Masterplan to transform area after 2022 Games
Museum of Athletics could be on cards for Perry Barr
ANEW Museum of Athletics is among the suggestions contained in a draft masterplan for the regeneration of Birmingham’s Perry Barr by 2040.
Birmingham City Council has unveiled draft proposals for the area as it is already undergoing a £700 million programme of redevelopment for the Commonwealth Games next year.
The Alexander Stadium in Perry Park will be the centrepiece for the games, and the area is also set to gain 5,000 new homes, a new school and a redeveloped rail station and bus interchange.
Aspects of the work have been controversial, including the demolition of the A34 flyover as part of a raft of transport changes.
The council’s draft document, which will go out to consultation from July 15 to September 8, sets out ideas to underpin the delivery of the ongoing work.
The proposals focus on Perry Park, the new residential area of Perry Bar Village, Perry Barr Urban Centre including One Stop shopping centre and Birchfield Gateway, Perry Hall Park and Walsall Road.
Among the suggestions are:
A Museum of Athletics for Perry Park which will “support the function of the park and stadium and complement growth in Perry Barr”.
Repurposing the bus garage at the Perry Barr Village site to provide “an active community and commercial space that caters for a range of uses” - while consultees are also asked to come up with a name for the area.
Creating a plan for the development of “opportunity sites” at Birchfield Gateway which will “provide distinctive buildings and spaces with
new retail, leisure, and business opportunities, as well as homes”.
Making Perry Hall Park a “more attractive place to visit by enhancing landscaping, encouraging biodiversity, and integrating water management”.
Extending “cycle infrastructure” north along Walsall Road and Aldridge Road while “improving the public realm through greening and integration of wayfinding”.
Council leader Cllr Ian Ward (Lab) said: “For many years there has been a clear need and ambition to unlock the obvious untapped potential of Perry Barr, but we needed the resources to do it.
“Now, our successful Commonwealth Games bid has helped us kick-start a major regeneration project that will transform the lives and life chances of Perry Barr residents for many years to come.
“The Government talks a lot about ‘levelling-up’ but our communities need action now and we’re getting on with the job, working with a range of partners to transform Perry Barr.
“The projects being delivered thanks to the Games, such as improved public transport, the redeveloped Alexander Stadium and new homes are just the start of things as this Masterplan demonstrates.
“We’ve already been speaking with local residents and groups ahead of the formal consultation because it is crucial we get this right.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Perry Barr and surrounding neighbourhoods, so please get involved once the consultation is live and help shape a bold, sustainable, inclusive and ambitious future for this part of Birmingham.”
The city council is due to publish details on how to comment on the proposals and attend online engagement sessions in the coming weeks.