Why Smethwick to Birmingham regeneration is so important, according to councillors

A major regeneration of the Smethwick to Birmingham Corridor is being recommended for Birmingham City Council Cabinet approval.

The Cabinet is due to discuss the plans tomorrow (Tuesday Februay 8) with Sandwell Council due to approve the following day.

The Smethwick to Birmingham Corridor regeneration plan encompasses:

Birmingham Mainline Canal - stretching from The Roundhouse at Brindleyplace to Galton Bridge in Smethwick.

Soho Loop

City Hospital

Grove Lane

Dudley Road, and

Smethwick High Street

In addition to using existing sites it includes a supporting transport strategy.

The plans sit alongside the Grove Lane Masterplan, situated next to the New Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital, which is aimed at providing more housing.

Why are the councillors recommending the regeneration plans?

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, is recommending the plans especially as they include local cycling and walking infrastructure.

He said: “This is an important regeneration corridor for Birmingham and the West Midlands which includes a housing-led redevelopment of the City Hospital and the Grove Lane area around the Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

Integral to the plan is a transport strategy for delivering walking and cycling improvements throughout the area which accords with Birmingham City Council’s wider cycling and walking strategy and, local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. It’s also great to see local heritage featuring so centrally.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, Councillor Iqbal Padda, said: “The regeneration corridor between Smethwick and Birmingham contains significant sites for future regeneration.

This exciting vision includes improved public realm and green spaces, improved transport links and access to facilities, and increased employment opportunities that will benefit all members of the community. We will seek to attract a range of house types and tenures that are sustainable and meet the needs and demands of the future residents.”

When did the consultation about the plans take place?

Consultation to gauge views on the vision and principles of both documents was carried out from October to December 2021, via an online questionnaire, ward forum meeting and face-to-face discussions within local centres.

The councillors said that comments received have now been incorporated and shape the final documents which are being proposed.

Who drew up the plans?

The vision for the corridor for growth was developed by Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council and their delivery partners:

• West Midlands Combined Authority
• Transport for West Midlands
• Homes England
• Canal & River Trust, and
• Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

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