City centre street could become car free zone

PARTS of a busy street in the heart of Birmingham’s business district could become a car free zone.

Several plans have been agreed by the Colmore Business District group, including the creation of a public space which would see pavements widened and paving over a section of Church Street.

The plans are included in the ‘Big City Plan’, with artist’s impression now available which can be seen left and below.

Other projects discussed by the Colmore Business District body at its AGM include the rejuvenation of the pedestrian footbridge across Great Charles Street to Ludgate Hill, in the Jewellery Quarter, and the launch of the CBD Food Festival next year.

 

CBD chairman Gary Cardin said: “The Church Street project is a joint venture with Birmingham City Council and forms part of the Big City Plan Initiative.

“The project will see the development of a new square on the key route between St Philips Cathedral and St Paul’s Church, creating a relaxing space to pause, linger or pass through when travelling on foot between the Jewellery Quarter and Colmore Business District.”

Colmore Business District is one of five ‘Business Improvement Districts’ within Birmingham.

A BID is defined as a precise geographical area within which businesses invest collectively in local improvements and additional services, financed through extra levies made to councils based on occupants’ standard business rates.

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Jewellery Quarter could become Business Improvement District

CBD was formed in April last year since when it says it has introduced additional street cleansing services, an eating out guide and the Brian Griffin ‘Face to Face’ exhibition currently outside Snow Hill Station and inside One Snowhill.

 

Artist's impression of the possible pedestrian zone in Church Street, in central Birmingham, part of the Big City Plan

 

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