The flyover near the city centre opened in the 1960s

The prospect of Hockley Flyover in Birmingham being “removed” in the future has sparked deep concern among the city’s motorists.

The flyover, found near the city centre, opened back in the 1960s and is home to three grade II listed concrete murals, designed by sculptor William Mitchell.

But the recognisable landmark was described as a “major obstacle” in a council development master plan which is currently under consultation.

This draft Local Plan, which provides a blueprint for Birmingham’s future over the next two decades, argued that pedestrian movement is “constrained” by the flyover.

Birmingham Council also said Hockley Flyover “prioritises car traffic and has created a poor public realm”.

Against this backdrop, the council confirmed there is a “long-term ambition” to remove or remodel Hockley Flyover in a bid to “reconnect communities and unlock land for new residential neighbourhoods”.

But this vision was met with scepticism from many residents on social media, with some pointing to the deeply controversial demolition of of the Perry Barr flyover in 2021.

There was backlash at the time due to fears of more congestion but the council said that the work was necessary to “future-proof” the area’s transport infrastructure.

“Great idea to clog up the traffic like they have done in Perry Barr,” Steve Cash said, reacting to the Hockley Flyover proposals.

Ravi Lal wrote: “Just look at the Perry Barr traffic, it will be even worse.”

“Another Perry Barr flyover catastrophe looming,” Steven Barnard said.

“All it’s caused there is problem after problem with traffic building up. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Louise Warren said there was room for the council to be more imaginative, writing: “There is no reason the flyover can’t work with developments, they just need to be more creative.

“They could always get rid of the subways and open the road and space up that way.”

“Just leave the thing that works alone,” Brian Southwell argued. “Go and fix potholes or refuse, something useful and of actual benefit to the taxpayers.”

Others were supportive of the idea of removing Hockley Flyover, with Birmingham resident Jordan urging the city council on X, formerly Twitter, to “just do it”.

Aaron Law agreed it was a good idea, adding: “It’s absolutely horrific at the moment if you fancy seeing the murals.

“They’ve had this as an idea for some years so hopefully they just get on with it.”

‘Removal will provide catalyst for change’

In its draft Local Plan, the council said a major new public square could be created by the removal of Hockley Flyover – one that could act as a “focal point for community activity” and provide space for events.

It added the removal or remodelling of the flyover would address the “severance” caused by the road infrastructure and would reconnect communities across Soho Road, Lozells, Handsworth, Newtown, Ladywood and the Jewellery Quarter.

The council also made clear that the the listed murals would be “protected and celebrated”, with a new home provided as part of redevelopment.

On the possible future for Hockley Flyover, the local authority said: “The pedestrianised space and subways within the roundabout are dated, lacking natural surveillance from the outside and is perceived as being unsafe to use.

“Remodelling the highway infrastructure would allow for the redevelopment of the surrounding underutilised sites, providing opportunities for a mix of residential and employment.

“The council will undertake further feasibility work to understand the implications of removing this highway infrastructure.

“Whilst the removal of flyover will provide a catalyst for change in the area and unlock underutilised sites, several of the opportunities in the area can come forward before the flyover is removed.”