£25m overhaul of city centre for 2022 revealed
NEW pavements, permanent anti-terror measures and a working ‘Floozie in the Jacuzzi’ fountain will all give Birmingham city centre a new look after a £25 million overhaul.
Around £15 million of the funds for the facelift will come from money taken off motorists who fall foul of the city centre Clean Air Zone, due to go live in July.
The aim is to give city streets a fresh new look ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Birmingham City Council launched a public consultation this week.
The River fountain in Victoria Square, known as the ‘Floozie in the Jacuzzi,’ will be brought back to life as part of the scheme. It became a flower display after being turned off in 2013.
There will also be new paving, 19 permanent anti-terror structures to keep out ‘hostile vehicles’ from the busiest parts of the city, new signs, benches and CCTV.
Spending on the upgrade was approved in principle by the Labourled city council’s cabinet team in October, with a final approval expected in April.
Councillor Waseem Zaffar, transport and environment chief, has previously said: “The Commonwealth Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the best of Birmingham and some of our public realm in the city centre looks incredibly tired and needs improving. This project is about ensuring that our city centre looks the best but also that our city centre is more walk-able and cycle friendly.”
But the proposals have already triggered criticism from political opponents and some residents who say it is an example of the council spending money on city centre ‘beautification’ and overlooking inner city suburbs.
Speaking in 2019, Councillor Rob Alden (Erdington), leader of the Conservative group, said: “Instead of greening up the city using the Clean Air Zone money we’re actually going to be using it to rip out what greenery there was in this part of the city centre. That seems a perverse use of that money.”
He said the cost, added to the £16 million transformation of Centenary Square, completed in 2019, meant £40 million will have been spent doing up city centre squares over the last couple of years.
“We haven’t seen anything like that kind of investment being put up to improve some of those suburban centres around the city,” he added. Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Jon Hunt shared the concern describing the use of Clean Air Zone funding as ‘alarming’.
Charity stalwart and libraries campaigner Ann Gallagher is also a critic. She said: “We can find millions to bring a fountain back to life in the city centre to please tourists, but don’t invest in libraries. It’s madness.”
The work will be carried out in two phases. The first will include improvements to Victoria Square, Colmore Row, Bennetts Hill, Waterloo Street, New Street, Ethel Street, Lower Temple Street and Temple Street.
The second phase will focus on areas around Temple Row, High Street, Union Street, Union Passage, Warwick Passage and Needless Alley.
A council spokesman said: “Public realm assets and areas around the city centre are in need of improvement, and as such these proposals will help create a gateway to the Commonwealth Games and provide a lasting legacy for Birmingham by creating a place that will enhance the city centre visitor experience, support retail business and (create) a cleaner environment.”
People can comment online via the birminghambeheard.org.uk website until Friday, February 21.