victorians. It forms the second of the Cores primary walking routes between New Street Station and Aston University. Within the retail core, buses will be removed to transform the pedestrian and shopping environment allowing introduction of the metro extension. Beyond Old Square, towards Lancaster Circus, the streetscape will be improved to make the most of the areas historic buildings including the Law Courts and the landmark Methodist Central Hall. Navigation Street will extend the pedestrian route from New Street Station to the Mailbox through planned improvements to the railway bridges as part of the Gateway Project creating opportunities for artwork and lighting that could animate and provide a draw to the route. Along the primary walking routes, rationalised market stalls and dedicated space for street performers will be important to create attractive and thriving places between shopping destinations.

Connected city
Attractive and convenient connections within the Core are fundamental to the quality of the visitor experience and to its strength in attracting investment. We want to transform the look and feel of the

City in light - Retail Birmingham lighting proposal

the quarters / city core

An improved, exciting pedestrian environment along the streets within the Cathedral Walks character area between New Street and St Philips Cathedral will be introduced. This area will become the home of small-scale specialist boutique and independent shopping, with Temple Street also providing a key route between the new Stephenson Street entrance to New Street station and the Colmore Business District. There are a number of independent and specialist retailers, particularly along Smallbrook Queensway. The new southern entrance to New Street Station and John Lewis department store will help to bring greater numbers of people to the area. John Bright Street will become a location in which to develop niche and independent retailing. Church Street will become part of the primary walking route between the Colmore Business District and the Jewellery Quarter. With Big City Plan Initiatives and Colmore Business District funding in place, a new high quality public square will visually link the focal points of St Philips Cathedral in the Core with St Pauls Church in the Jewellery Quarter. The remodelling of Great Charles Street will be instrumental in completing the physical link between the two churches. Creating safe, convenient and attractive pedestrian/cycle routes across Great Charles Street connecting the City core with the Jewellery Quarter will be a key priority. This will help enhance access to the unique cultural and heritage offer of the Jewellery Quarter and allow the Colmore Business District to expand supporting the renewal of those blocks fronting directly onto Great Charles Street. Within this corridor the scale of development will be supported where it enables the delivery of the expansion of the Central Business District and

complementary uses while respecting the historic character and heritage of the Jewellery Quarter. The Gateway Project will transform the current 1960s station into a modern facility providing visitors with the arrival experience they would be expecting of any world-class city. New entrances opening out to high quality public space to the south, east and north will reconnect this part of the city centre. The proposal for High Speed 2 into Eastside will need strong links from within the City Core to capitalise on the benefits presented by the regeneration of Eastside. Walking links from New Street station will be improved. Bus travel will be transformed by Centros proposed re-working of bus routes into and around the City Core and the provision of the City Centre Interchange for buses on Moor Street Queensway.

Authentic city
The citys civic heart is focused around the Council House, Town Hall and the Art Galleries and Museum. Here, some of the finest showpiece buildings help to define the image of Birmingham. The redevelopment of the existing buildings within Paradise Circus will reconnect Broad Street and Centenary Square into the City Core and also provide a fitting setting for these world-class buildings and squares. Much of the City Core is covered by conservation areas and significant Listed Buildings, such as the Victoria Law Courts, that require improved settings and management of the public realm in order to really show off and make the most of their fine heritage and authentic character.

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Liveable city
The City Core should provide a place in which people choose to shop, work, live

Cathedral walks improvement proposals (before and after)

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and spend their leisure time. Different needs should be catered for, and opportunities to broaden the appeal of the city should be grasped. Expanding range and choice to create a diverse retail offer will be a key priority. Opportunities to further expand the quantity and range of retailers at every level will be supported. To make Birmingham stand apart, the diversity and choice of specialist and independent trading will be promoted. The Square shopping centre between Bull Street and Priory Queensway currently provides a range of value and niche retailers including the Oasis Indoor Market. The centre adds diversity to the citys retail offer in terms of choice and price and these aspects will continue to be needed and also promoted within the wider city centre. Long-standing proposals to replace The Square and surrounding blocks as part of the Martineau Galleries retail development are likely to adapt, recognising the important link between the Colmore Business District and the Masshouse and Eastside developments - these locations will become particularly attractive for offices should the High Speed 2 terminus come. The retail component of the scheme will still need to be significant in order to retain a critical mass of shoppers to ensure the revitalisation and vitality of High Street. The City Core has a relatively low number of residential units compared to some of the surrounding quarters, leaving the core area quieter at times when it should still be buzzing with life and activity. As part of mixed-use developments or building conversions, more residential apartments will be encouraged in the City Core on upper floors to create a larger resident population that will support shops and services, and enliven the heart of the city. the quarters / city core

Main roads
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Snowhill District transformation area masterplan

Areas of transformation
Snow Hill District The Snow Hill District is the natural extension to the existing Business District, and significant new office buildings are planned, complete or under development. The recognition of the Childrens Hospital as an important national and regional facility and its potential future need for modern facilities could open up further opportunities for new development. This area of the City Core overlaps into the Jewellery Quarter and its transformation will bring the two quarters closer together in terms of the transition from the City

Core and the physical connections. Development opportunities will need to be supported by the creation of a series of new primary walking routes and open spaces. Growth The potential of a high speed rail link terminating nearby significantly raises the likelihood of major HQ relocations and expansion of existing business needs. The demand for the highest quality of architecture incorporating cutting edge sustainable design and construction principles, a broad range of scale and adaptable floorspace, environmental quality and supporting infrastructure must be met.

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The district houses one of the countrys most comprehensive, and respected Childrens Hospitals. The masterplan seeks to provide an opportunity for the hospital to expand, and upgrade its facility to modern efficient standards, while retaining use and occupation of historic locally listed Victorian buildings. The growth of supporting leisure, retail and commercial activities will be accommodated and grouped at key nodes. Public Realm Snow Hill Square with its granite surfaces, dynamic water feature, and high quality planting and street furniture sets a standard for public realm in this area which should be matched in new public spaces and revitalised streets throughout the district. Snow Hill Queensway could be radically traffic calmed and boulevarded to give greater priority to pedestrians. A new link will lead to Lancaster Circus where proposed redevelopment includes filling in the subways and raising its levels to create an attractive and usable public space, accessed by street level crossings.

Connectivity Snow Hill station acts as a physical barrier to the expansion of the Business District. The redevelopment of the existing car park, giving access over the railway via ramps and escalator links through a new station concourse to Snow Hill Square, the new Metro extension, and the wider area beyond will vastly improve connections. The improvements to pedestrian routes will establish vital, legible and necessary links to the Jewellery Quarter, St George and St Chad and the Learning Quarter of Eastside. The proposal for the High Speed 2 terminus at Moor Street Queensway focuses the need to provide clear and legible routes to the Snow Hill District, with strong pedestrian routes through the Martineau Galleries site and Masshouse. A new pedestrian priority route through the hospital site will open up access to new non-hospital development and generate further permeability across the area. High quality streets with pedestrian priority, well signed, and active throughout the day and evening will be important.

The area links into major educational centres and student accommodation. Good clear cycle routes will encourage sustainable travel, as well as serving office workers. Massing General storey heights in the area will range from 6 to 12 storeys, with a stepping up from Lancaster Circus along the Queensway to St Chads to a cluster of tall buildings grouped around Snow Hill Queensway up to 30 storeys. There is potential for a taller building up to 16 storeys at the point within the Childrens Hospital site where Corporation Street meets Lancaster Circus, ensuring that views through to the historic towers of the main hospital building would be retained. If it is possible to develop over Snow Hill station, mass will step up from Livery Street with an overall height not exceeding 8 storeys, and retaining views through from Cornwall and Edmund Streets. Building heights and proximity will need to take account of allowing good daylight to activity areas and public spaces.

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Post and Mail Square proposal

Indicative option for transformation areas - Snow Hill District

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Main roads

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Street level crossing enhancement

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active and lively, sitting above new retail shops on Hill Street and Station Street.
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A small number of local sites and buildings will be subject to new mixed development or redevelopment. John Bright Street is a pleasant pedestrianised street with some fine buildings. It is intended that this street encourages niche retail occupants and extends its cafe/bar offer.
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Sequential views will be carefully managed to enhance the character of the district and provide landmark reference points to journeys through the area. New Street Station Immediately to the south of New Street station, large-scale office and hotel redevelopment took place between the 1950s and 1970s on sites cleared to build the former Inner Ring Road. However 50 the quarters / city core

Growth The redevelopment of New Street station will have a profound impact on the whole of the City Core, but the new street level link, from the north at Stephenson Street, through a new concourse and public space, to a grand entrance to Station Street and Hill Street will, along with the new John Lewis department store, galvanise the regeneration of the stations southern neighbourhood. This area will be the hub of taxi drop-off and pick-up. The public space will be

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Heritage The area is covered in part by two Conservation Areas and has a number of Listed and Locally Listed Buildings. These are integral to the character of the district, and architectural design which responds in terms of quality of materials, appropriate scale and detailing is vital to promoting an historic district which can incorporate the best in contemporary design.

years on and the blockage to pedestrian routes created by New Street station has resulted in several vacantAYand underused W CI O sites, with major recent investment limited to the landmark Radisson Hotel at Holloway Circus and residential apartments around John HEAD Bright Street.
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OConnectivity O R LB New Street station will have six access SM points, and a pedestrian route around the entire perimeter. The route through the station concourse from north to south will be open 24 hours giving easy connection from the retail and civic core to the entertainment district, Chinese Quarter and Gay Village.
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Pedestrian links across the Smallbrook and Suffolk Street Queensways are poor, particularly at Holloway Circus, and need improvement. This will achieve strong links between Southside, the residential communities of Bath Row, and the Mailbox, CUBE and canalside. The Hill Street link to Southside will see significant environmental improvement and the introduction of new activity and better public transport. The area will benefit from the introduction of the metro extension and Rapid Transit.

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Public Realm The southern station plaza will provide a substantial public space as well as an active arrival and departure space. The station entrance electronic eye will provide information and visual interest. A grand staircase, lift and ramp gives access to Station Street and Hill Street, and new granite paving, wall treatments, street furniture and lighting to the surrounding DU DL streets are part of the station renewal EY ST RE ET programme.

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 Massing There is potential for tall buildings between 16 and 20 storeys on other redevelopment sites in the area. Care must be taken to avoid overshadowing the public realm and residential uses. Heritage Station Street has a fine traditional frontage with some listed buildings, which needs to be retained and enhanced by a sensitive design and active frontage to the station side. John Bright Street has good buildings some of which are locally listed. The character should be retained and enhanced by appropriate active uses at ground floor, with residential above.

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Planned John Lewis Department Store above New Street Station

Indicative option for transformation area - New Street Station

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the quarters / eastside

Eastside

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

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Eastside is a central focus for regeneration activity in the city centre that has EASTSIDE brought about the removal of the concrete collar at Masshouse and the CITY CORE emergence of the area as a location for knowledge, skills and innovation. It has WESTSIDE AND both great potential for accommodating the DIGBETH expansion of City Core uses through LADYWOOD major mixed-use development alongside the established science, technology and learning activities. The proposalsSOUTHSIDE speed rail will bring both major for high AND opportunities and challenges for the future of the quarter. HIGHGATE

About the quarter

Home to a number of educational GEORGE Eastside consists of three distinct character ST AND institutions including Birmingham ST CHAD areas. The area north of Jennens Road, known as The Aston Triangle, consists Metropolitan College, Ormiston JEWELLERY QUARTER of the Aston University campus with Academy, the 40 acre Aston University EASTSIDE Birmingham Science Park Aston. The area campus with its 9,500 students and the CITY is dominated by large individual buildings proposed Birmingham City University CORE dating from the 1960s - 1980s set within campus bringing anWESTSIDE AND additional 5,000 LADYWOOD DIGBETH open spaces. students. An estimated one million people a SOUTHSIDE This pattern of development is year visit Millennium Point - Englands AND complemented by the more recently HIGHGATE largest millennium project outside of completed structures around Jennens London. Road including the distinctive Millennium Alongside modern developments sit a Point building. From here down to the number of historical buildings including Victorian viaducts and east of Millennium the fine Grade I Listed Curzon Street Point much of the land is cleared, but ST GEORGE Station - the original terminus for the CHAD interspersed with historical buildings AND ST Birmingham to London rail line. including Curzon Street Station. Some of JEWELLERY QUARTER the historic Victorian street pattern remains Occupying a 22 acre campus, and with the Digbeth Branch Canal, which EASTSIDE Birmingham Science Park Aston is aCITY runs along the eastern side of the quarter, focus for innovation-led knowledgeCORE the area retains links to its industrial based businesses. WESTSIDE AND heritage. LADYWOOD DIGBETH
SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

The spread of City Core uses has ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD seen development activity around the Masshouse area that is more reflective in JEWELLERY QUARTER scale and character to buildings within the EASTSIDE City Core.

