Birmingham Council has unveiled its plans for a city centre transformation that could see over 5,000 homes, 400,000 sq m of commercial space and 7 hectares of public space created around the HS2 Curzon Street train station.
The ‘Central Heart’ plans would regenerate around four hectares of underused retail and office space in the centre of the city, aiming to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood supported by new transport links, green spaces and public realm improvements.
The council says that the area will act as a key gateway between HS2 Curzon Street Station, the Bullring, New Street Station, the Colmore Business District and the wider city centre, with new linear green routes, safer streets for walking and cycling and better links to employment, education and cultural destinations.
The ambition is to double green space in the central area, creating new places to relax, play and meet in the city’s busiest streets.
It is expected that the plans will also create around 8,000 new jobs in sectors such as professional and financial services, tech, hospitality, retail and construction, building on Birmingham’s growing reputation as a major UK business hub.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Residents rightly expect us to focus on delivering better housing, safer streets and more secure, better paid jobs. Securing responsible investment into Birmingham Central Heart is one of the most effective ways we can deliver those priorities.”
“Our aim is to turn empty or outdated buildings into new homes, workplaces and green spaces that serve our communities.”
“We are clear that this is about inclusive, sustainable growth and working with our Mayoral Development Corporation, Business Improvement Districts, landowners, communities and public sector partners so that regeneration raises standards, protects our heritage and delivers real social value for Birmingham people.”
Birmingham Central Heart sits within the emerging Central Heart Growth Zone of the Birmingham Local Plan and is aligned with the Central Birmingham Framework 2045 and the Economy and Place Strategy, which identifies the area as critical to the city’s long-term growth.
Plans are also being brought forward to establish the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation, a new statutory body expected to be formally in place by 2027, which will help accelerate regeneration, co ordinate infrastructure and unlock funding across Birmingham Central Heart, Digbeth and the wider east Birmingham and North Solihull area.
The council is working closely with regional and national partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority and government backed finance institutions, to link Central Heart projects with appropriate funding streams.
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “There’s never been a better time to invest in the West Midlands. With record funding and new devolved powers, we are moving faster than ever to transform our region through projects like Central Heart Birmingham.”
“My focus is not on grand visions that sit on paper, it’s on delivering prosperity that reaches all communities. That’s more homes, better-paid jobs, and the right infrastructure to give everyone the best opportunity to get on in life.”
“We already have the confidence of the private sector with billions of pounds of investment coming into the Sports Quarter and Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and we’ll go even further with Central Heart Birmingham as part of the HS2-led regeneration of the city.”
