"a major project that will deliver much-needed improvements"
Birmingham City Council has launched a public consultation on plans to transform Sutton Coldfield town centre.
The council is urging residents to share their views on the Royal Sutton Coldfield Gateway scheme, which aims to deliver “much-needed” improvements to the town centre and make it easier for people to travel around the area.
Described by the council as a “bold and transformative” vision, the project aims to improve public transport connections, walking, wheeling and cycling routes, while addressing the barriers created by the town centre’s ring road.
The proposals also seek to strengthen links between Sutton Coldfield railway station, the bus interchange, the town centre and Sutton Park, as well as create more welcoming streets and make the area more attractive to businesses.
Councillor Rob Grant, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council, said:
“It’s really important that we hear from those that live and work in the town.
“This is a major project that will deliver much-needed improvements to the town centre and the way people move around the area, and I would encourage people to have their say.
“It is so important that you have your say so that we can make sure this project is a success so I would urge everyone to take part.”
Some of the proposed changes include:
- Making Park Road one-way (eastbound towards Brassington Avenue) to accommodate improved walking, wheeling and cycling links to Sutton Park.
- Enhancing crossing facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling to improve connectivity between Sutton Coldfield railway station and The Parade.
- Creating a new public square at the entrance of the station, with a turning area for delivery and emergency vehicles.
- Replacing the existing traffic island (opposite the public car park) with a larger public space extending in front of the Telephone Exchange building.
- Upgrading and improving the bus stops at Lower Parade and South Parade.
- Providing a traffic-light controlled parallel crossing for people walking, wheeling and cycling at the north end of Lower Parade, by the McDonald’s.
- Introducing a segregated cycle route on the ring road (Victoria Road) to create a safer environment.
- Providing a dedicated lane to access Gracechurch shopping centre parking.
- Brassington Avenue proposals include reducing the speed limit on the ring road to 20mph to “make it safer for all road users”.
- It also includes introducing a two-way, segregated cycleway, providing connections to the town centre, Sutton Coldfield railway station and other cycle routes.
- For Lower Queen Street and Queen Street, one proposal is for a two-way segregated cycleway connecting to the national cycle network.
The consultation has now opened, giving residents an opportunity to comment on the proposals before the plans progress further.
Details of all the proposed changes and information about upcoming drop-in events are available on the Birmingham Be Heard website.
Residents have until December 3 to submit their views on the scheme.
The Royal Sutton Coldfield Gateway scheme is being proposed by Birmingham City Council, with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
