New parts of city centre to be pedestrianised in visitor plan

MAJOR works are planned for Birmingham City Centre, including the pedestrianisation of parts of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street.

The multi-million pound project to improve areas around New Street and Victoria Square began before the Commonwealth Games and will now extend to the retail and business districts.

City leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “Our city centre welcomes more than 42 million people a year and following the regeneration of Centenary Square and Paradise, it’s time for the business and retail areas to be revitalised.

“Improving public spaces in the city centre will enable us to offer a world-class welcome to our visitors and will also support the economic recovery for businesses impacted by the Covid pandemic by creating more space to enjoy outdoor hospitality.”

Some £5 million of government funding and £20.4 million of corporate money was agreed for the project back in February

2022.

A key focus is improving pedestrian areas and widening pavements which chiefs hope will have the knock on impact of contributing to retail and hospitality recovery.

The works will be carried out in two phases.

The first will see permanent security measures installed at multiple locations as part of a comprehensive safety and security strategy for the city centre which will replace existing temporary measures.

It will also include improvements to Victoria Square and the ‘River’ fountain, colloquially known as the ‘Floozie in the Jacuzzi’.

The second phase will see areas of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street pedestrianised, with completion aimed for mid-2024.

Birmingham City Council’s goal is to rejuvenate the business and retail quarters to encourage economic growth and visitors from out of town.