Three ways Birmingham city centre could be transformed and become 'unrecognisable' by 2045

A hugely ambitious strategy has been published by Birmingham City Council which sets out how Brum could be a greener city with better transport options, a wider range of job opportunities and higher quality homes by 2045.

The Central Birmingham Framework 2045 also suggests Birmingham could rival Vienna in terms of green space and Copenhagen in terms of active travel routes by that year.

While future developments are subject to planning, the framework would shape development within central Birmingham and guide future investment if adopted.

Part of Birmingham city centre could therefore be almost unrecognisable in around twenty years time if the council’s vision comes to pass.

“Over the next 20 years, key parts of the city heart will see major change,” the framework says. “Underutilised areas are ripe for transformation.”

“Greenway linear parks will provide new green lungs in the city.”

Here are the three major city centre ‘growth zones’ identified in the strategy and how they could change by 2045:

1) Park Birmingham

One major change highlighted in the framework is Park Birmingham, described as a transformation of an area near Moor Street and Curzon Street that encompasses underutilised buildings and shopping areas.

The strategy says it will expand on a network of green spaces and maximise its location as a gateway to the city from the HS2 station.

“A new destination green space for the city will become the focus for the development providing desirable address for office, retail, leisure, hotel and arts and cultural uses,” it adds.

2) Western Gateway

The Western Gateway growth zone, according to the framework, could “unlock” major development opportunities that would reconnect pedestrian links between Westside’s canals, Broad Street and the retail quarter, and crucial links to Southside.

“Remodelling the A38 will be a catalyst for change as Suffolk Street Queensway becomes a tree-lined greenway, with a focus on public transport and active travel routes,” it continues.

“Ambitious proposals will bring together several major redevelopment opportunities along Broad Street, Bridge Street, and the Goods Station site on Holliday Street.”

3) Snow Hill

The strategy says the development at the heart of the Colmore Business District could be “taken to the next level” by bringing forward the redevelopment of Snow Hill Station and adjacent blocks, alongside the remodelling of the A38 Great Charles Street and St Chad’s Queensway.

“The creation of a more accessible Snow Hill railway station with additional passenger and service capacity is at the heart of the proposals, together with the replacement of the multi-storey carpark to provide a focus for over 100,000 sqm of office space and residential developmental” it says.

It continues that remodelling highway space into a “new linear greenway” with green landscaping, active travel and public transport priority would unlock potential of sites near the A38.

It could also strengthen walking and cycling connections to the Jewellery Quarter and Gun Quarter as well as transform the setting of St Chad’s Cathedral.

The strategy also highlights key schemes at different stages in the city centre, including Smithfield, Paradise, Broad Street North and Monaco House, saying the council would continue to work proactively with property owners and developers.

The Central Birmingham Framework 2045 is set to be discussed by Birmingham City Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, May 14.

The council cabinet is recommended to adopt it as the council’s vision and “land use ambitions” for the area.

Report by Local Democracy Reporter Alexander Brock