Campaigner says 'it's heartbreaking' as Birmingham shown 'what we could have won'
Station Street is the home to three significant spaces, the country's oldest repertory theatre The Old Rep, the Electric Cinema - the UK's oldest working cinema before it closed in 2024 - and The Crown pub, known for being the birthplace of heavy metal.
Of those three on the 120m-long street, only The Old Rep remains open to visitors, with the future of both The Crown and The Electric Cinema uncertain.
Read more: Council moves to 'reassure' residents after images of 'significant' Birmingham street unveiled
Read more: Vision to completely transform 'important' Birmingham city centre street
Campaigners who have worked to protect Station Street have now spoken out about the National Trust images, which form part of a wider document that shows what the area could look like were stakeholders to step up and invest in protecting it.
It's understood that the document has been shared with Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority and other interested parties, though no formal plan for Station Street has been forthcoming since the vision was revealed.
Among those involved in the development of the vision document is Jez Collins, a campaigner from the Birmingham Music Archive, who was intrinsic in securing a Grade-II listing for The Crown.
He said: "I think the fact an institution such as the National Trust sees the cultural value of Station Street shows us Brummies just how unique the street is.
"The visuals by Intervention Architecture haven't come out of thin air. Myself and Ian Francis from Flatpack Festival worked with them to create an alternative vision and there is also a lot of economic data and case studies that supports the financial viability of such an approach.
"They've taken all this and come up with a beautiful vision that is achievable if the will is there. But is it?
"I think it's a huge opportunity for Birmingham to lead the way on a culture led regeneration of Station Street.
"Who wouldn't want to see a reimagined and reopened Crown showcasing our brilliant music, The Electric being a film hub for aspiring actors, directors, cinematographers and Brummie cinephiles and The Old Rep nurturing the future stars of stage and screen all on a pedestrianised, active and vibrant street?
"I'd love this to influence the developers and landowners!"
Darren John runs the Save Station Street campaign. He says that the lack of action since the document was created is 'heartbreaking'.
Darren said: "We're pleased to see these plans are now publicly available.
"Like Jim Bowen said on Bullseye, it's a real 'look what you could have won' moment: an arts led celebration of Brum cultural history and rejuvenation of the UK's most historic grassroots arts street for future Brummie greats, residents and tourists.
"We're astonished that those in power didn't bite the hand off the National Trust to pursue this vision for Station Street.
"Council leaders and the mayor should have been banging down the door of the Culture Secretary for the money to make this a reality.
"It is heartbreaking to see the lack of urgency and vision from those who could be driving a unique, globally appealing cultural attraction in the heart of Birmingham that is as joyously Brummie as Joe Lycett, in fancy dress as Ozzy Osbourne, riding the Bullring bull round the Rotunda".
You can see the full gallery of images, created by Digbeth design company Intervention Architecture, in this gallery.
Birmingham City Council has responded to the images, saying it is committed to preserving the future of Station Street.
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