Remodelling Digbeth

Project Scope

May 2008

Notice
This report was produced by Atkins Ltd for BCC for the specific purpose of developing a scope for a future
project “Remodelling Digbeth”.

This report may not be used by any person other than BCC without BCC's express permission. In any event,
Atkins accepts no liability for any costs, liabilities or losses arising as a result of the use of or reliance upon
the contents of this report by any person other than BCC.

Document History

JOB NUMBER: DOCUMENT REF: 10887627.doc

1 Project scope NF DS 06/06/08

Revision Purpose Description Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date

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Contents
Section Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Project Outline 4
3. Additional Issues 6
4. Study Cost and Programme 7

List of Tables

Appendices
Appendix A– Study Brief 7

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1. Introduction
1.1 The area around Digbeth is particularly complex in traffic terms due to the uncertainty over the
development options in East Side to the North and in the area around Cheapside and Moseley St.
to the south. This uncertainty is not limited to the traffic flows but also to the potential for new
highway and pedestrian links which may significantly change the travel patterns in the area.
1.2 Managing the current uncertainty will be a key element of this study into the area focusing on
Digbeth and will underpin the structure of the project and the work undertaken to achieve the
identified aims.
1.3 The core aims of the study are identified in the Study Brief, attached as Appendix A and reiterated
below:
• To review potential for remodelling of the former A41 and improving accessibility and
environmental conditions and to provide options.
• To identify routes for better connectivity across Digbeth/Deritend linked to traffic management
and parking controls.
• To provide an enhanced gateway to the City Core and Eastside regeneration from the SE of
Birmingham to attract new investment.
• To make provision for appropriate transport infrastructure including improved public transport
and pedestrian/cycle links.
• To identify short term projects to take forward within an overall planning framework linked to
developments.
• To feed detail into City Centre Master-plan.
1.4 Given the current level of uncertainty and the broad range of aims for this study it is proposed to
develop it in two parts. The initial stage will be a scoping phase to draw together information from
stakeholders and to identify the key opportunities and constraints that will affect the study area in
the future.
1.5 The second stage in the study will focus on option development. How this is approached, the type
of options developed and the level of consultation will depend very much on the outcome from the
first stage. Within this scope an approach has been assumed for costing purposes, however, it is
anticipated that the scope for the second stage of the study will be reviewed on the completion of
the first stage.

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2. Project Outline
Stage 1 Scoping Study
2.1 Stage 1 will comprise the following activities:
• Discussions with BCC officers;

• Collation and summary of background documentation;

• Identification of Stakeholders;

• Discussions with Key Stakeholders including AWM, Bus Operators and Centro;

• Review of traffic modelling requirements;

• Accident study of area;

• On site review of the area and character study of building/streets; and

• Scoping Study Report

2.2 The scoping study report will include a review key issues such problems faced by bus operators,
required provision for future introduction of Metro and bus lanes, likely future network changes
arising from the redevelopment of the surrounding areas and any quick wins identified in this first
stage.

Stage 2 Option Development

2.3 It may be necessary to restructure the second stage of the study depending upon the outcome of
the first stage, however, currently four main tasks have been identified.
Model Development
2.4 It is proposed to develop a local VISSIM micro-simulation model to determine the local impacts of
the various options. Where it appears that a change may have a wider more strategic impact on
the City Centre then this will be tested in the Saturn model of the city centre, currently under
development.
Option Development
2.5 The development of options for Digbeth is likely to include elements such as:
• Reallocation of road space along Digbeth for buses and future Metro;

• Changes to the junctions to facilitate cross movements of traffic;

• Redesign of pedestrian areas to improve safety and facilitate public realm improvements
Public Realm Design
2.6 Whilst identified as a separate task and to an extent taking a lead from the option development,
the development of the design for the public realm will be an integral element and the two
activities will be undertaken at the same time.
Stakeholder Consultation
2.7 There is a substantial sum included for the Stakeholder Consultation within this study. The
reasoning behind this is that whilst there will be a formalised consultation process toward the end
of the study period to test the options and gather formal feedback, the level of uncertainty over the
developments within East Side and to the south of the study area will require ongoing consultation
throughout the study.

