Birmingham City Council wants to change the Snow Hill area in a bid to boost visitor numbers – but the project will involve closing Steelhouse Lane to motorised traffic
A council document showing the proposed public square at Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham.
Proposals to create a new public square in Birmingham city centre are being considered by the council in a bid to boost visitor numbers.
It would involve closing Steelhouse Lane to motorised traffic, between Colmore Circus Queensway and Printing House Street, to create a new public square close to The Priory Queensway.
A dedicated two-way segregated cycleway through ‘Steelhouse Square’ would also be installed while new trees and seating would create “places to sit and rest”.
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The council said access to all existing car parks in the area would be maintained under the plans.
Birmingham City Council say they want to change the Snow Hill area as it looks to create a ‘welcoming’ environment.
The programme consists of several projects which aim to improve public transport, enhance the public realm and prioritise pedestrians over cars.
Steelhouse Lane in Birmingham where the new public square could be created(Image: Google Earth)
Changes to Colmore Row, Cornwall Street and Edmund Street have already been carried out but now the city council wants to hear views on the proposed Steelhouse Square project.
Residents have until May 16 to respond to the public consultation, which can be found on the Birmingham Be Heard website
The rest of the proposed measures as part of the project are as follows:
- Realigning and resurfacing the carriageway to remove the existing mini roundabout.
- Widening and realigning the existing controlled toucan crossing.
- Installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures as well as new CCTV cameras.
- Improving accessibility for cyclists within the scheme.
- Installing additional cycle stands.
- Relocating the existing e-scooter stand.
- Relocating the existing advertisement screen.
- Maintaining access to all existing car parks in the area.
Should the decision be made to proceed with the closure of Steelhouse Lane, it will be implemented under a Traffic Regulation Order, which is the legal document needed to make changes on roads.