The vision AND WESTSIDE

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The overall vision for Eastside is to SOUTHSIDE maximise its unique and extensive AND development potential HIGHGATE a to create quarter supporting the best in learning, technology and science with opportunities for expanding the City Core with new commercial, residential, leisure and entertainment uses. Responding to the ST GEORGE proposals for highAND ST CHAD will transform speed rail Eastside into a key arrival destination, JEWELLERY QUARTER unlocking development opportunities and linking the area into the City EASTSIDE Core.
CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD

DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

On the doorstep of the City Core, Eastside offers major redevelopment opportunities and an established learning and technology focus.
ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH

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Big ideas
On the doorstep of the City Core, Eastside offers major redevelopment opportunities and an established learning and technology focus. The area has all the attributes to drive forward our ambitions for Birmingham as a place of fantastic connections and a driver of the knowledge economy. The role of the Birmingham Science Park Aston and the educational establishments will be central in creating a hub for research, learning and technological advances. The heart for the citys digital revolution will be Eastside. We will address a number of key issues so we can realise the full potential for Eastside. The huge opportunities that the proposals for high speed rail will bring. Quality of the connections with the City Core and Digbeth. The strength and position of the education establishments in delivering learning and research. How the area can become a leading driver in technology, science and digital connectivity.
URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBANpresent URBAN STRUCTURE at STRUCTURE at present at present at present

Connected city

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Moor Street and Eastside rail stations Improved pedestrian connections, both Open spaces KEY Open spaces Access to rail stations KEY the quarter and in forming the links Open spaces KEY into 1 NEW - Station Square Moor Street open spaces, stations 1 1 NEW - Station Square and Eastside rail will NEW - Station Square between activities and Curzon Street Station Moor Street andand Eastside stations Moor Street Eastside rail rail stations 2 NEW - Eastside City Park Access visitors, customers, be vital in attractingto rail stations NEW - Eastside City Park 2 2 NEW - Eastside City Park 3 NEW - Curzon Square Science Park Aston Access to rail stations Access to rail stations Birmingham residents and Curzon Street Station further investment. NEW - Curzon Square 3 3 NEW - Curzon Square

4 NEW - Masshouse public realm NEW - Masshouse public realm 4 4 NEW - Masshouse public realm Existing block realm 5 Millennium Point public structure The Millennium Point public realm 5 5 Millennium Point public realm 6 NEW - Pound Square Eastside major Blocks within Jennens Road will createstructure Existing block new local NEW - Pound Square 6 6 NEW - Pound Square Existing block structure Existing block structure 7 Lakesidetransformation area walking routes and within Eastside major direct 7 7 Lakeside spaces bringing Blocks Lakeside 8 Aston University openrail viaduct High speed space Blocks transformation areamajor Blocks within Eastside within Eastside major and convenient links between Eastside, Aston University open space 8 8 Aston University open space transformation area transformation area 9 NEW - Corporation Street open space the City Core High speed rail viaduct detail and Digbeth. The Blocks Street open of NEW - Corporation Street open space other 9 9 NEW - Corporationforming partspace High set out viaduct major developments 10 NEW - Lancaster Circus open space of these High speed rail viaduct of other links is speed rail in the Area of Blocks forming part NEW - Lancaster Circus open space 10 10 NEW - Lancaster Circus open space
Curzon Street Station Curzon Street Station Birmingham Science Park Aston areaBirmingham Science Park Aston of ofBirmingham Science south transformation Park Aston Blocks major developments Blocks forming (page forming part of of other Transformation section partother49). It will major developments major developments be vital that the network of local walking Rail viaducts viaducts routes is RailRail viaducts extended north beyond Jennens Existing Road to Existing open spacesspaces connect theopen whole Existing open spaces quarter. We will support improvements to the pedestrian New open spaces New New open spaces environmentopen spaces routes and seek along these routes Primary walking Primary walking routes to prioritisePrimary role. routes their walking routes Local walking Local walking routes Local walking routes Major roads Major roads the canal corridor as Major roads Enhancements to road interventions and Major Major road route will andcentral Major road interventions and improved pedestrian a walking/cycling interventionsbe crossing to improved pedestrian crossing improved pedestrian crossing Canal encouraging movement within the quarter Canal Canal

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and between the different parts of the KEY city centre. Improving connections to and beyond the Ring Road will be important. Moor Street and Eastside rail stations
Access to rail stations Curzon Street Station

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN20 STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN years Birmingham in STRUCTURE Science Park Aston inin present 20 20 years in years at 20 years
Existing block structure Blocks within Eastside major transformation area High speed rail viaduct Blocks forming part of other major developments Rail viaducts
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1 NEW - Station Square 2 NEW - Eastside City Park 3 NEW - Curzon Square 4 NEW - Masshouse public realm URBAN STRUCTURE realm 5 Millennium Point public in 20 years 6 NEW - Pound Square 7 Lakeside 8 Aston University open space 9 NEW - Corporation Street open space 10 NEW - Lancaster Circus open space
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LEARNING QUARTER LEARNING LEARNING QUARTER QUARTER

the quarters / eastside

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Quarter boundaries LEARNING Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries QUARTER Key characteristic areas with KeyKey characteristic areas with characteristicboundaries significant areas with significant boundaries significant boundaries Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Rail line RailRail line line Proposed HS2 line Proposed HS2HS2 line Proposed line Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Central nodes Central nodes Central nodes

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Knowledge city
In todays increasingly knowledge based society, economic success will be derived from the exploitation of the knowledge, skills and innovation potential of the city. Birmingham Science Park Aston will be a key component in driving the citys knowledge economy. The Science Park will act as a hub promoting enterprise and innovation by bringing together people with ideas and technologies, people with expertise and experience and people with funds to invest. Located close to the City Core the Science Park is easily accessible and aspirations for remodelled accommodation will be supported. A new Innovation Village will enhance this facility with additional work space and high tech infrastructure.

As part of the development proposals within this area the new Engineering Academy will create a new focus on engineering and manufacturing emphasising business enterprise and developing the skills necessary for Birmingham to capitalise on opportunities in engineering. It will enable a new generation of innovative and talented engineers. Eastsides role in the knowledge economy is boosted by the concentration of educational establishments in the area. Based around the activity at Aston University, Birmingham Metropolitan College, the new campus for Birmingham City University, Millennium Point and Ormiston Academy is where the creation of a learning/knowledge quarter will be achieved.

Undergoing a period of transformation Aston University will provide a new and improved campus, becoming a centre for excellence in learning, research and community engagement. Future development will focus on delivering improved facilities, enhanced spaces and improved links. Birmingham Metropolitan College and Ormiston Academy provide further focus for learning and research. The planned Birmingham City University Campus will provide 35,000 to 45,000 square meters of accommodation acting as the new home for media, arts and engineering learning.

Eastside aerial view

the quarters / eastside

Smart city
Digital technology will be central to the future knowledge economy allowing links to be created which are not defined by geography. Such technology will connect people around the world instantly. Birmingham Science Park Aston has the potential to create a digital port for Birmingham at the heart of the Digital District. The citys digital capabilities will ensure connectivity without boundaries, reducing the need to travel and contributing to reducing carbon emissions.
Main roads Street level crossing enhancement

Area of transformation
Eastside Eastside has long been seen as an area in which to expand the City Core, delivering major change through mixed-use developments in the area south of Jennens Road.

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Secondary roads Metro line with extension Primary walking routes Local walking routes Street level crossing enhancement Secondary roads Canal Building blocks Primary walking routes Local walking routes Building blocks within Eastside Canal Transformation Area
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With the proposals for high speed rail the focus on Eastside as an area of transformation has been further strengthened and its position as a major arrival destination is now at the fore. The area bounded by Jennens Road, Moor Street Queensway, Lawley Middleway and the viaduct has great opportunity to deliver both a new terminus station for High Speed 2 route with opportunities for landmark developments and attractive spaces. Our approach to the future of this area sets out a clear framework to guide change, which will ensure that the city centre capitalises upon the opportunities that this major investment in infrastructure will bring. This approach will be flexible, reflecting uncertainties over eventual delivery of High Speed 2 line. Transformation of this part of Eastside will be planned for the short, medium and long term and come forward in a number of elements linked together.

Connectivity Integrating this area into the wider city centre will be an important aspect for its future transformation. Strong attractive walkable routes will be created within the area allowing easy circulation for people accessing the station and beyond. The viaduct arches will create a distinctive environment, enhanced with lighting, and space for temporary uses to provide attractive connections into Digbeth. From the station concourse a series of new access routes through and out into Eastside, Digbeth and out to Moor Street Queensway for the City Core. Public Realm New public spaces will be created to provide focal points and key nodes to generate meeting places and guide people through the quarter to their destination.

Eastside City Park will create a key focal point for the area providing a catalyst for regeneration. The park will create a pleasant and walkable route connecting the different elements of Eastside to the City Core and eastwards to beyond the Middleway. The delivery of the Eastside City Park will be a priority. The new Station Square will provide a focal point for those arriving from the station, dispersing people onto walkable routes. Street furniture and distinctive lighting of places and buildings will provide visual interest, enhance safety and create a sense of place. Growth Core uses including office, leisure and residential are likely to expand as a result of the High Speed 2 terminus and improved connections to New Street Station.

Indicative option for transformation area - Eastside

the quarters / eastside

Mixed-use blocks will create a vibrant 24/7 feel to the area with visitor attractions, employment opportunities, leisure and city living accommodation. Enhancing the new spaces and walking routes with active ground floor uses will be encouraged. Activity should spill out onto the streets to create a lively and interactive atmosphere. Massing Expanding City Core uses into the area will see opportunities for a range of building heights from 6 to 10 storeys rising to 16 storeys to mark key views. Around the new squares blocks and buildings should be of a human scale, well articulated and visually diverse to reflect the mix of use and intimate character. A range of new buildings fronting the Eastside City Park will form an integral part of the new terminus building and be of a scale and height in keeping with the station.

Heritage The area still retains some distinct character and a number of attractive buildings and features. New developments will take a sensitive and responsive approach to incorporating such assets through reuse and retention in the context of delivering wider benefits for the area. Curzon Street Station will become the focal point, acting as one of the key accesses for the High Speed 2 terminus but as a feature in its own right reflecting its historical importance and architectural quality. It will be set within a new hard-landscaped square. The rail arches and other distinct industrial features, including the canal environment, will play an important role in guiding an authentic environment complementing the modern structures.

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The proposed High Speed 2 set to deliver journey times of 49 minutes between Birmingham and London could be worth 1.5 billion a year to the West Midlands economy.

The new City Park (Eastside)

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the quarters / digbeth

AND HIGHGATE

Digbeth
From the earliest beginnings as part of the citys industrial development, the Digbeth area has evolved to meet changes, constantly reinventing itself and adapting the built environment to meet the needs of new uses. Today although the majority of the factories have gone and the canal is no longer carrying cargoes it still has a certain creative buzz about it.
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About the quarter

The Custard Factory is home to a dynamic community of 500 artists and small creative enterprises based within the 5 acre complex of riverside factories built 100 years ago by Sir Alfred Bird. The Grand Union Canal, Digbeth Branch Canal and River Rea flow through the area. Home to the Irish Quarter, a focus for related cultural and entertainment activities centred around Bradford Street and Digbeth High Street Deritend. The area has been at the heart of Birminghams history from the earliest known settlement to the industrial revolution and planned developments of the 21st century. The important heritage is protected in two conservation areas: Warwick Bar and Digbeth, Deritend, Bordesley High Streets. Sandwiched between, and running in the blocks along, the railway viaducts are the historical core of Digbeth, characterised by a range of warehouse complexes and purpose-built works dating from the mid 19th to the mid 20th century. Within this core area the streetscape is wholly derived from the areas industrial past as a warehouse and industrial quarter. Street blocks are compact and composed of building plots which vary in shape and size. The Gun Barrel Proof House (built 1813), set slightly apart on Banbury Street, is ST GEORGE the sole example of an early 19th century AND ST CHAD works and remains in its original use. There JEWELLERY are very few surviving domestic properties QUARTER in the area. The Old Crown WESTSIDE AND High Street, built in the late 15th century, LADYWOOD DIGBETH provides one of the earliest remaining buildings in the city.
SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE environment EASTSIDE CITY CORE public house on Deritend

Much of the historic is protected by conservation area designations which aim to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the heritage assets. Running through and across the area, JEWELLERY the canal and railway structures provide QUARTER examples of late 18th and 19th century EASTSIDE CITY transport engineering. These structures CORE add to the hard industrial appearance WESTSIDE AND created by the traditional building types LADYWOOD DIGBETH with the viaducts dominating the area.
AND Beyond this core area more modern HIGHGATE industrial premises exist along the Middleway and parts of Digbeth High Street. The High Street also acts as the key spine running through the quarter from the Middleway into the City Core. SOUTHSIDE ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD

View towards Eastside Station from Fazeley Street

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The masterplan vision

The ambition for the area is to use its historic roots as a foundation for growing its established creative businesses and developing a vibrant urban community with entertainment, living and cultural opportunities. By embracing the existing building fabric and delivering a high quality, exciting, and safe public realm Digbeth will become a flourishing creative and cultural hub for the city.

