Birmingham City Council announces plans for Perry Barr regeneration

Plans to improve Perry Barr over the next two decades have been published by the Council, with an aim to provide residents with quality choices of places to live, work and visit.

Thanks to an ongoing £700m public investment package of projects being delivered in the district, the council hopes to maximise the opportunities presented by the existing qualities of the area.

Projects include enhancing infrastructure, building new homes and creating community spaces.

The draft plan will introduce new homes, prioritise parks and public spaces, celebrate the area’s cultural and historic identity, and help Perry Barr become the best-connected suburb in Birmingham.

The council hopes to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the area’s role at the heart of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, with a regenerated Alexander Stadium set to host track and field events in Perry Barr.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: ‘For many years there has been a clear need and ambition to unlock the obvious untapped potential of Perry Barr, but we needed the resources to do it.

‘Now, our successful Commonwealth Games bid has helped us kickstart a major regeneration project that will transform the lives and life chances of Perry Barr residents for many years to come.

‘The Government talks a lot about ‘levelling-up’ but our communities need action now and we’re getting on with the job, working with a range of partners to transform Perry Barr. The projects being delivered thanks to the Games, such as improved public transport, the redeveloped Alexander Stadium and new homes are just the start of things as this Masterplan demonstrates.’

The plans hope to contribute to Birmingham’s aim of being carbon neutral by 2030, with a focus on normalising active and sustainable travel choices for residents and visitors.

Online engagement sessions for people to discuss the plans will begin in the coming weeks.

Cllr Ian Ward added: ‘We’ve already been speaking with local residents and groups ahead of the formal consultation because it is crucial we get this right.

‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Perry Barr and surrounding neighbourhoods, so please get involved once the consultation is live and help shape a bold, sustainable, inclusive and ambitious future for this part of Birmingham.’

In related news, after signing a development agreement with Bradford Council earlier in the year, Muse Developments have submitted a planning application to bring forward the development of One City Park.

Photo by Brian Lewicki