Southside Public Realm Improvements
Overview
Birmingham City Council and Southside Business Improvement District (BID) are working on plans to create a vibrant and high quality public square outside the Hippodrome Theatre.
In 2011 the council adopted the Big City Plan which included proposals for improved streets and a public square in Southside.
We have now completed the changes to traffic movements in the area. The final step is to transform the pedestrianised area outside the Hippodrome into a high quality, lively public space suitable for everyday use and special events. The square will create a new heart for Chinatown and will provide an enhanced setting for the Hippodrome and Back To Back Houses plus a gateway to the Gay Village. It will also transform pedestrian and cycling links between New Street Station and Birmingham Smithfield development. We expect that these improvements will add value and appeal to the area, attracting more visitors to this part of the city.
Well known as one of the most diverse and creative areas of Birmingham, Southside BID supports a diverse range of businesses. This truly unique public space will create a cultural heart for Southside to further promote the area, whilst celebrating and highlighting a huge range of local talent.
Not only will this be a great opportunity to attract new visitors and tourists to the Southside district, it will also increase dwell time and provide an exciting new space for events, festivals and entertainment to take place and act as a magnet to drive footfall.
A map showing our proposals is below, and includes:
- High quality natural stone paving, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, replaces the existing footway and old black top road.
- New lighting will be installed and old street clutter (e.g. poles from road signs) will be removed to create a new space for events in front of the Hippodrome.
- New trees will improve the look of the area and bring environmental benefits.
- The cycle route through the area will be retained, with a new central island on Hill Street to improve segregation from vehicles.
- Changes to taxi facilities.
This map can also be downloaded at the bottom of the page.
Current view from Hurst Street towards the Hippodrome Theatre.
Artist's impression of the new view from Hurst Street towards the Hippodrome Theatre.
Current view from Ladywell Walk towards Albany House. The Hippodrome Theatre is ahead and to the left.
Artist's impression of the new view from Ladywell Walk towards Albany House. The Hippodrome Theatre is ahead and to the left.
What happens next?
These are preliminary proposals and may be subject to change depending on the responses received to this consultation. Subject to all necessary approvals, it is anticipated that the works will commence in Spring/Summer 2020.
Events
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Drop in event, Hippodrome
From 24 Jun 2019 at 15:00 to 24 Jun 2019 at 19:00Staff will be available to discuss the proposals and answer any questions at: Birmingham Hippodrome - Thorp Street Entrance, Hurst Street, B5 4TB
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Drop in event, Hippodrome
From 3 Jul 2019 at 10:00 to 3 Jul 2019 at 14:00Staff will be available to discuss the proposals and answer any questions at: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB
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Drop in event, Chung Ying Restaurant
From 11 Jul 2019 at 12:00 to 11 Jul 2019 at 14:00Staff will be available to discuss the proposals and answer any questions at: Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant, 16-18 Wrottesley Street, B5 4RT
Areas
- Bordesley & Highgate
- CITY CENTRE
- LADYWOOD
Audiences
- All residents
- Visitors/tourists
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- Local Residents
- Public Sector Bodies
- Businesses
- Faith groups
- Community groups
- Voluntary Organisations
- Staff
- Service user groups
Interests
- Transport (Including Walking)
- Travel
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