Plan announced for major regeneration of Smethwick to Birmingham corridor

A plan for the regeneration of the Smethwick to Birmingham Corridor is going to cabinet for approval this week, providing a strategy for housing, transport and local heritage as the area is redeveloped.

The Smethwick to Birmingham Corridor Framework promotes a co-ordinated approach to regeneration within the area encompassing Birmingham Mainline Canal, City Hospital and Grove Lane as well as the Dudley Road and Smethwick High Street Centres.

Approval for the Grove Lane Masterplan will be sought alongside the Framework, outlining opportunities for new housing in the area next to the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: ‘This is an important regeneration corridor for Birmingham and the West Midlands which includes a housing-led redevelopment of the City Hospital and the Grove Lane area around the Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

‘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. It’s also great to see local heritage featuring so centrally.’

Consultation to gauge views on the vision and principles of both documents was carried out from October to December 2021, via an online questionnaire, ward forum meeting and face-to-face discussions within local centres.

The vision of the corridor was developed by Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council, and their delivery partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, Homes England and the Canal & River Trust.

Cllr Iqbal Padda, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, added: ‘The regeneration corridor between Smethwick and Birmingham contains significant sites for future regeneration.

‘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.’

In related news, Bristol’s city centre and high streets are set to receive a boost as plans are drawn up to invest £4.7m to help the city recover from the pandemic.

Photo supplied by Birmingham City Council