Major new public square set for Birmingham could partially close city centre road to cars

Proposals to partially close a road and create a new public square in the heart of Birmingham are being considered by the city council.

The authority wants to transform the Snow Hill area as it looks to create a ‘welcoming’ environment and boost visitor numbers.

The programme consists of several projects which aim to improve public transport connectivity, enhance the public realm and put pedestrians ahead of cars.

Changes to Colmore Row, Cornwall Street and Edmund Street have already been carried out but now the council wants to hear views on the proposed Steelhouse Square project.

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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”.

The council said access to all existing car parks in the area would be maintained under the plans.

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.

Residents have until May 16 to respond to the public consultation, which can be found on the Birmingham Be Heard website here.