A34 NORTH PERRY BARR PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS INFILL

Closed 7 Nov 2014

Opened 13 Oct 2014

Contact

Nick Richards

(Engineer)

Infrastructure Projects

0121 675 7325

transport.projects@birmingham.gov.uk

Feedback updated 8 Dec 2014

We asked

On the 7th November 2014 the consultation on the proposal to infill the three pedestrian subways between Aldridge Road and Walsall Road in 2015 closed. It is proposed to infill the three pedestrian subways between Aldridge Road and Walsall Road for later next year. This proposal is being implemented in advance of the re-development of the Birmingham City University site. The project will help to kick start transformational change within the area, which contains a number of potential development opportunities that are likely to come forward in the short to medium term. The proposal supports creating an attractive, safe and convenient route for sustainable modes and will help to stimulate future investment. The funding is in place and it is proposed to deliver this proposal in 2015 in advance of the redevelopment of the BCU teaching campus site.

You said

Although we received no adverse comments to the overall proposal there were some specific issues relating to the scheme. • Will there be disruption to traffic during the construction works? There will be some disruption during the works with the extent depending on how the contractor will carry out the work and what access he requires. The Contractor’s temporary traffic management proposals will be submitted to the Council for approval. • The proposal does not address the poor cycling provision in the area? Cycling measures in the area are being considered as part of the Perry Barr to City Centre Birmingham Cycle Revolution scheme that has recently been out to consultation. Improvements for walking and cycling in this area are identified within the Aston, Newtown and Lozells Area Action Plan. • Why not provide seating as part of the works to encourage the use of the area for sitting and chatting? Has the introduction of public art been considered? Currently the scheme does not include benches as the scheme is only a starting point of the wider redevelopment of this area. The central green area may be re-configured as part of the wider scheme in near future.

We did

We would like to thank everyone who responded. We will review and complete the detailed design, taking into consideration the consultation responses. Following that a Full Business Case report will be prepared for approval by the Cabinet Member for Development, Transport and the Economy early in 2015. Subject to securing Full Business Case approval we would be looking at starting construction in the summer 2015.

Overview

It is proposed to infill the three pedestrian subways between Aldridge Road and Walsall Road for later next year. This proposal is being implemented in advance of the re-development of the Birmingham City University site. The project will help to kick start transformational change within the area, which contains a number of potential development opportunities that are likely to come forward in the short to medium term. As Birmingham City University (BCU) have recently announced their intention to vacate its City North Campus in Perry Barr by September 2017, the importance of the infilling project is even greater. The proposal supports creating an attractive, safe and convenient route for sustainable modes and will help to stimulate future investment. The funding is in place and it is proposed to deliver this proposal in 2015 in advance of the redevelopment of the BCU teaching campus site.

 

The proposed subway infilling works form part of the public realm and infrastructure implementation plan for the Aston, Newtown and Lozells Area Action Plan (AAP), which was formally adopted by the Council on 3rd July 2012. The AAP forms part of the City’s statutory Development Plan and is used to inform land use change and regeneration within the area. The development aspirations in the AAP are reiterated in the submission version of the Birmingham Development Plan (BDP), and a masterplan is currently being prepared for the District Centre, which will identify appropriate land uses for key development sites, alongside improvements to public realm and connectivity. The subway infilling project is key to achieving improved pedestrian connectivity at grade and will deliver enhanced public open space between the One Stop Shopping Centre and the BCU teaching campus site.  In addition, the scheme will help to reduce anti-social behaviour, the perception of crime and maintenance liabilities.

 

The proposal would see the subways infilled at the junction of A453 Aldridge Road, Walsall Road and A34 Walsall Road flyover, this will include bringing the centre of the island up to existing road level. It will be necessary to remove the trees, but they will be replaced in the new grassed central area and also on Walsall Road. There will be new footpaths linking the existing pedestrian crossings on Walsall Road and Aldridge Road. We are not proposing any changes to the existing signal controlled pedestrian crossings at this location.

 

If you have any comments please do not hesitate to contact Nick Richards directly on 0121 675 7325 or e-mail transport.projects@birmingham.gov.uk before the 7th November 2014.

Areas

  • ASTON
  • LOZELLS AND EAST HANDSWORTH
  • PERRY BARR

Audiences

  • All residents
  • Businesses

Interests

  • Regeneration
  • Transport (Including Walking)