A public consultation on ambitious plans to transform 73 hectares of Birmingham city centre has been started by Birmingham City Council.

The Rea Valley Urban Quarter will accommodate 5000 new homes and become a vibrant mixed-use area delivering jobs and a network of green spaces and pedestrian routes.

Extension of the Midland Metro tram network from Birmingham Smithfield and extended cycle network will enhance connectivity.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This announcement for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter demonstrates Birmingham’s continued ambition to transform the city, delivering new homes and improved employment opportunities. The announcement of Lendlease as our
preferred development partner for the Birmingham Smithfield development has provided a catalyst to bring forward plans for the wider area.”

Expanding out from the Birmingham Smithfield development the area will focus on a reimagined River Rea as a green corridor that enhances its water management role and delivers significant biodiversity benefits.

As part of an extensive green infrastructure network Highgate Park will be rejuvenated and reconnected to the wider city centre. In total over 5 hectares of new and improved high-quality multifunctional public space will be created along with a multitude of pocket parks and green roofscapes.

The city council has produced a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the area which sets out plans for major improvements to the areas infrastructure alongside guidance for future development and investment.

Following consultation the Rea Valley Urban Quarter SPD will be updated and then presented to Cabinet for adoption in autumn 2019.