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2.8 A detailed Stakeholder consultation plan will be developed early in the second stage of the study
to guide and control this process.

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3. Additional Issues
Local Transport Plan/Other Aims and Objectives
3.1 This project will contribute to both LTP objectives and targets.
3.2 LTP Objectives: To move towards a more sustainable pattern of development and growth. To
ensure that transport contributes towards social inclusion by increasing accessibility for everyone.

Funding
3.3 It is understood that funding for this study will be sort from ERDF funds.

Approvals
3.4 Atkins are not aware of any approvals that would be required as part of the study.

Confirm Requirements For Measuring Outputs

3.5 At this time, our understanding is that there are no requirements to measure outputs as part of this
work.

Historic Requests For Constituency/Locality Improvements

3.6 Atkins are not aware of any historic requests for constituency / locality improvements that are
additional to those included within the study out puts.

Other Schemes In Locality

3.7 A number of other initiatives in this area are identified in the brief. Because of the complexity of
the area it is proposed to study this in some depth during the first stage of the study.

Constituency Constraints & Consideration

3.8 Atkins is not aware of any constraints and considerations as part of the study

Traffic Count and Accident Data

3.9 The need for any additional data will be reviewed as part of the first stage of the study

Land & Planning Requirements

3.10 As a general principal Atkins will, where reasonable, seek not to use any land outside the highway
boundary. If this not achievable Atkins will identify this and discuss the issues with BCC officers

Other Constraints and Considerations

3.11 Atkins is not aware of any constraints and considerations as part of the study

Standards and Regulations

3.12 Atkins will apply the appropriate design standards to all proposals that come forward out of the
study. Any alteration or exception to this will be highlighted and discussed with BCC Officers in
due course.

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4. Study Cost and Programme

Target Cost Estimate and Resources
4.1 The study costs are broken down as follows:

4.2 The estimate for Stage 1 is broken down into the following resource allocation is given in
Table 4.1.

Outline Programme
4.3

Appendix A– Study Brief

REMODELLING DIGBETH

Feasibility Study Brief

Area of coverage: Cheapside to Fazeley Street with Digbeth/Deritend as core (Moat Lane to
Coventry Road).

A. Objectives

 To review potential for remodelling of former A41 and improving accessibility and
environmental conditions and to provide options.
 To identify routes for better connectivity across Digbeth/Deritend linked to traffic
management and parking controls.
 To provide an enhanced gateway to the City Core and Eastside regeneration from the SE of
Birmingham to attract new investment.
 To make provision for appropriate transport infrastructure including improved public
transport and pedestrian/cycle links.
 To identify short term projects to take forward within an overall planning framework linked to
developments.
 To feed detail into City Centre Masterplan.

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B. Background

 Quarter Plan
 Development Pipeline
 Environmental Design Guide for Irish Quarter (draft)
 Options for Metro (restricted availability)
 Conservation Area Assessments
 BLUTS land use plans and traffic model
 Bradford Street Enhancement Scheme
 Creative Quarter Study
 Archaeological Information
 Interconnect Birmingham
 Streetscape Design Guide
 Emerging Options from BIG City Plan work

C. Technical Approach

(a) Review of base information including land use/planning.

Complete character study of building/streets.
Transport analysis of current layout including road safety (including cross
Movements) from City Centre Land Use and Transportation Model

Input from Urban Initiatives on street design on main routes.

(b) Identify illustrative plan of potential redevelopment layouts.

Develop options for road hierarchy/streetscape/urban design, lighting and accessibility

changes.

Test options for traffic management/capacity/public transport/parking.

Identify benefits/impacts of options.

Consultation with key stakeholders and with masterplanners.

(c) Based on preferred option(s),

Identify illustrative design/layout. Model assessment projects, early wins and costs/broad
estimates.

Produce report/recommendations.

D. Outputs

Interim reports as above. Final report to contain

(a) Illustrative remodelling plan

(b) Transport plan
(c) Short term costed projects and possible financing.

Timescale September 2008 for up to 6 months.

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