Responding to the opportunities and KEY challenges that the proposal for High Open spacesMoor Street and Eastside rail stations KEY Speed 2 in Moor Street and Eastside rail stations neighbouring Eastside willOpen spacesspaces Access to rail stations Open NEW - St Martins and Moat Square KEY KEY 1 bring. Access Eastside rail stations Moor Street andto rail stations rail stations Moor Street and Eastside Martins and Square Martins and Moat 1 NEW - NEW - StStationMoat SquareSquare 1 2 StNEW - Birmingham Coach Station Birmingham AccessAccess stationsCoach Station to rail to rail stations NEW -Square public realm Beorma block 3- NEW - Station Square structure 2 NEW Station Existing 2 Connected city Coach Station Birmingham Coach Station Birmingham NEW Connaught Existing block structure 3 NEW - NEW - Beorma realmSquare rail viaduct 3 4 Beorma- public public realm Proposed high speed Custard Factory 4 NEW - NEW - Connaughtpublic realm 4 5 Connaught SquareSquare Existing block structure speed rail both Existing block structure Improved pedestrian connectionsviaduct Proposed high Blocks within Southern Gateway major NEW transformation park public public 5 6 Custard-Factory realm realm into the quarter and between activities 5 Custard FactoryDigbeth viaductarea Blocks within Southern Proposed high speed speed railGateway major Proposed high rail viaductviaduct Blocks Factory Basin NEWDigbeth viaduct park of other - Typhooforming part and open spaces will be vital in attracting 6 NEW - NEW - viaduct park transformation area 6 7 Digbeth major developments within within Blocks forming part and further NEW Warwick Bar visitors, Blocks Blocks Southern Gateway major major 7 NEW - NEW - Typhoo Factory Basinrealm customers, area Southern Gateway residents of other 7 8 Typhoo-Factory Basin public transformation developments transformation area major Rail viaducts investment. Blocks forming part of other Blocks forming part of other NEW - NEW - Warwick Baropportunities for Warwick other key realm realm 8 8 9 NEW - Bar public public open spaces Rail viaducts
major developments major developments Rail viaducts Rail viaducts The High Street (including Digeth Existing open spaces 10 High Street Deritend and High Street Existing open open spaces Existingspacesspaces New open Bordesley) currently acts as a major block New open and spaces Rea space interventions New open River to movement inspacesthrough the quarter. Canals and We will support the remodelling of this Canals Canals and River Rea interventions and Riverwalking routes Primary Rea space space interventions road to reduce car dominance, introducing Local walking Primarypedestrian routes walking routes routes an improved Primary walkingenvironment and Canal Local walking routes create spaceLocalactivityroutes its length. for walking along River Rea Canal Canal KEY

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Big ideas
In Digbeth the fundamentals are all there to create a thriving, active and authentic part of the city centre. With some enhancements to the physical infrastructure of the area, the potential can be truly fulfilled. To facilitate the renaissance we will address a number of key issue, including: Providing safe and convenient connections into and through the quarter. Supporting its gritty and authentic character. Balancing the needs of local businesses, residents, cultural and creative activities. URBAN STRUCTURE at present URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE at present at present at present

Existing open NEW - NEW -key opportunitiesspaces for 9 open other key Square for NEW 10 other - Curzon opportunities open spacesspaces New NEW - NEW - Curzon open spaces 10 Curzon SquareSquare

NEW - othe open space NEW - Curz

Canals and River Rea space interventions Primary walking routes Local walking routes Canal River Rea Open spaces

Action to rationalise the gyratory at the top end of theAccess to rail stationsthe Bullring, High Street, at will be central Birmingham Coach Station to drawing people across from the City Core into the area. The Existing block structure transformation of the Wholesale Markets will play a key Proposedthe redesign. Links role in high speed rail viaduct will be significantly enhanced between major Blocks within Southern Gateway transformation area Digbeth, the City Core and Southside.

River Rea Rea River Street and Eastside rail stations Moor

URBAN STRUCTURE Rail viaducts at present URBAN STRUCTURE Existing open spaces in 20 years URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE in in 2020 years New open spaces 20 in years years

Blocks forming part of other major developments

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NEW - St Martins and Moat Square NEW - Station Square NEW - Beorma public realm NEW - Connaught Square Custard Factory public realm NEW - Digbeth viaduct park NEW - Typhoo Factory Basin NEW - Warwick Bar public realm

9 NEW - other key opportunities for URBAN STRUCTURE open spaces in 20 years 10 NEW - Curzon Square

Canals and River Rea space interventions Primary walking routes Local walking routes Canal River Rea

Qua Quarter boundaries Quarter Key characteristic areas with Quarter boundaries boundaries significant boundaries Key characteristic areas with with Key characteristic areas Pedestrian connections significant boundaries significant boundaries Pedestrian connections barriers Pedestrian connections Major highway Major highway barriers Major highway barriers River Rea River Rea Rea River Canals Canals Canals nodes Central Central nodes nodes Central

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The High Street will become a primary walking route from which a network of local walking routes, will run north-south and east-west. Along these routes a series of pocket parks and larger open spaces will be created. Street furniture and distinctive lighting of places and buildings will provide visual interest, enhance safety and create a sense of place. The network of local walking routes includes Bradford Street and Fazeley Street linking east-west, New Canal Street running north into Eastside, Meriden Street linking south toward Southside; and Floodgate Street running south. Bradford Street performs a central role in linking the City Core and Irish Quarter. Public realm improvements along its length are set to enhance the attractiveness of this street. Fazeley Street performs an important role as an east-west route connecting westwards to Eastside and eastwards to Liverpool Street and Adderley Street and onto the Ring Road. It has a strategic role which will be reinforced through improvements to lighting, materials and spaces.

The link from Digbeth into Eastside is also supported by New Canal Street - Meriden Street forming a useful north-south link. In particular this route will play a key role in connecting the redevelopment at Eastside and the High Speed 2 terminus to Southside and the Southern Gateway. The design principles for this street follow those for the other local walking routes with a focus on shifting the balance from vehicular movement to pedestrians, while still acknowledging the importance in the wider road network. Floodgate Street is a particularly distinctive route due to its straightness, meaning there are long views along the entire length of the road. Passing under the railway viaduct provides a significant landmark on this route, reinforcing the industrial character of this area. Our approach will be to support improvements so that the distinct character along this road is enhanced. The canal corridor will also form part of this network of routes acting as an ideal means to aid pedestrian movement. The River Rea and the canals will be opened up further as part of the reuse, development and/or conversion of

buildings and plots along their length. The focus will be on enhancing lighting and access to the canal frontage creating a lively and safe atmosphere that is attractive for pedestrians and cyclists. At Typhoo Basin an attractive mixed-use development opportunity around a central water feature will become a key focal point and see the conversion of the existing complex of buildings. Extending out onto the canal network further opportunities will be supported along the canal corridor for mixed-use developments incorporating live/work units at Warwick Bar. The opportunity presented by the proposal for High Speed 2 and the new station on the northern edge of the quarter offers great potential to connect Digbeth to the City Core and bring a renewed focus to the north of the quarter for a mix of uses. The shared concourse with the southern station entrance, accompanied by a public square, will be a key arrival destination into Digbeth. The traditional building types and strong street grid patterns are vital to local distinctiveness and sense of place. Such assets will be used to create strong character for new developments. Keeping the mix of small properties and larger industrial buildings will be important allowing experimentation in space and place. We will support the utilisation of these assets to form an inspirational and truly authentic place that offers an alternative to other areas in the city centre. We aspire to create an elevated linear park along the disused viaduct, running broadly from Upper Trinity Street to Montague Street. This will provide an exciting viapark consisting of high quality public space combining planting, paving and events areas. The Cattle Station is

Typhoo Basin public realm proposal

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Public realm at Digbeth viaduct

the point at which some significant and underused plots of land can be found, and a spot where the canal is quite close by. In combination with the buildings, streets and spaces, the range of entertainment, creative and cultural activities within the quarter will continue to play a vital role. The Irish Quarter has existed for some 50 years, mainly around St Annes Church and community club. While much of the community has now dispersed, the area contains a wealth of Irish-based businesses, independent Irish bars, The Irish Club and related organisations. The contribution these activities make to the and thriving nature of the area will continue to be supported. As the area becomes more successful the pressure will grow for new higher value uses to come into the area. We will need to manage this pressure to ensure that the fundamental character and experience of the area is not lost. The retention, re-use and conversion of buildings is key.

Creative city
The Custard Factory will be the focal point for this creative quarter with Fazeley Studios and other areas around the canal acting as locations for creative activities. Space for new studios and supporting facilities and services will be part of creating a thriving quarter. The re-use of buildings will be vital to the growing creative activity in the area and improved pedestrian connections will have a central role in making the quarter more attractive to visit. Throughout the area mixed-use developments will be supported where they support the aspiration for the area as a creative cultural entertainment hub. Developments along the canal corridor will be supported where they achieve the interaction and accessibility to the canal and retain the character and distinctiveness of the area. We want more people to live in the Digbeth area but they will have to embrace urban living and all that this means. We know there is potential conflict between different activities but in order to attract more activity and create a thriving and

diverse area, the workshops, bars, clubs, venues, businesses and residents will need to come together in inventive ways to support a dynamic community. Future residential provision will need to reflect the character of the area, adapting to the existing building stock and environment. Live/work units and student accommodation will be an important element in future housing development. The creation of an urban village will bring greater life and activity to the area and it will be important that this is supported by vibrant facilities.

Smart city
Digital technology will become a central part of the focus on creative industries. Such technology will help to connect people instantly and without boundaries. The close links with Eastside are pivotal in the expansion of this technology, with Digbeth forming part of the Digital District. The citys digital capabilities will ensure connectivity without need to travel, so supporting the reduction of carbon emissions. bigcityplan.org.uk

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the quarters / southside and highgate

AND HIGHGATE

AND HIGHGATE

Southside and Highgate

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD

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Southside, including the Highgate residential area, has a rich mix of existing EASTSIDE activities giving the area a unique spirit and vibrancy. Coupled with this character CITY CORE are significant redevelopment opportunities that will complement the area to WESTSIDE AND create one of the mostLADYWOODcity centre quarters that will be a major cultural and diverse DIGBETH visitor destination.
SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

JEWELLERY QUARTER

About the quarter

back-to-back housing, shops and pubs The Wholesale Markets site presents spread rapidly southwards towards and 8ha of development potential on the ST GEORGE over the River Rea. doorstep of the City Core. AND ST CHAD The historic manor house and moat JEWELLERY QUARTER lie underneath the Wholesale Markets site and represent part of the medieval CITY heart of Birmingham. CORE The development of the Wholesale Markets in the 1970s dramatically altered EASTSIDE the original street pattern and the fortress-like building turns its back on the surrounding area, leaving Southside with DIGBETH fractured links and dead frontages, thereby isolating the areas and buildings beyond. A significant portion of Southside, between Sherlock and Barford Streets, ST GEORGE down to the River Rea ST CHAD and beyond to AND Highgate, is covered by low intensity JEWELLERY industrial premises. Many units provide QUARTER space for small engineering companies EASTSIDE and a variety of other CITY commercial operations. However CORE parts of the some WESTSIDE AND area are underutilised and remain empty. LADYWOOD DIGBETH The unattractive environment isolates and severs the Highgate area from otherwise SOUTHSIDE walkable routes to the City Core and AND HIGHGATE Digbeth. The Highgate area rises up from the River Rea towards a ridge at Highgate Middleway. Most of Highgate was comprehensively redeveloped during the 1960s, introducing a mixture of council housing, including tower blocks, maisonettes and modern two-storey terraces. A pocket of industrial land occupying four street blocks divides the residential area. There are a number of key landmarks within the Highgate area including the Central Mosque, St Albans Church and Lenches Trust Almshouses, the Paragon Hotel and Highgate Park.

Historic retail markets are part of WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD Birminghams rich heritage and history; and are home to the largest inland fish SOUTHSIDE market in the UK. AND HIGHGATE removal of subways at Smallbrook The The Hippodrome Theatre with the Queensway in the early 1990s improved Birmingham Royal Ballet, is the UKs the pedestrian connections to the area most visited theatre with over half-aalong the primary walking route of million patrons every year. Hurst Street. Investment followed with ST Home to the citys Chinese Quarter GEORGE the Arcadian Centre, the extended and AND ST CHAD bringing in thousands of international refurbished Hippodrome Theatre and the JEWELLERY visitors every year and hosts the restored historic back-to-back houses. QUARTER Chinese New Year celebrations. These EASTSIDE provide significant cultural assets for CITY Southside alongside successful bars and 75,000 visitors to the UKs biggest free CORE restaurants. During the last decade, highannual Pride FestivalWESTSIDE AND Gay around the density residential apartment development LADYWOOD Villages thriving, independently owned DIGBETH has provided new urban living which has caf bars, pubs and clubs. greatly increased pedestrian activity and SOUTHSIDE AND has begun to help support a greater mix of Southside grew from the original heart HIGHGATE commercial uses around Hurst Street. of Birmingham around St Martins parish church, the manor house and moat, with Edgbaston Street and the approximate line of Smallbrook Queensway once marking the southern edge of the medieval town. From the 1790s and throughout the Victorian period, a dense pattern of streets, factories, courtyard In the streets south of Bromsgrove Street, some of the former industrial buildings have been taken over by vibrant caf bars, pubs, clubs alongside established engineering companies and warehouses. Large areas of vacant land and derelict buildings remain towards Bristol Street.

