New roadworks start as Paradise redevelopment reaches crucial stage

NEW access arrangements for the multi-million revamp of Birmingham city centre’s Paradise Circus come into effect today.

The £500m redevelopment has reached another crucial stage and the work has warranted alterations to the roads and footpaths around the site.

Six months into the scheme and the site has seen significant demolition in order to clear land for the new mixed-use scheme, together with work on new road layouts to improve and open up connectivity across the city.

The roadworks are being carried out by contractor Carillion and involve the opening of Sand Pits to outbound traffic, improving traffic flows away from the city centre. A permanent new pedestrian crossing over Sand Pits will also open, changing the way pedestrians travel through the area.

Rob Groves, Regional Director of Paradise Development Manager Argent, said: “As the development of Paradise continues, further planned changes to the local road network will be made. These have all been coordinated with Birmingham City Council, with works scheduled for completion at the end of the year.

“Road users and pedestrians have been incredibly patient and understanding as we undertake this significant work. We want to thank them for this as we continue to work hard to minimise disruption.”

The planned programme of highways changes is:

June 1, 2016:
•    Closure of the pedestrian subway running underneath Paradise Circus Queensway, providing access to and from Summer Row;
•    Introduction of a new pedestrian crossing across Paradise Circus Queensway, adjacent to Cambridge Street.

June 19, 2016
•    Sand Pits will open for outbound traffic, improving traffic flows away from the city centre;
•    There will no longer be a left turn onto Cambridge Street from the gyratory;
•    A controlled pedestrian crossing will open across Cambridge Street;
•    A permanent new crossing will open across Sand Pits.

These road closures form part of the continuing improvement work being undertaken on the transport network around the Paradise development.

Further phased changes are planned through to the end of the year, when two-lane traffic is scheduled to resume running on both sides of Great Charles Street.

The Paradise redevelopment is being brought forward through Paradise Circus Ltd Partnership (PCLP), a private-public joint venture with Birmingham City Council.

Construction of One Chamberlain Square will begin shortly, with completion expected in late 2018.  Enhancements of the public realm in Chamberlain Square will also be completed during this period while the second speculative office building, Two Chamberlain Square designed by Birmingham’s Glenn Howells Architects, is due to complete in early 2019.

For up to date information please see the website: www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk