One of Birmingham’s most recognisable landmarks could be ‘removed’

One of Birmingham’s most recognisable landmarks could be ‘removed’ in the coming years amid plans to transform neighbourhoods near the city centre.

The Hockley Flyover near the city centre opened in 1968 and is home to three grade II listed concrete murals, designed by sculptor William Mitchell.

But Birmingham Council has described the flyover as a “major obstacle” in its draft Local Plan, a vast document which sets out the vision for the city’s development over the next two decades.

This huge blueprint for Birmingham’s future says pedestrian movement is “constrained” by the flyover, which also “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 the Hockley Flyover in a bid to “reconnect communities and unlock land for new residential neighbourhoods”.

The authority also says a major new public square could be created by the removal – one that could act as a “focal point for community activity” and provide space for events.

It added the removal or remodelling of the Hockley Flyover will address the “severance” caused by the road infrastructure and will 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 proposals for Hockley Flyover, the 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.”

If Hockley Flyover was removed, it would follow the controversial demolition of of the Perry Barr flyover in 2021, which attracted backlash amid fears of more congestion.

The city council said at the time that the work was necessary to “future-proof” the area’s transport infrastructure.

‘Green corridor’ 

On its vision for the wider area, the council said Hockley, Soho Hill and Gib Heath could be “collectively transformed into a people-focused [and] well-connected neighbourhood.”

It continued that it would have a “distinct identity shaped by its heritage, cultural assets, green spaces and improved public realm”.

“A comprehensive approach to regeneration across [these areas] will support new homes, community infrastructure, high-quality employment space and improved social, cultural and recreational facilities,” the council said.

“A renewed movement network will prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, including a new ‘Green Corridor’ along the A41 and the potential introduction of a new tram stop at Lodge Road.

“Improved access to local heritage assets—including Soho House, St Michael’s Church and the William Mitchell mural—will enhance their setting and increase visitor appeal.”

It went on to say that significant housing growth will be accommodated along the A41 corridor, with the potential for 1,900 new homes.

The council stressed that development along this corridor must provide a mix of uses with “active ground-floor frontages”, particularly within Soho Road town centre and around Hockley Circus.

It added that an additional minimum of 528 new homes will be delivered across Gib Heath, forming part of a new mixed-use, residential-led neighbourhood with community facilities.