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The masterplan vision

Birmingham Coach Station Our vision for the area is to bring about significant change of the Wholesale Supporting and creating strong, vibrant Existing block structure Markets site, capitalising on this KEY KEY KEY communities by dealing with vacant Open spaces spaces Open Open spaces opportunity as a catalyst for bringing Blocks within Southern Gateway Birmingham and Birmingham Coach Station andBirmingham Coach Station buildings. 1 1 1- StNEW Martins Moat Square Square area underused landCoach Station NEW NEWMartins and and and Moat - St - St Martinstransformation investment and activity to the wider major Moat Square Existing block structure area. Improving the transport links Existing block structure Existing block structure Blocks forming Keeping the best of Southsides Edgbaston Street public realm Edgbaston Street public realm part 2 2 2 Edgbaston Street public realm of other major developments and strengthening the areas character characterwithin SouthernSouthernconsidering 3 3 Arcadian public realm and heritage and Gateway Blocks within Gateway Arcadian public realm Arcadian public realm 3 Blocks Blocks within Southern Gateway major transformation and major transformation area areaarea activity. major transformation will create a vibrant, liveable and wellthe future of industrial land Existing 4 4 4- Theatre- Square Square spaces NEW NEW Theatre NEW - Theatre Square open Blocks forming of other Blocks forming part partpart of other Blocks forming of other connected part of the city centre, creating major developments major developments major developments NEW - Village Square NEW NEW - Village Square 5 5 5- Village Square a major cultural destination. In the longer New open spaces Connectedopenopen spaces city Existing Existing open spaces Existing spaces NEW NEW - Connaught NEW - Connaught Square 6 6 6- Connaught Square Square term there is the potential to transform Highgate and surrounding areas to provide Highgate Park ParkPark Highgate New open NewNew open spaces open spaces spaces Improved quality and number of streets 7 7 7 Highgate River Rea space interventions a much improved family neighbourhood. NEW - other key opportunities NEW - other key opportunities and open spaces for pedestrians will be 8 8 8 NEW - other key opportunities for new/improved spaces for new/improved Primaryopen spaces for new/improved openwalking routes open spaces River space interventions RiverRiver space interventions Rea Rea Rea space interventions essential to the future attractiveness of Big ideas Local walking routes Primary walking Primary walking routes routes Primary walking routes the area. Currently, poor connections and Local routes routes streets fail to walking Local walking uninspiring Local or often rundown walking routes River Rea Southside and Highgate has the potential River provide theRea Rea Rea all-year-round buzz and activity RiverRiver to become one of the most exciting and A38 Corridor that befits Corridor Corridor part of the city A38 a cosmopolitan A38 A38 Corridor liveable areas of the city centre. While the Major road interventions and Major road interventions Major interventions and centre. Major roadroad interventions and and improved pedestrian crossing quarter has many good qualities a number

Supporting development of the distinctive cultural and entertainment assets.

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of key issues will need to be addressed in order for the wider area to fulfil its potential. These include: Opportunities presented by the relocation of the Wholesale Markets. The creation of good, active streets, open spaces and better connections with the City Core and neighbouring areas.

KEY

improved pedestrian improved pedestrian crossing crossing improved pedestrian crossing

As part of the Birmingham Gateway Birmingham Coach Station Project, the creation of a new southern entrance to New Street Station and the Existing block structure redevelopment of the Wholesale Markets will vastly improve pedestrian connections Blocks within Southern Gateway major Core to the quarter. from the Citytransformation area
Blocks forming part of other major developments Existing open spaces

Open spaces

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE at present at present at present at present

River Rea space URBAN STRUCTURE interventions at presentPrimary walking routes

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URBAN STRUCTURE New STRUCTURE URBAN open spaces URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE in 20 20 years in years in 20 years in 20 years

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Local walking routes River Rea

Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries MARKETS Key characteristic areas with withwith Key Key characteristic areas characteristic areas CHINESE significant boundaries significant boundaries significant boundaries Increased permeability access Increased permeability and access access Increased permeability and and Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections GAY Major highways Major highways barriers barriers Major highways barriers
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GAY GAY GAY VILLAGE VILLAGE VILLAGE INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL AREA AREAAREA INDUSTRIAL BRISTOL BRISTOL BRISTOL STREET STREET STREET SOUTH SOUTH SOUTH HIGHGATE HIGHGATE HIGHGATE

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River RiverRiver Rea Rea Rea BRISTOL Central CentralSOUTH nodes Central nodes nodes Residential Residential areas areas Residential areas
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Hurst Street - festival street, a primary walking route, links many of Southsides assets and will become the focus for lively street theatre, markets and events. Further opportunities to make this route more pedestrian-friendly will be explored, including extending the footway and lighting improvements already implemented. Bromsgrove, Sherlock and Kent Street will be important pedestrian routes, forming part of the local walking route network. Ground floor uses and activities, higher quality public realm and street trees will help to transform these routes. A new network of open spaces linked by the local walking routes, will create an improved range of places that enrich Southsides character. This will include Moat Square within the Wholesale Markets site and Theatre Place - the potential for a higher quality and memorable setting for the Hippodrome Theatre and back-to-back houses. A new Village Square at the Gay Village end of Hurst Street is proposed where active uses will surround a much needed green oasis for the areas residents and visitors. As part of the Bristol Street South development site, existing public open space off Sherlock Street will be reconfigured as a new park for Southside. Highgate Park will be maintained as an important public open space and its overall quality and function will be promoted. In the longer term the park has great potential as a focus for higher quality development around its edges. Across the wider area, improved open spaces will be sought as part of individual redevelopment schemes.

Bristol Street will remain a key vehicular route into the city centre from the south and forms part of the A38. Opportunities will be sought to transform the currently harsh pedestrian environment and to improve the number and quality of crossing points in order to better connect Attwood Green with Southside.

Birminghams Gay Village has become well-established within Southside over the last 20 years. Vibrant caf bars, pubs, clubs, shops and community services cater for the lesbian and gay community from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region. The focus of the village is around the lower part of Hurst Street, Kent Street and Lower Essex Street. Recent investment in the public realm has given this part of Southside a stronger character and presence. There are opportunities for specialist retail, hotels and other business uses to locate within the heart of the village, bringing greater levels of visitor activity throughout the day and night. The retail markets will continue to play a vital role in the city centres retail offer which will be promoted and improved as part of the Wholesale Markets redevelopment.

Creative city
Southsides status as a major creative and cultural district will be promoted and capitalised upon in order to grow the areas potential visitor base. The cluster of theatre, entertainment and leisure activities within and around Southside, including the O2 Academy, Hippodrome, Old Rep and Alexandra Theatres, Electric Cinema and lively cabaret bars, provides the opportunity to create a lively cultural focus for the city centre. The development of this cultural centre will be supported where proposals provide the city with facilities of national and international importance, and also the small-scale and diverse. Together they will develop further the rich creative and cultural performing arts offer of the city.

Liveable city
The richness and variety of activity on offer in Southside is highly diverse in comparison to other quarters. The wide mix of uses and communities still has room to develop further. The identity of the Chinese Quarter will be strengthened, particularly around Ladywell Walk and the Arcadian Centre. This will be achieved through working with the Southside BID and Chinese community groups and local businesses to provide decorative features, public artwork and a Chinese arch that will provide a tourist attraction and cement the areas character.
Southside city living

the quarters / southside and highgate

Southside has growing residential communities with a dynamic urban village character emerging in the Chinese Quarter and along the Bradford Street corridor. Residential uses as part of the mixed-use redevelopment of derelict sites within the Chinese Quarter and Gay Village will continue to form an important part of Southsides regeneration. Such uses should be encouraged where they do not compromise the entertainment and leisure uses that provide the unique essence of Southsides character. The diversity of the area relies on the coming together of entertainment venues, businesses and residents to support a dynamic community. Highgate is a significant area of residential provision in the city centre. Sitting on the fringe of the city centre, it has good links to areas beyond the Ring Road. The area suffers from elements of poor design and layout, under-utilised open spaces and insecure pedestrian routes. Selective redevelopment will address these issues with our longer term ambition to see Highgate and the surrounding area become home to improved family living. This will be supported with well-balanced infrastructure including private and communal open spaces, improved network of local walking routes and community facilities. Future planning and regeneration activity will be undertaken in partnership with existing communities. The residential St. Lukes Estate includes under-utilised open space that has the potential, working alongside the local community, to be remodelled to accommodate both further family housing and more functional and better quality spaces. The existing parade of shops at Horton Square provides for some day-today needs for the local community, however the range and choice is limited. Opportunities will be sought to expand the retail area to meet this gap and to support new residential growth.

The long-term future of the pocket of industry and the fringes of the adjacent industrial area will be considered as part of the masterplans aims to expand the quantity and quality of family housing in Highgate. This would also result in improved connections and a higher quality environment. The Bristol Street South site has a prominent frontage to Bristol Street and Belgrave Middleway and presents an opportunity for a significant mixed-use landmark development based around a significantly improved area of public open space. The development will provide strong links to Sherlock Street and Kent Street as local walking routes connecting into the City Core. The site will support a mix of uses that help to provide a magnet to draw economic and pedestrian activity into this part of the city centre.

Authentic city
Southsides authenticity and character are most intact and well-reflected along Bradford Street and the eastern side of Bristol Street where there are significant attractive 19th century historic building frontages. These features will be retained as part of the regeneration of empty or underused buildings and sites behind. In addition, investment will be encouraged throughout the area in the refurbishment of existing character and listed buildings such as the landmark SBQ Building on Smallbrook Queensway. Such an approach will help to protect the future of the some of the citys most interesting 20th century architectural features. The industrial area beyond the Wholesale Markets site will continue to provide space for small scale engineering and

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Moat Square proposal

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commercial activities that provide jobs and necessary services within the local economy. The fringes of the area, where economic activity has waned, will provide opportunities for more mixed-use development particularly related to the redevelopment of the Wholesale Markets site and to facilitate the growth and improvement of Highgate residential area.

Area of major transformation

Southern Gateway The relocation of the Wholesale Markets, leaving an 8ha site on the doorstep of the Bullring, will act as a catalyst for the southern expansion of the City Core. The redevelopment of the Wholesale Markets will facilitate opportunities for a much wider area to undergo transformation. Our approach to the future of this area sets out a clear framework to guide change, which will ensure that the city centre capitalises on the opportunity presented by the relocation of the Wholesale DI GB ET H Markets.
H IG

The centrepiece of this area will be Moat Square, a new public space based around the archaeological remains of the original Birmingham Manor House, the historic heart of the city. Expansion of the Southern Gateway area offers potential to extend Birminghams retail offer at its northern end, graduating through niche retail, improved markets, food and leisure space around Moat Square to new residential neighbourhoods which offer the potential to stimulate the regeneration of Highgate. Growth The area will form a thriving part of the city centre with opportunities for residential, retail, leisure, entertainment, offices and high tech manufacturing industries. The citys retail market functions will be integrated within and to the western edge of the new Moat Square and adjoining buildings, and its profile will be raised by encouraging new niche and themed traders to complement and extend the existing range of its offer.

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be encouraged around new squares and spaces with the opportunity to spill out. We will encourage a diverse variety of uses and activities within the blocks and buildings and on the streets, and embrace the Irish Quarter and reflect its heritage and culture. Linked to the Moat Square will be the opportunity for a new Modern Art Museum showcasing exhibitions from a range of local and international artists. The new gallery will provide a place for the celebration and consideration of cultural diversity in the City. It will provide a new attraction enhancing the City as a visitor destination. Public Realm A new major public square based around the historic site of the original Birmingham Manor House and moat, will create a focus for local culture, leisure and performance, incorporate a market function, and interpret the history and archaeology of this important site.

