Gas Quarter vision approved by council
The Westside Business Improvement District (BID) has integrated its plans for a new Gas Quarter in Birmingham into the city’s long-term development strategy, as outlined in the recently approved ‘Our Future City: Central Birmingham Framework 2045’.
The 194-page document, now agreed on by the council’s cabinet, includes future growth zones, including a ‘Western Gateway’.
It envisions development sites, revitalised streets, and improved green pathways, painting a picture of Birmingham’s urban future.
Within this framework, Broad Street and Brindleyplace are highlighted as destinations, attracting over 20,000 visitors to over 110 bars and restaurants.
The proposed Western Gateway aims to unlock development opportunities, reconnecting pedestrian pathways between Westside’s canals, Broad Street, the Retail Quarter, and links to Southside.
Proposals include redeveloping key areas along Broad Street, Bridge Street, and the Goods Station site on Holliday Street.
The under-utilised spaces are set to be transformed into residential, commercial, and hotel developments, interconnected by new streets, squares, and a canal frontage between Gas Street Basin and the Mailbox.
Historical elements such as canal and railway infrastructure will be preserved, with specific attention to listed buildings around Gas Street Basin.
Arena Central on Broad Street, which has already delivered office space, is noted as another prime development site.
Other potential redevelopment sites along Broad Street between Ryland Street and Sheepcote Street are also identified, with a focus on high-density residential projects.
In collaboration with Westside BID and residents, the framework includes plans to enhance streets off Broad Street by upgrading lighting, CCTV, street furniture, and signage.
Improvements to connections with Gas Street Basin and the canals will be explored, including support for the existing water bus network and potential locations for street markets and events.
Gerald Manton, chairman of Westside BID, said: “A lot of what is in this framework is based on proposals we put forward to the council 12 months ago. We want to develop the south side of Broad Street, namely the Gas Street area, which we see as having great growth potential. The council leader was all for it and, lo and behold, they have adopted the whole thing.”
The Gas Quarter proposals are part of the framework’s ‘City Heart’ area, which includes other key zones like the Bull Ring, Snow Hill, and Southside.
