Digbeth High Street Public Realm

Closed 9 Apr 2020

Opened 2 Mar 2020

Overview

COVID-19 UPDATE: The consultation has now been extended to 9 April to allow more time for people to respond. In light of the latest government guidance we have taken the decision to cancel the remaining public drop-in events that were scheduled for 18 and 23 March. 

All information regarding the proposals can still be found below and we encourage everyone to give us your views by completing the survey. 

If you have any queries or would like to discuss the proposals with the team we are happy to make the necessary arangements. In the first instance, please email planningandregenerationenquiries@birmingham.gov.uk with "Digbeth High Street" as the subject header and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible.

Many thanks.
 

 

Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are bringing forward enhancements to Digbeth High Street. We want to create an attractive, pedestrian-friendly space, with major improvements to public transport, and reduction in traffic.

Reduction in traffic and improvements to more sustainable forms of transport will help meet the Council’s commitment to a carbon neutral Birmingham by 2030.

Improvements to public transport in this area include West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside Extension, A45 Sprint route and better facilities for buses. The transformation of High Street will also support the growth and development of Digbeth in the context of HS2 and other planned local changes; in particular the Smithfield development and river Rea valley.

The design has been developed following stakeholder workshops during 2017/2018. The proposals include:

  • Two way Metro running on the southern side of Digbeth (closest to the coach station).
  • A wide area of attractive public space. Areas of planting, potentially including a green tram track section, have been proposed. Subject to sufficient space (utilities etc.), efforts will also be made to include new trees.
  • One lane in each direction for general traffic on the northern side.
  • Removal of some turning movements for traffic onto and off Digbeth, and at junctions on nearby side roads and changes to the direction of traffic flows on some of the surrounding roads.
  • A ‘bus, cycle and hackney carriage only’ restriction on one part of the road to remove through traffic while allowing access for local servicing. Provision for loading will be from some designated bays and certain side streets.

These proposals complement similar plans being developed for Moor Street/Moor Street Queensway which look to restrict overall traffic movement through this area.

It is proposed to implement most of the scheme during 2021/2022, to be ready in time for the Commonwealth Games. Work on the Metro services will happen at a later date, co-ordinating with HS2 construction.

Why your views matter

We are publishing these proposals for consultation and you are invited to make your comments using the details below. Your views will be taken into account during the next stages of design and there will also be further opportunities to have your say as the proposals move forward.

Events

  • Public Drop-in Session

    From 3 Mar 2020 at 15:00 to 3 Mar 2020 at 18:00

    Custard Factory Reception, Gibb Street

    Staff will be on hand with plans and information to talk through the proposals and answer any questions.

  • Public Drop-in Session

    From 10 Mar 2020 at 15:00 to 10 Mar 2020 at 18:00

    Custard Factory Reception, Gibb Street

    Staff will be on hand with plans and information to talk through the proposals and answer any questions.

Areas

  • CITY CENTRE
  • CITY-WIDE

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Planning
  • Regeneration
  • Transport (Including Walking)
  • Travel