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Street level crossing enhancement Secondary roads Metro line with extension Primary walking routes Local walking routes River Rea Building blocks Building blocks within Southern Gateway Transformation Area Existing focal points/landmark features

Street level crossing enhancement Secondary roads Metro line with extension Primary walking routes Local walking routes River Rea Building blocks

Building blocks within Southern Gateway Transformation Area Existing focal points/landmark features New open spaces

Southern Gateway transformation area masterplan

New open spaces

Example of Modern Art Museum - MOMA in New York

the quarters / southside and highgate

The change of level will be exploited to form terraces, activity and performance space, and the introduction of a water feature to recall the presence of the historic moat. There will be a network of high quality pedestrian priority streets. The High Street, Bradford Street, Moseley Street and Cheapside will be pleasant local walking routes connecting to new family housing, Highgate and its park, revived industry and commerce, public transport corridors, and the City Core. Street furniture and distinctive lighting of places and buildings will provide visual interest, encourage use, enhance safety and create a sense of place. Connectivity The historic street pattern will be restored and enhanced, with a clear hierarchy of street use and character. Streets will be pedestrianised close to the core with shared surface off Moat Square and public transport focused on the High Street, Sherlock Street and Bradford Street. The Coach station will be a key arrival point, serving the area and wider city. Strong, attractive walkable routes with wide pavements and street trees will link Highgate and Camp Hill to the City Core. Clear pedestrian connections will be made across the area, connecting Southside to Digbeth. The River Rea will be utilised as a key feature. New development along its length will need to contribute toward creating pedestrian access to form a prominent, attractive, riverside walkway across the area. Massing General heights across the area will range from 3 to 12 storeys with opportunities to rise to 15 to mark key views and focal points. At the corner of Edgbaston Street and the new public square a building of up to 18 storeys could be considered.

Around the public square blocks and buildings should be of human scale, wellarticulated and visually diverse to reflect the mix of uses and intimate character. Storey heights will step up square with setbacks to the south and west to ensure there is good daylight access throughout the year. Any residential development should seek to provide a broad range of typology including family housing 3 to 4 stories high beyond the River Rea and into Highgate, complementing the existing largely apartment-based resident community which will be expanded closer to the core.

Heritage The area has a distinct character which includes buildings, street patterns and archaeological remains. Redevelopment must be sensitive and responsive to this character and retain, reuse and enhance these features. The history and archaeology of the area, and particularly the area around the original moated manor, will be acknowledged, respected, interpreted and incorporated in development proposals. Key views such as St Martins, Rotunda, Digbeth Police Station, the Paragon Hotel, and the Digbeth HMV Institute, which reinforce the identity and character of the area, will be identified and protected.

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Indicative options for transformation area - Southern Gateway

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the quarters / westside and ladywood

HIGHGATE

Westside and Ladywood

Westside, including the Ladywood residential area, is a diverse and vibrant part of the city centre. The area hosts many of Birminghams international-class visitor attractions, and forms a hub for shopping, nightlife and entertainment activities. Formerly a neglected and underused area, Westside has been completely transformed in recent decades and is now the primary destination for both business and leisure visitors to Birmingham.
WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

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About the quarter

Westside is home to many of the city centres premiere business and leisure attractions, including the National Indoor Arena, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall, the Mailbox, the Repertory Theatre and the National Sea Life Centre. Symphony Hall alone attracts 370,000 visitors per year. At the heart of Westside the Broad Street and Brindleyplace area is home to over 300 businesses, providing 12,000 jobs. Westside hosts Birminghams biggest concentration of hotels, providing in excess of 1,800 rooms. The area has a large residential population, with Ladywood home to 3,000 residents and the recently redeveloped and award-winning Park Central area incorporating 1,600 homes. Many of Birminghams tallest buildings are located in Westside, reflecting the strong demand for offices, hotels and apartments. Further tall buildings are proposed. Historically the area comprised a predominantly industrial area focused on the hub of the citys canal network with a dense residential area of back-to-back housing to the south. The former industrial area was transformed by the Brindleyplace regeneration project which created a thriving mixed-use area adjacent to Broad Street, overlooking the canals and including high quality new public squares. This pattern of waterside regeneration has extended along the canal to the south where The Mailbox anchors a concentration of premium retail and entertainment uses. The southern part of the area remains residential in character: the former Lee Bank estate having been transformed into the Park Central area, an exemplar urban neighbourhood and the Ladywood area, a housing estate of variable quality. At the heart of the area, Broad Street acts as a focus for entertainment activities and hosts several of the citys major hotels. In addition Broad Street serves as an arterial route into the city centre, linking to Five Ways, where there is a concentration of shopping, office and entertainment uses. At the top end of Broad Street, Centenary Square provides a direct and convenient pedestrian route to the City Core. The square is the site of the International Convention Centre, the REP theatre, Baskerville House, and the new Library of Birmingham. In addition to providing access to these important locations, Centenary Square is a significant visitor attraction in its own right, and hosts many of the citys most prominent outdoor events.

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

Ladywood canals

bigcityplan.org.uk

Open spaces

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The vision

New Street and Five Ways rail stations Our vision is to enhance connections into and through the area, bringing in new life Existing block structure and activity by extending the network of In order to support sustainable Blocks within Westside major linked public spaces within the quarter. transformation area growth of the residential population Improvements to the Broad Street corridor Blocks forming part of other improvements are needed to the public major developments and the eastern boundary of the quarter realm and local amenities. Existing open spaces will be key to achieving this. In addition, the masterplan will build on the success of Open spaces New open spaces Open spaces Open spaces Connected city Westsides existing residential areas. In the NEW - Centenary Square improvement 1 NEW - Centenary Square improvement 1 1 NEW - Centenary Square improvement KEY KEY KEY longer term the aspiration is to transform 2 City Centre Gardens Canal space interventions 2 2 City City Centre Gardens Centre Gardens Access rail stations The bridging oftostations Circus Access to to rail stations Access rail Paradise 3 NEW - Baskerville Wharf Basin NEW - Baskerville Wharf Basin Ladywood into a much improved family 3 3 NEW - Baskerville Wharf Basin Primary walking Queensway Street and Five Ways rail stationshigh 4 NEW - Paradise Circus public realm NewNew Street Five Five Waysstations New in the and Wayscreated a Street and 1990s rail rail stations 4 4 NEW - Paradise Circus public realm NEW - Paradise Circus public realm routes neighbourhood. 5 Chamberlain Square 5 5 Chamberlain Square quality Existing block structure pedestrian link between Centenary Chamberlain Square Primary walking routes: link through Existing block structure Existing block structure Victoria Square 6 Victoria Square the building SquareBlocks withinCityWestside major and thewithin Core. Despite this,6 6 Victoria Square Mailbox underpass Blocks Westside major 7 Mailbox underpass Blocks within Westside major 7 7 Mailbox underpass Local walking routes Big ideas transformation area transformation area transformation area NEW - Arena Central public realm the former Inner Ring Road still presents8 NEW - Arena Central public realm 8 8 NEW - Arena Central public realm Blocks forming of other Blocks forming part part of other Blocks forming part of other Mailbox Cube public realm and Cube Canals 9 Mailbox and Cube public realm Mailbox and a significant barrier between Westside 9 910 Peace Gardens public realm major developments major developments major developments 10 Peace Gardens 10 Peace Gardens Rail line The recent history of Westside is a success and the adjacentspaces quarters, limiting the11 11NEWHolloway Head playing fields Existing open NEW - - - Holloway Head playing fields 11 NEWHolloway Head playing fields Existing open spaces Existing open spaces story; the Brindleyplace, Mailbox and A38 Corridor Central potential for expansion of City Core 12 12Park Central 12Park Park Central NewNew open spaces open spaces Attwood Green regeneration projects Gas Basin 13 of Gas Street Basin 13 Street Basin activitiesNew open spaces into the quarter and movement 13Gas StreetSquare Major road interventions and improved pedestrian crossing 14 14Oozells Square 14 Oozells Oozells Square have created diverse and vibrant areas. Canal space interventions pedestriansspace interventions areas. Canal between the Canal space interventions Brindleyplace Square Square 15 15Brindleyplace spaces 15 Brindleyplace Square Open The quarter plays a major part in the Brindleyplace canal area 16 16Brindleyplace canal area 16 Brindleyplace canal area Primary walking routes Primary walking routes Primary walking routes Sherborne Wharf economy of the wider city centre. However, 17Sherborne Wharf - Centenary Square improvement Sherborne 1 NEW Wharf 17 KEYPrimary walking routes: link through In order to support Westsides existing17 18 Five Ways Primary walking routes: link through Primary walking routes: link through 18 Five Ways 2 18 the building the existing strength could be further the building encourage further growth Five Ways City Centre Gardens the building to rail stations Access functions and to Morville Street NEW - space Street open Baskerville Wharf Basin 19 19Morville 3 Street open space 19 Morville open space Local walking routes Local walking routes Local walking routes developed, and in order to ensure that this - other key NEW key - Paradise New Street and Five Ways rail stations NEWother NEW opportunities and investment, improvements will be20 20NEWother key opportunities forforfor public realm 20 open - spaces opportunities Circus open 4 Canals open spaces spaces Canals Canals takes place we will address a number of 5 Chamberlain Square made toRail line connectivity with the City Core, Rail Existing block structure Rail line line key issues: 6 Victoria Square SouthsideA38 CorridorJewellery Quarter. and the URBAN STRUCTURE A38 Corridor A38 Corridor within Westside major Mailbox underpass Blocks 7URBAN STRUCTURE betransformationand Connectivity into the area to bridge Major roadroad interventions and interventions area atThese will Majordelivered as and of key presentMajor road interventions part 20 years 8in NEW - Arena Central public realm improved pedestrian crossing improved pedestrian crossing improved pedestrian crossing developments at Paradise Circus, the New Blocks forming part of other the barrier to movement formed by the 9 Mailbox and Cube public realm major developments Street Station (Gateway Project), and the 10 Peace Gardens existing major road network. 11 NEW - Holloway Head playing fields Bristol StreetExisting open spaces site in Southside. The need for enhancement of the 12 Park Central New open spaces internal network of streets and places. 13 Gas Street Basin
CITY CORE

The reconfiguration of Broad Street corridor in order to achieve its full potential and to link in with the transformation of Paradise Circus.

KEY
Access to rail stations

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NEW - C City Cen NEW - B NEW - P Chambe Victoria S Mailbox NEW - A Mailbox Peace G NEW - H Park Cen Gas Stre Oozells S Brindleyp Brindleyp Sherborn Five Way Morville NEW - o open spa

URBANSTRUCTURE STRUCTURE URBAN URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE at atat present present at present present

URBAN STRUCTURE STRUCTURE URBAN URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE in20 years Primary walking routes 2020 years in years inin 20 years
LADYWOOD

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Primary walking routes: link through WESTSIDE the building Local walking routes Canals Rail line
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Oozells Square LADYWOOD Brindleyplace Square Brindleyplace canal area Sherborne Wharf Five Ways WESTSIDE Morville Street open space NEW - other key opportunities for open spaces

CITY CORE

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CITY CITY CORE CORE CITY CORE LADYWOOD LADYWOOD LADYWOOD

LADYWOOD LADYWOOD LADYWOOD

ATTWOOD A38 Corridor GREEN Major road interventions and improved pedestrian crossing
WESTSIDE WESTSIDE WESTSIDE

WESTSIDE WESTSIDE WESTSIDE SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE

Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Key characteristic areas Key characteristic areas with with Key characteristic areas with significant boundaries significant boundaries significant boundaries Increased permeability and access Increased permeability and access Increased permeability and access

ATTWOOD GREEN

SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE

Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Major highway barriers Major highway barriers Major highway barriers
ATTWOOD ATTWOOD ATTWOOD GREEN GREEN GREEN

ATTWOOD ATTWOOD ATTWOOD GREEN GREEN GREEN

Central nodes Central nodes Central nodes Residential areas Residential areas Residential areas

URBAN STRUCTURE at present the quarters / westside and ladywood

URBAN STRUCTURE in 20 years

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bigcityplan.org.uk

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The Broad Street corridor will be the focus for investment and improvements to the public realm. The city council will work in partnership with the Broad Street Business Improvement District (BID) to bring forward improvements which will support the role of Broad Street as a key artery into the City Core and a centre of entertainment and leisure uses. At present the level of traffic along Broad Street means that it acts as a barrier to safe and convenient movement. In order to reduce this conflict, vehicular access to the northern section of Broad Street in the vicinity of Centenary Square will be restricted to buses and taxis only. In addition proposals will be brought forward for a Rapid Transit route connecting Five Ways with the City Core. The enhanced Centenary Square will be the city centres most important outdoor space for events and public activity in Birmingham and will be the setting of the new Library of Birmingham, a landmark building that will act as a catalyst for the continued regeneration of the city, attracting visitors both locally and worldwide. The square itself will become a

key focal point for cultural activities and its expansion across Broad Street will deliver an improved pedestrian environment. Within the quarter improvements will be focused to create a network of local walking routes connecting existing and future public squares. Street trees will be planted to improve the appearance of these routes and to provide a visual link between the quarters green spaces. This will result in a network of routes and spaces which will support the introduction of new activity into the isolated area to the south of the Mailbox and improve links between the Broad Street corridor and Park Central. This internal network will link in with the improved interfaces with neighbouring quarters and the wider primary walking network. The canal network has allowed waterside development in the heart of the city, leading to the development of one of the most attractive and distinctive places in Birmingham. The canal also constitutes a key route from the Mailbox area, via Brindleyplace and onward both into the City Core and out of the city centre.

