Traditional gateway to pave way for new Chinese Quarter square Huge new arch to be built as part of major revamp
ATRADITIONAL Chinese arch will welcome visitors to Birmingham’s Chinatown when it is built as part of a new multi-million pound public square.
The Southside Square development will transform the area around Hurst Street, Ladywell Walk and Thorp Street into a vibrant public space fit for markets, festivals and outdoor performances.
The current Ladywell Walk through road will be closed and partly pedestrianised to create the new square.
The plans have been formed up by the Southside Business Improvement District (BID), Chinese community, Hippodrome Theatre and city council as the latest step in the transformation of the city centre. The new 40 foot arch will follow similar structures in London and Liverpool which welcome visitors to their Chinese quarters.
James Wong, chairman of the Chinese Festival Committee and director of Chung Ying Group, added: “This public realm project really sees Southside’s ambitions come to fruition.
“Making the area easier to navigate and more welcoming for pedestrians is integral to its being a must-visit destination.
“This new space also enables us to showcase the fantastic arts and culture we have here.
“The Chinese arch is something we have been working to achieve for a long time; creating a permanent celebration of Chinese culture in Birmingham and an icon that will be celebrated for years to come.”
Birmingham Hippodrome chief executive Fiona Allan said: “Now more than ever arts and culture have a crucial role in connecting people from all cultural and economic backgrounds
“This will be an exciting and new creative space where local communities can gather for cultural experiences, as performers, participants and audiences. We look forward to enhancing our performance programme in this space as we grow our festivals and our community projects for increasingly diverse audiences”.
Paul Garry, chairman of Southside BID, said: “Southside Square is part of the wider regeneration of this part of the city, championed by Southside BID in its remit to improve the area for all. We anticipate the Square will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and residents to enjoy and we are working hard with our partners to make this project a reality.” Funding will be sought from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership’s (GBSLEP) Enterprise Zone initiative, spin-off funds from residential development and contributions from local businesses and stakeholders. The plans have been unveiled two weeks after permission was granted for the revamp of the nearby Ringway Centre on Smallbrook Queensway which includes the demolition of the Hurst Street link bridge – designed to open up the Southside area. On the other side of the district, the Birmingham Wholesale Markets are due to close later this year to pave the way for the regeneration of the Birmingham Smithfield district.
Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy said: “Together with the recent announcement of a £70 million plan to redevelop Smallbrook Queensway, Southside Square will give a new heart and stronger identity to Chinatown, as well as extending the benefits of the New Street Station redevelopment with improved pedestrian and cycle links.”
The Chinese arch is something we have been working to achieve for a long time James Wong