Canal district set for major regeneration programme
A cabinet report is being recommended by Birmingham City Council to regenerate the Smethwick and Birmingham corridor.
The plans present a coordinated framework of principles to assist in future design and the use of opportunity sites, as well as a supporting transport strategy in Birmingham and Sandwell’s historic canal district, stretching from The Roundhouse just west of Brindley Place to Galton Bridge in Smethwick.
In addition, it will seek approval of the Grove Lane masterplan, for the area next to the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which will open in 2022. The location has been awarded Housing Zone status with the potential to deliver approximately 800 new homes over almost 18 ha of brownfield land.
The framework outlines the development of the land and acts as a guide to creating a people-centred neighbourhood that supports local centres, provides a new school and raises the aspirations for the regeneration of the wider area.
In addition, the master plan is now a non-statutory planning document. It provides guidance to support the councils’ statutory planning policies for the area and will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.
Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, said the development will be a part of an important regeneration corridor.
He said: “Integral to the plan is a transport strategy for delivering walking and cycling improvements throughout the area which accords with Birmingham City Council’s wider cycling and walking strategy and, local cycling and walking infrastructure plan.”
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, Councillor Iqbal Padda, said: “This exciting vision includes improved public realm and green spaces, improved transport links and access to facilities, and increased employment opportunities that will benefit all members of the community. We will seek to attract a range of house types and tenures that are sustainable and meet the needs and demands of the future residents.”
The Smethwick to Birmingham corridor will be voted on by the Birmingham City Council alongside the Grove Lane master plan on Tuesday the 8th of February, whilst Sandwell Council cabinet will vote on the 9th.
The plans have been developed by Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council and their delivery partners; West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, Homes England, Canal & River Trust, and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