Improvements will be made to lighting and the general public realm along the canals in order to encourage greater use of this key route, to support future development and connect to the wider walking network. As part of future development activity there will be a need to ensure that safe and convenient connections are created across the Ring Road and along the canal to opportunities in the Greater Icknield area. This will allow an expanded residential offer for the city centre including family living and access to associated infrastructure.

Liveable city
The area is home to a number of residential areas offering a good range of accommodation and good access to amenities. In the vicinity of the canals and Broad Street are a number of successful high density residential developments. Park Central is a successful regeneration of an urban neighbourhood, with a school and modern community facilities. The Ladywood area sits on the western fringe of the city centre. While recent good quality housing has been introduced the wider area suffers from poor design and layout, under-utilised open spaces and insecure pedestrian routes. Selective

New Library of Birmingham

The new Library of Birmingham will be the largest public library in Europe.

the quarters / westside and ladywood

Smart city
Westside is at the forefront of sustainable development in Birmingham, hosting one of the citys first Combined Heat and Power (CHP) schemes, which runs along Broad Street and serves the NIA, ICC, the Hyatt Regency hotel, Repertory Theatre and the Town Hall and Council House. The new Library of Birmingham will be linked to the CHP and there will be the opportunity to extend the scheme to support future developments. Forthcoming development in Westside will continue to reflect the highest standards of sustainable design and will incorporate infrastructure to support next generation broadband, ensuring that Westside is at the forefront of the development of the digital economy.

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Street level crossing enhancement Secondary roads Metro line with extension Primary walking routes

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Local walking routes Canal Building blocks Building blocks within Westside Main roads Transformation Area Street level crossing enhancement
Secondary roads Key city landmark

New open spaces Primary walking routes

Local walking routes Canal Building blocks

Metro line with extension

Westside transformation area masterplan

Key city landmark New open spaces

bigcityplan.org.uk

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Building blocks within Westside Transformation Area

The creation of a better range of local facilities and amenities accompanied by new public spaces and recreational areas will be central to creating a wellconnected desirable place to live. Future planning and regeneration activity will be undertaken in partnership with existing communities.

We seek to build on this early success by improving access and connections, linking with the core and adjacent quarters, extending development opportunites, and improving the public realm.
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redevelopment will address these issues with our longer term ambition to see Ladywood become home to new family living with well balanced infrastructure, including private and communal open spaces, improved network of local walking routes and community facilities.

Area of transformation
Westside The Paradise Circus development presents a valuable opportunity to address connections within this part of the city centre, restoring key views and connections between the civic heart and Westside and delivering major development opportunities including the expansion of the Central Business District. This project will link in with the improvements to Centenary Square, and the Arena Central and Baskerville Wharf projects to transform the interface between Westside and the City Core.

Growth Westside is a truly vibrant area of mixed use development. It combines business, leisure, culture, commerce and city living. It has major hotels, visitor destinations, galleries, a thriving restaurant and nightlife economy, and of course the International Convention Centre, the National Indoor Arena and the new Library of Birmingham.

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Public Realm The redevelopment of Paradise Circus will allow the introduction of new public spaces, and critically restore key views which will enhance legibility and draw visitors along the main pedestrian routes. The Town Hall will be the focus for significantly improved public realm, with traffic removed and Chamberlain Square extended. Centenary Square will become a key focal point alongside the new Library of Birmingham, and the development of Arena Central fronting this key public space. A sunken performance amphitheatre will be introduced as part of the library development. In the longer term Broad Street traffic will be radically reduced as

Centenary Square is extended to give a sense of the public space from the library to developments at Arena Central. The square will be designed to retain its status as a major performance space. The development of Baskerville Wharf will provide a high quality public realm and canal frontage extending safe and attractive access to the waterway, and making a legible and improved direct link to the Jewellery Quarter across Summer Hill. City Centre Gardens will also become more prominent attracting greater activity. Arena Central will take advantage of the extended Centenary Square by encouraging active street level uses, and provide a new public square within the development with a direct route to the Mailbox and Cube canalside development.

Connectivity While there is an established pedestrian route linking Westside to the civic heart and City Core, the Central Library and Paradise Forum act as physical and psychological barriers to this connection, particularly for visitors. The redevelopment of Paradise Circus will create a legible network of clear routes and attractive active spaces, restoring key views and providing links to both the City Core and the Jewellery Quarter. Radical transformation of the road network in this area will see the current gyratory at Paradise Circus restored to a more pedestrian-friendly, two-way route on the western arm, with additional surface level crossings.

Indicative option for transformation area - Westside

the quarters / westside and ladywood

Re-routing of traffic and bus routes will allow for a significant reduction in through traffic where Broad Street passes through Centenary Square. This will support establishing the square as a largely pedestrian space with controlled public transport along one edge only. Pedestrian routes through Arena Central, Baskerville Wharf and Paradise Forum will provide attractive connections to the Mailbox, Cube and canalside, the civic heart and Jewellery Quarter. Massing Westside is recognised as the preferred location for tall building clusters, the 56-storey Regal Tower is already approved at the western end of Broad Street, and there is potential to realise a cluster of the tallest buildings, close to Five Ways.

Arena Central already has approval including the 50-storey V Building. Paradise Circus will see the development of a new mixed-use scheme where heights and massing will need to respond to context, key views, and securing pleasant public space free from overshadowing. This will mean a general range of six to eight storeys, but can rise to a tall building at the Summer Row end providing a termination to Great Charles Street and a gateway to the City Core. Baskerville Wharf must respect the scale and character of the canalside but step up in height towards Baskerville House and the City Core. There is an opportunity for a tall building at the corner with Summer Row complementing the highest point of the Paradise Circus development, and acting as a gateway feature.

Heritage Key to the heritage of the transformational area of Westside are its connections to the civic heart and its many fine and listed buildings, including Baskerville House, the Hall of Memory and the former Banking Hall at Arena Central. Views to the civic heart, and enhancement in the use and settings of historic buildings, will be secured through surrounding developments. The archaeology, particularly in relation to this once thriving area of canalside wharves, will be exposed, examined, recorded, and interpreted. The canalside environment and key industrial buildings will be respected by new development, and incorporated to retain the unique character of the area.

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Paradise Forum redevelopment proposal

bigcityplan.org.uk

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the quarters / jewellery quarter

AND HIGHGATE

AND HIGHGATE

Jewellery Quarter
JEWELLERY QUARTER

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

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The Jewellery Quarter is a special part of Birminghams heritage: an asset that EASTSIDE supports the authentic character of the city centre and differentiates it from other CITY CORE large UK cities. It also is unique internationally as a centre of excellence in the WESTSIDE AND manufacture and tradeLADYWOOD of jewellery.
DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

About the quarter

Pauls churchyard, to the industrial middles An area of industrial heritage of gritty streets and industrial workshops international importance, the Jewellery ST GEORGE AND ST Quarter has been in continuous use as CHAD dating from the 18th to the 20th century. The Golden Triangle retains many of a centre for the JewelleryJEWELLERY trade since QUARTER its historic 2-3 storey redbrick and tile the 18th Century. roofed EASTSIDE buildings housing the biggest It has the worlds busiest Assay CITY concentration of much of the areas CORE Office and Europes largest School of jewellery-related businesses. Jewellery. WESTSIDE AND It boasts the award-winning Museum The north-west portion of the quarter of the Jewellery Quarter and the Pen SOUTHSIDE contains the historic Key Hill and Warstone ANDLane Museum, together with art galleries HIGHGATE Cemeteries which, along with St including the Royal Birmingham Society Pauls churchyard, provide the quarter with of Artists. pleasant outdoor spaces. Alongside the traditional industrial heart and modern creative industries, a growing residential population and high quality bars and restaurants are making the quarter a working and living part of the city centre. An estimated 400 jewellery related businesses with over 100 independent specialist retailers are located in the quarter. There are over 200 listed buildings within the conservation area. Sitting within the quarters pattern of well-connected streets, a rich range of buildings make up this unique, dense, urban environment. Different character areas give the quarter authenticity, variety and excitement; moving quickly from the green formal setting of the Georgian St The character of the quarter changes dramatically in the 2 or 3 street blocks closest to the City Core between the canal and Great Charles Street part of the former Inner Ring Road. Here, under the landmark BT Telecommunications Tower, larger-scale office buildings, some converted to residential, date mainly from the early to mid-20th century. The building of the Inner Ring Road in the 1960s effectively halted the natural spread of the City Core into the Jewellery Quarter. Large vacant sites still front much of Great Charles Street, accentuating the severance caused by the road, making the quarter as a whole difficult to find and access on foot from the City Core unpleasant.
LADYWOOD DIGBETH

Key to the Jewellery Quarters future success will be re-establishing historical linkages to the City Core across Great Charles Street and improving pedestrian routes to the heart of the quarter.
bigcityplan.org.uk

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The masterplan vision

Our vision is to bring new growth and investment to create a Jewellery Quarter which is driven by its historic jewellery trade and emerging creative industries, and revitalised by a sustainably growing residential population. Key to its future success will be re-establishing historical links to the City Core across Great Charles Street and improving pedestrian routes to the heart of the quarter.

The masterplan envisages the Jewellery KEY Quarter as a living industrial quarter, with KEY KEY KEY the preservation of its unique historic character as a key element of its future success in attracting more tourism and recreational visits. While the quarter has all the qualities to make it one of the city centres most authentic and desirable areas in which to work and live we will address a number of key issues in order for it to fulfil its potential: Lack of public spaces beyond St Pauls Square and the Cemeteries. Poor connections with the City Core. The long-standing vacant and underused sites along key main corridors. Supporting small jewellery design, manufacturing and creative businesses and adding further economic activity. How development pressures can be effectively managed to maintain and enhance the qualities of the historic environment.

Big ideas
The Jewellery Quarter, alongside Digbeth, remains a key component of Birminghams unique heritage as the City of 1000 Trades. These sorts of areas make a city worth visiting. Grainy but special to our city, it is vital that its authentic character is both protected and cared for, for both visitors and the local community to enjoy. The quarter has all the ingredients to make it a place where people will want to visit and live. Its proximity to the City Core and the competitive rents make it an ideal place to locate creative businesses.

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE at STRUCTURE URBANpresent URBAN STRUCTURE at present at present at present at present

URBAN STRUCTURE

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN20 years in STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBANSTRUCTURE 20 years inin 20years 20 years in 20 years in

URBAN STRUCTURE

Clock - heart of Jewellery Quarter Clock - heart of Jewellery Quarter Clock - -heart of Jewellery Quarter Hill Stations ClockJewellery Quarter and Snow heart of Jewellery Quarter Jewellery Quarter and Snow Hill Stations Jewellery Quarter and Snow Hill Stations Jewellery Quarter and Snow Hill Stations Access to rail stations Access to rail stations Access to railstops Access to railstations Metro stations Metro stops Metro stops Metro stops Existing block structure Existing block structure Blocks within Snow Existing block structure Hill District and Existing block structure Westside major transformation Blocks within Snow Hill District and area BlocksBlocks forming part of other Blockswithin Snow Hill District and within Snow Hill District area Westside major transformation and Westside major transformation area Westside major transformation area major developments Blocks forming part of other Blocks developmentsofother Blocksforming part forming part majorRail viaducts of other major developments major developments Rail viaducts Rail viaducts open spaces Rail viaducts Existing Existing open spaces Existing open spaces Existing open spaces New open spaces New open spaces New open spaces interventions New open spaces Canal space Canal space interventions Canal space interventions CanalPrimaryinterventions space walking routes Primary walking routes Local walking routes Primary walking routes Primary walking routes Local Canal routes walking Local walking routes Local walking routes CanalRail line Canal Canal Rail line A38 Rail line Corridor Rail line A38 Corridor Major A38 Corridorroad interventions and A38 Corridor Majorimproved pedestrian crossing road interventions and Major roadpedestrian crossing Major road interventions and improved interventions and Open improved pedestrian crossing spaces improved pedestrian crossing Open spaces 1 St.Pauls Square Open spaces Open spaces 1 St.Pauls Square churchyard 2 St. Square 1 St.Pauls Square 1 St.Pauls Philips St. NEWchurchyard 2 St.3Philipschurchyard Hill public realm St.Philips churchyard Philips - Ludgate 2 2 NEW - Ludgate Hill public realm 3 NEW -St. ChadsHill public realm 3 NEW -Ludgate public realm 3 4 Ludgate Hill public realm 4 St. Chads public realm NEW - Livery Street 4 St.5Chadspublic realm canal area under the viaduct 4 St.Chads public realm NEW - Livery Square 5 NEW -NewhallStreetcanal area under the viaduct 6 -Livery Street canal area under the viaduct 5 NEW Livery Street canal area under the viaduct 5 6 Newhall Square 7 NEW - Golden Square 6 Newhall Square 6 Newhall Square NEW - Golden Lane and 7 NEW -WarstoneSquare Key Hill cemetaries 7 NEW -Golden Square 7 8 Golden Square Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemetaries 8 Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemetaries 8 Warstone Lane and Square cemetaries 8 9 NEW - Albion Key Hill NEW - Albion Square 9 NEW -NEW - Kettleworks open space 9 NEW -Albion Square 9 10 Albion Square NEW Kettleworks open space 10 NEW --Kettleworks open space 10 NEW - Kettleworks open space 10

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JEWELLERY QUARTER JEWELLERY JEWELLERY JEWELLERY QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER

JEWELLERY QUARTER JEWELLERY JEWELLERY JEWELLERY QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER

CITY CORE CITY CORE CITY CORE CITY CORE

CITY CORE CITY CORE CITY CORE CITY CORE

Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Metro line with stops Metro line with stops Metro Majorwithstops barriers Metroline with stops line highways Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Central nodes Central nodes Central nodes Central nodes

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Liveable city
Improving the attractiveness of the quarter as a place to live will require a mix of housing types that appeal to a broad range of people. We will encourage more housing where this reflects and fits with the historic grain of the area. Specific emphasis will be placed on providing family housing and delivering town houses. Open spaces to relax, meet people, and hold markets and events will be an important part of the Jewellery Quarters attraction. From St Pauls Square, with its peaceful heart and surrounding vibrant bars and restaurants, a series of other squares and open spaces will be created and improved to form a new network of attractive places through the quarter. Golden Square will become a new high quality public space drawing visitors into the heart of the quarter. It will become a key place for public events and markets. Together with the landmark clock at the junction of Frederick Street and Warstone Lane, Golden Square will provide a much-needed focus and a distinctive open space from which to explore the surrounding jewellery shops, designers and manufacturers that make the area special.

