Major project set to ‘transform’ town centre

Editor’s note – Link to consultation: Royal Sutton Coldfield Gateway – Birmingham City Council – Citizen Space Birmingham City Council are urging residents to give their opinions amid a major project to provide “much-needed” improvements in a town centre.

The council says the “bold and transformative” scheme for the future of Sutton Coldfield town centre aims to enhance access to, from, and around the heart of the town.

The vision is to deliver improvements to public transport, walking, wheeling, and cycling routes while also bridging the barriers posed by the ring road.

The scheme also aims to improve links between the railway station, bus interchange, town centre and Sutton Park; make the streets more welcoming and make the town centre more attractive for businesses.

Some of the changes proposed include a public square, new 20mph speed limit on the ring road and two-way segregated cycleway.

Cllr Rob Grant, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s really important that we hear from those that live and work in the town.

“This is a major project that will deliver much-needed improvements to the town centre and the way people move around the area, and I would encourage people to have their say.

“It is so important that you have your say so that we can make sure this project is a success so I would urge everyone to take part.”

Some of the proposed changes include:

Making Park Road one-way (eastbound towards Brassington Avenue) to accommodate improved walking, wheeling and cycling links to Sutton Park

Enhancing crossing facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling to improve connectivity between Sutton Coldfield railway station and The Parade.

Creating a new public square at the entrance of the station, with a turning area for delivery and emergency vehicles.

Replacing the existing traffic island (opposite the public car park) with a larger public space extending in front of the Telephone Exchange building.

Upgrading and improving the bus stops at Lower Parade and South Parade.

Providing a traffic-light controlled parallel crossing for people walking, wheeling and cycling at the north end of Lower Parade, by the McDonald’s.

Introducing a segregated cycle route on the ring road (Victoria Road) to create a safer environment.

Providing a dedicated lane to access Gracechurch shopping centre parking.

Brassington Avenue proposals include reducing the speed limit on the ring road to 20mph to “make it safer for all road users”.

It also includes introducing a two-way, segregated cycleway, providing connections to the town centre, Sutton Coldfield railway station and other cycle routes.

For Lower Queen Street and Queen Street, one proposal is for a two-way segregated cycleway connecting to the national cycle network.

A consultation of the scheme has now been launched and all the proposed changes, along with details of drop in events, can be found on the Birmingham Be Heard website here.

Residents have until December 3 to provide their views on the project.

The Royal Sutton Coldfield Gateway scheme is being proposed by Birmingham City Council with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.

By Alexander Brock | Local Democracy Reporting Service