The historic Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries will be enhanced to make more of their rich heritage features and to promote their role as the quarters main green open spaces to offer an attractive environment to residents and visitors. Investment in Albion Square as a new focal point, and the provision of new public spaces within the Kettleworks and Newhall Square developments will further enhance the network of open spaces.

the Golden Square, the route will follow Caroline Street through to St Pauls Square and on to Ludgate Hill. Remodelling Great Charles Street will be a key focus to enable the pedestrian link to continue from Ludgate Hill into the City Core by creating an attractive, safe and convenient pedestrian crossing to replace the existing bridge. In the short term the bridge link will be improved. This transformation will finally break down the physical and psychological barrier, dramatically re-connecting links and allowing City Core activities to grow into the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. The remodelling will also create significant development opportunities between Lionel Street and the City Cores Colmore Business District. On the doorstep of the new entrance to Snow Hill Station, the area will be brought forward for a mixeduse prestige development, expanding the City Core activities and providing an effective transition between the character of the City Core and that of the Jewellery Quarter. The remodelling of Paradise Circus will significantly strengthen the connections between Westside and the southern part of the quarter, linking also to the canal network, the planned Newhall Square and the key route of Newhall Street. Improved access will bring greater development potential to long-standing vacant sites, such as those at Legge Lane. The further opening up of the canal network will provide further connections around and out of the quarter, particularly between Westside and Snow Hill. The authentic features - the locks and impressive railway arches - along this stretch of the canal will be celebrated by encouraging greater visitor numbers through new and improved access points, public artworks, better lighting and security.

Connected city
Currently, a major impediment to the vitality and attractiveness of the quarter are the poor connections with the City Core. Improved pedestrian connections, both into the quarter and in forming the links between activities and open spaces, will be vital. This will be supported by the creation of a new Cycle route between the City Core and the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, coupled with improved cycle parking facilities. A Golden Square to St Philips link will be the main focus for improvements to the public realm as a key pedestrian spine linking back to the Jewellery Quarter Metro stop and station. From the hub of

Golden Square proposal

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The quality of public realm will be enhanced with materials that strengthen the authentic character and strong urban street grid of the quarter. Improved street lighting will be vital to create a safer and more welcoming place for residents and visitors at night. Existing pavement trails and public art routes will be added with improved way-finding and interpretation. The extension of the Midland Metro from Snow Hill to New Street Station will create a fast, direct and convenient connection between the busy shopping streets of the City Core and the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Promoting the existing metro station and the new entrance from Snow Hill Station into the quarter will be key to ensuring that the area becomes a more integral part of the city centres destination experience.

and restaurants. Enriching and growing the small-scale and independent feel of businesses within the quarter will boost its visitor potential and maintain its authenticity and character. Residential uses will continue to form part of the rich mix of uses. Growing the quarters residential population will enliven the open spaces and streets, and will also help attract new shops, bars and resturants, as well as supporting existing ones. Improving the publicity and visitor experience of the quarter to promote it as a tourist destination will further enrich its vibrancy.

contains the greatest concentration of jewellery manufacture, trade and retailers, forming a fundamental part of the authentic and historic character of the city centre. While a mixed-use, often residential-led regeneration has been successful in the wider quarter, in order to protect the jewellery trade alternative uses will have to be carefully considered. To enable the quarter to sustain a vibrant mix of uses and to bring good quality buildings back into use, attracting new activity and life to the area, the better utilisation of buildings will be supported within the Golden Triangle and industrial middle. In particular the sensitive conversion and re-use of buildings at first floor level and above for residential purposes could in the future play a part in attracting new users and activity. The Great Hampton Street and Constitution Hill corridor contains a number of historic and character buildings that add to the authenticity of the city centre; however some are vacant or under-used. The bleak street environment requires improvements to make it more pedestrian friendly and attractive. New investment and regeneration will be encouraged in order to make the most of the potentially attractive townscape.

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Authentic city
The existing building stock is a vital part of the quarters authentic character. However, economic cycles and changing business needs have left some areas of under-use and dereliction. This threatens the fabric of the historic buildings and the quarters attractiveness and viability. The conversion and re-use of buildings will continue to be taken to maximise the unique character of the area. The Golden Triangle and the industrial middle

Creative city
The design and manufacture of jewellery forms the foundation of the quarters economy and will continue to be the quarters key trademark activity, alongside the expansion of other creative industries. Other uses and activities, such as the 100-plus jewellery retailers, high quality independent bars and restaurants, art galleries and tourist facilities, also bring vibrancy, diversity, customers and employment into the quarter. With over 400 related businesses, there will be support and promotion for small jewellery design, manufacturing and creative businesses, promoting its role as one of Birminghams centres for creative industries. Increased diversity of economic uses and activities will be encouraged around the quarter, particularly on key pedestrian routes and around public squares and spaces where ground floor frontages can be utilised for small-scale retailing, start-up and small office spaces, cafe bars

Proposed public realm improvements to create a useable space under Livery Street viaduct

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the quarters / st george and st chad

AND HIGHGATE

St George and St Chad

The area has a rich heritage reflected in its predominantly industrial character alongside an established residential community. While much of the historic gun making activity focused around the centre of the Quarter has ceased the area is still a significant source of employment generating activity but which has seen the re-introduction of residential uses, growth in commercial activity and the expansion of student accommodation in recent years.
WESTSIDE AND LADYWOOD

ST GEORGE AND ST CHAD JEWELLERY QUARTER EASTSIDE CITY CORE DIGBETH SOUTHSIDE AND HIGHGATE

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About the quarter

Historic links to the manufacture and trade of guns is now confined to the Price Street area. This activity is referenced through the historic designation of the Gun Quarter covering the area bounded by Steelhouse Lane, Shadwell Street and Loveday Street. The area is a focus for small scale engineering, warehousing and commercial activity supporting around 370 businesses employing some 3,500 people. It has experienced growth in retail led businesses, predominatly focused in the area of Great Hampton Street, Constitution Hill and along New Town Row. The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal passes through the quarter, linking east to west. At present the quarter is essentially industrial in character. The building stock within the industrial core is of variable quality with more modern and better buildings located along Newtown Middleway. South of the canal and west of Lancaster Circus the area has retained much of its traditional street pattern, although the Ring Road has cut across its grain, leaving a jagged edge. The buildings in this area are a mixture of 19th - 20th century with a few earlier ones. Throughout the core of the area there is a robust Georgian and later industrial building stock formed within a strong street grid pattern. The southern area contains St Chads R.C. Cathedral acting as an important landmark building. Major development activity around the area of Old Snow Hill and Snow Hill Queensway has brought about the remodelling of the Queensway, at St Chads Circus, introducing surface level pedestrian crossings into the quarter. An established residential estate sits in the north-west with a school and open spaces.

The area has a rich heritage reflected in its predominantly industrial character alongside an established residential community.
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The masterplan vision

The overall vision for the St George and St Chad Quarter is to retain the areas focus for employment and industrial activity and improve the connections with the surrounding areas to enable growth of a more diverse mix of uses, including residential, to create a thriving community.

Big ideas
The St George and St Chad Quarter is an area of opportunity. Its central focus is as a location for employment generating activities, but it has potential to accommodate a greater mix of uses, utilising its key assets of the canal corridor, strong street grid pattern and remaining historic character.

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While the quarter has opportunities for new development and activity a number of key issues will need to be addressed in order for its current assets to be utilised and opportunities realised. These will include: The isolated and detached position of the area from the City Centre and a lack of public spaces and attractive walking routes. Growing pressures for an expanding student population. How vacant and under-used sites can be utilised for new activities. Supporting employment-generating activities across the quarter.

it still remains isolated from the rest of the city centre. This is compounded by the physical road infrastructure which forms its boundaries and as such inhibits safe and convenient movement for pedestrians and cyclists.

KEY
Snow Hill Station - 2nd entrance Access to rail stations

Metro stop Existing block structure

Connected city
Connectivity will be a key theme for the quarter and like other areas of the city centre it suffers from constraints imposed by the major road infrastructure. Although the quarter has experienced periods of redevelopment activity at St URBAN STRUCTURE Chads Circus and within the canal corridor,
at present

The canal corridor is an ideal means to Rail viaducts KEY KEY KEY aid pedestrian movement east and west Snow Hill Station - - 2nd Existing open spaces Snow Hill Station - entrance entrance between areas of the city centre. We are Snow Hill Station2nd 2nd entrance New open spaces Access rail rail stations Access rail stations committed to delivering improvementsAccess to toto stations to The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal Metro stop Canal space interventions Metro M M Metro stopstop M along its length, supported through Local walking routes Existing block structure Existing block structure Section 106 money and gains from future Existing block structure Canal development activity. The focus will be Rail Rail viaducts Rail viaducts viaducts A38 Corridor on enhancing lighting and access to Existing open spaces Existing open spaces Major road interventions and Existing open spaces the canal frontage, creating a lively and improved pedestrian crossing New open spaces open spaces safe atmosphere that is attractive for NewNew open spaces Open spaces pedestrians and cyclists. Canal space interventions Square Canal space interventions Canal space interventions 1 St Pauls In the longer term the creation of a new Canal Canal Canal 3 St Chads public realm urban park at Lancaster Circus will A38 A38 Corridor NEW - Lancaster Circus open space A38 Corridor Corridor 4 improve pedestrian linkages with the City Major road interventions-and Major road interventions and road interventions 5 NEW various Core and to the Aston University campus.Major pedestrian crossingand canal space opportunities improved pedestrian crossing improved pedestrian crossing improved Improved pedestrian and cycle access St Pauls Square Pauls Square 1 11 StSt Pauls Square across the Ring Road linking the quarter NEW - - Livery Street canal area under viaduct NEW - Livery Street canal under viaduct 2 22 NEWLivery Street canal areaarea under viaduct with Newtown.
St Chads public realm 3 33 St Chads public realm URBAN STRUCTURE St Chads public realm in 20 years NEW - - Lancaster Circus open space NEW - Lancaster Circus open space 4 44 NEWLancaster Circus open space NEW - - various canal space opportunities NEW - various canal space opportunities 5 55 NEWvarious canal space opportunities NEW - - open spaces need of of improvement NEW - open spaces need improvement 6 66 NEWopen spaces in inin need of improvement Open spaces Open spaces Open spaces

2 NEW Local walking routes Local walking routes - Livery Street canal area under viaduct Local walking routes

NEW - open spaces in need of improvement

Quarter boundaries

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE atat present present at present

URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE URBAN STRUCTURE inin 20 years 20 20 years in years

Key characteristic areas with significant boundaries Increased permeability and access Pedestrian connections

HISTORIC GUN QUARTER

HISTORIC GUN QUARTER

Major highways barriers Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Quarter boundaries Canal

Key Key characteristic areas with Key characteristic areas with characteristic areas with significant boundaries significant boundaries significant boundaries Increased permeability and and access Increased permeability and access Increased permeability access Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections Pedestrian connections
HISTORIC HISTORIC HISTORIC GUN QUARTER GUN QUARTER GUN QUARTER HISTORIC HISTORIC HISTORIC GUN QUARTER GUN QUARTER GUN QUARTER

Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Major highways barriers Canal Canal Canal

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Liveable city
Responding to the objectives for the wider city centre and the strengths and challenges of the quarter our approach to future development opportunities of the area will be as much about supporting it as a location for employment activities as creating opportunities to enhance its appeal as a place to live and relax, utilising those assets which can make it an authentic part of the city centre. With its industrial focus the quarter has retained a strong street grid pattern throughout its core with a mixture

of 19th and 20th century buildings. However, having undergone periods of piecemeal redevelopment since the mid 20th century, the quarter has lost its clear refrences to the gun industry and urban quality throughout. The housing estate in the north-west and new office, commercial and, most recently, student accommodation along the southern and eastern edge have introduced a mix of uses to the quarter, but with a different urban fabric. The proximity of the quarter to Eastside and a growing student population will continue to see demand for new accommodation. We will continue to support student accommodation within the area of Moland Street and Staniforth Street and along the canal corridor where it enhances the quality of the built environment, provides part of a mixed and vibrant range of activities and contributes to improvements in connections to destinations for students and visitors alike. The canal corridors importance as an asset for movement is well recognised but is also a key feature for future development activity. Along the canal corridor developments will need to utilise this asset and provide high quality liveable environments. Such developments will need to maximise the asset as an environment for residential, leisure and employment activity. The City Council will work with the local community to plan improvements to the connections and open space in the established residential area.

Light industrial and manufacturing-based activity will continue to be an important asset but opportunities for gradual regeneration of outlying areas through mixed-uses will help to make more efficient use of land and buildings and introduce greater activity to one of the more isolated parts of the city centre. The area has the remnants of a distinct character which includes buildings, street patterns and archaeological remains. Redevelopment must be sensitive and responsive to this character and retain, reuse and enhance these features. The presence of the existing residential area, bounded by Hospital Street, Smith Street, Newtown Middleway and St Georges Street, with its school and open spaces, provides the basis for further residential development within the corridor of Hospital Street to Great Hampton Street/Constitution Hill. Development will need to respond to the strong street pattern and other historic assets to ensure the authentic character is retained, making it an interesting and distinctive place to live and work.

Authentic city
The proximity to the historical environment of the Jewellery Quarter formed by the conservation area with its building quality and street pattern will be important to guiding future activity along Constitution Hill and Great Hampton Street, creating a key gateway into the city centre.

Canal viaduct in the quarter

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Delivery
This masterplan sets out a clear vision for the future growth of the city centre over the next 20 years.
The delivery strategy for this masterplan is set out across four areas: Working in partnership. Embedding the masterplan in the statutory planning process. Utilising the masterplan to secure funding. Setting and delivering priorities. Increased cooperation and joint working with the city centre Business Improvement Districts to deliver fine grain regeneration in the City Centre. Joint working with Marketing Birmingham on marketing the masterplan as a whole and the opportunities within it to the investment markets. Coordination of public sector investment by the development of the Place Based Initiative to maximise the objectives of public sector resources. Strengthening links with the private sector. These already exist through bodies such as the Westside Initiative and Eastside Developers Forum. We would envisage similar arrangements in each of the areas of transformation. Taking forward the Vision for Movement through partnership working between the private sector, the city council and Centro. Raising standards of architecture by strengthening the role of the Citys Design Review Panel and reviewing existing design guidance to ensure it continues to raise standards. Working with the emerging Local Enterprise Partnership and its partners to link the masterplan to the objectives and implementation framework of the LEP. Working with local communities to plan future detailed interventions or regeneration. Key to the masterplans success will be to ensure that new development and investment opportunities help to strengthen Birminghams economy and improve its environment to the benefit of all who live in the City. The development of the city centre sets the scene for our ambition to connect Birminghams people with the creation of new job opportunities that lead to a high quality employment offer and an increase in our overall employment rate. Each investment in the city will be challenged to help us deliver a wider range of economic regeneration outcomes, including opening up brand new opportunities for industry-led training linked to emerging jobs. The city councils Employment Access Team has a vital role to play bringing together

Working in partnership
The masterplan will not just be the city councils vision for the city centre, but one owned by a range of public and private sector organisations. This is important as the implementation of the masterplan requires the public and private sectors to work together. We will achieve this by:

Construction works at the Library of Birmingham due to be finished by 2013

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the collective resources of all involved in creating accessible job opportunities for all Birmingham people.

Statutory planning
This masterplan will be embedded into the statutory planning process utilising the Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents. A programme of supplementary planning documents, both for areas/sites and thematic requirements will come forward to support the Core Strategy and delivery of the masterplan with early priorities for 2011/2012 including: Southern Gateway/Wholesale Markets. Building Heights. Public Realm, Streetscape and WayFinding. Review of Places for Living guidance on the design standards for housing development.

In July 2011 The Chancellor announced an Enterprise Zone for Birmingham City Centre. Using the Areas of Transformation as the basis for an Enterprise Zone within the city centre to stimulate new business investment and job creation. The proposal has been agreed in principle with the LEP. Tax Incremental Financing borrowing against future business rate income stream to fund enabling works and infrastructure provision. Community Infrastructure Levy - setting tariffs for funding public infrastructure required by developments. Utilising emerging European funding regimes such as JESSICA to support projects. Further Business Improvement Districts. Asset based vehicles, initiatives to draw in private finance, supported by the city councils property portfolio. Working with the emerging Local Enterprise Partnership to identify priorities for funding. These are the mechanisms identified to draw in additional funding. However, the masterplan will only be successful if it creates the confidence of developers, investors and occupiers in the future success and prosperity of the city centre. Truly outstanding regeneration can only be achieved through a shared vision for a place, which is driven across the public and private sectors.

Setting and delivering priorities

The masterplan, supported by the Vision for Movement, identifies a strong spatial focus to the growth of the city centre through the five areas of transformation and the fine grain regeneration. These are the areas that the city council will set as priorities for investment in terms of both its financial resources and its skills. Westside The future development of this area has been kick-started by the 189 million city council investment in the Library of Birmingham. This investment will be vital to unlocking key development opportunities including the redevelopment of Paradise Circus. In the short to medium term the focus for the city council will be on: The delivery of the Library of Birmingham and refurbishment of the REP Theatre set for completion in 2013. Working ever closer with the Broad Street Business Improvement District to deliver their objectives of a brighter, safer and cleaner Westside. Actively supporting Millers to bring forward early phases for the redevelopment of Arena Central. Developing our partnership with Argent through the Joint Venture to deliver the Paradise Circus redevelopment, with the first phase starting before 2015.

The masterplan and funding

This masterplan has been produced at a time of great challenge for the future of public sector funding. However, to date, since the launch of the masterplan process, over 1 billion of public expenditure has been committed to the city centre. Future opportunities which the city council will explore to support the masterplan are:

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Exploring the redevelopment of Paradise Circus as one of the priority projects for piloting Tax Incremental Financing. In the longer term the focus for the city council will be on: Establishing further development agreements, utilising city council landholdings, in partnership with the private sector, to deliver significant mixed-use development in the area at Baskerville Wharf. Developing proposals for the regeneration and extension of Centenary Square as the premier event space in the city, and a focal point for Westside. Snow Hill District By setting a single vision and direction, allowing landowners and developers to formulate their plans is central to delivering the future ambitions for this area. In the short to medium term the focus for the city council will be on: Working with Ballymore to support the completion of the 2nd office phase of the Snow Hill scheme.

Supporting the regeneration/ refurbishment of the Kennedy Tower, the strip and associated land. Continuing to work with the Colmore Row Bid to improve wayfinding and placemaking, including implementing a new wayfinding system to link Snow Hill Station to New Street Station. Supporting the redevelopment of the Ludgate Hill surface car parks. In the longer term the focus for the city council will be on: Supporting Ballymore in bringing forward a viable scheme to deliver the 3rd and final phase of the Snow Hill scheme. Consulting on options for the creation of a pedestrian friendly link across Church Street - Ludgate Hill. Supporting the refurbishment/ redevelopment of Lloyd House. Working with the Childrens Hospital to maximise regeneration opportunities in the area.

Eastside The regeneration of this area remains a key priority for the city council with the commitment to the delivery of Easitside City Park and multi-storey car park supporting our future plans. In the short to medium term the focus for the city council will be on: Enabling the construction of the Ormiston Academy for 900 students in the Performing Arts. Delivering Eastside City Park and Science Garden. Supporting the role of Birmingham Science Park Aston through its Centrum Project. Supporting the first phase of City Park Gate - Hotel La Tour. Working with Birmingham City University to deliver the first phase of their new campus, and in the medium term bringing forward the remaining phases of their scheme, which will support 5,000 students. Supporting the delivery of new mixeduse development at Eastside Locks, Curzon Park, City Park Gate and Masshouse.
Construction of Paradise Circus

Development competition for Wholesale Markets/start on site 2015 Construction of Golden Square in Jewellery Quarter Construction of Eastside City Park and Science Garden City centre wayfinding Phase 1 and 2 Big City Plan Construction of Ormiston Academy Church Street public realm improvements Bradford Street public realm improvements Construction of Library of Birmingham Construction of New Street Station

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In the longer term the focus for the city council will be on: Supporting the integration of High Speed 2 in the city centre and the development of the new terminus building. Facilitating the delivery of development opportunities connected with the new terminus building. Southern Gateway The relocation of the Wholesale Markets is a priority for the city council and will help kick-start the regeneration of the wider area. In the short to medium term the focus for the city council will be on: Securing the relocation of the Wholesale Markets with the aspiration to achieve this by 2013. Bringing forward a draft supplementary planning document for the wholesale market site and wider area, for consultation in 2012. Working with the proposed Southside Business Improvement District to improve the street environment and develop place branding. Deliver public realm improvements to Bradford Street. New Street Station The transformation of New Street Station, driven by the city council and Network Rail, will support wider regeneration and release development opportunities to the south of the station. In the short to medium term the focus for the city council will be on: Supporting the redevelopment of New Street Station, seeing the new station concourse (phase 1) opened in 2012, with the station completed and fully open (phase 2) by 2015.

Supporting the delivery of the new John Lewis department store. Delivering the First Phase of wayfinding improvements in 2012. Delivery outside the Areas of Transformation. The Big City Plan is not all about big projects. Equally important are smaller projects which can transform an individual building or a street corner. Below are some examples of these smaller projects which reflect the Big Ideas of the masterplan. Working with local communities, we want to develop further smaller scale projects as part of the Big City Plan. New public squares in the Jewellery Quarter at Albion Square and Golden Square, which will be completed by 2012. Public realm improvements to the junction of Church Street and Cornwall Street in 2011 to create a new public space in the heart of Colmore Row Business Improvement District. Relocation of the JFK memorial to Digbeth High Street, in the Irish Quarter in Digbeth, during 2011. The phased development of a wayfinding system for the city centre to include the City Core, Eastside, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter as its first priority, to be completed by 2014. Continuing support to the development of Digbeth as a Creative and Cultural Quarter. Supporting the local communities in bringing forward plans for their area.

The delivery of our ambitions for the city centre can only be achieved through the involvement of the wider Birmingham community; our public sector partners, landowners and developers, businesses and the citizens of Birmingham. As we make progress toward achieving our goals the masterplan will evolve acting as an organic document, in response to changing circumstances.

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Waheed Nazir Director of Planning and Regeneration

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Acknowledgements
In producing the city centre masterplan a number of individuals and organisations have provided valuable input throughout the process. Special acknowledgement is made to: Professor Michael Parkinson CBE Glenn Howells Architects Marketing Birmingham Argent Birmingham Chamber of Commerce City ID Make Architects Peter Brett Associates Urban Initiatives Mecanoo Foreign Office Architects AEDAS Birmingham Atkins

The contents of this masterplan have been informed by a range of studies and background work including: Interconnect Birmingham vision for a walkable city (2010) - a study to support the creation of a more welcoming, easier to understand and navigate city centre. Revised Eastside Masterplan (2010) - providing concepts for Eastside responding to the proposals for High Speed 2. Vision for Movement (2010) - setting the strategy for public transport, pedestrian movement and future use of the highway network across the city centre. The Retail Birmingham Design Strategy (2010) - generating ideas and concepts to support improving the identity and connectivity of the city centres retail district. Digbeth Corridor Study (2010) - outlining proposals for improved connections between the City Core, Digbeth and Southside. The Big City Plan Work in Progress Report (2008) - set out the issues and options for the future transformation of the city centre. The Birmingham City Centre Masterplan: The Visioning Study (2007) - identifying the challenges and opportunities for Birmingham and setting out the parametres for a masterplan for the city centre. big city plan / acknowledgements image credits

Image credits
AEDAS Birmingham Post and Mail Square proposal on page 41 Moat Square proposal on page 63 British Cycling Promotion of cycling in the city on page 18 Foreign Office Architects New Street Station eastern square on page 24 John Lewis Department Store above New Street Station on page 43 Glenn Howells Architects Eastside aerial view on page 48 View towards Eastside Station from Fazeley Street on page 53 Paradise Forum redevelopment proposal on page 73 Christopher Haynes (www.christopherhaynes.co.uk) Southside and Highgate front page image on page 58 Lovejoy Capita Golden Square proposal on page 78 MAKE Architects City in light Retail Birmingham lighting proposal on page 38 Cathedral walks improvement proposals (before and after) on page 39 Mecanoo Centenary Square with new library of Birmingham on page 24 New library of Birmingham on page 70

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