3 days ago
Five massive projects which could transform one of Birmingham's 'best places to live'
Known as Birmingham's blossoming creative quarter, quirky and distinctive Digbeth has been described as one of the city's coolest places to live.
Given its proximity to important projects such as HS2's Curzon Street Station and the planned Sports Quarter, Digbeth is set to unleash its potential over the next two decades.
The city council's Central Birmingham Framework 2045, which will shape development within central Birmingham, said Digbeth and nearby areas could be transformed in the coming years.
READ MORE: First look at new tram route out of Birmingham with 'disruption ahead'
The strategy said: 'The Central East area has the greatest potential of any part of the UK to accelerate its growth as a unique global centre of company start-ups, creativity, crafts and arts, innovative hi-tech businesses, television and film industry, and social enterprises.
'With the launch of the BBC 's new broadcast centre at the Tea Factory, Masterchef and the Digbeth Loc film studios at Warwick Bar, HS2 Curzon Street Station and Metro coming direct to the heart of Digbeth, and 10,000 new homes already planned – the next 20 years will be Central East's time, a new era for Digbeth and the communities of Bordesley and beyond.'
With news of a new tram route to East Birmingham announced this month, here's a look at five enormous projects which could transform Digbeth - from the Sports Quarter to a 'sky park'.
Earlier this month, the government and West Midlands Combined Authority confirmed a new tram route was to be built to East Birmingham.
Funding for the project – which will kickstart Birmingham's huge Sports Quarter regeneration project – was made available as part of a £2.4 billion government boost to the region's transport network, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in June.
The funding follows talks between the Government, Mayor Richard Parker and Birmingham City FC chairman Tom Wagner, whose Knighthead company intends to build a new stadium and other sports facilities.
The route is set to connect to the Eastside extension currently under construction, serving key locations including Millennium Point, Birmingham City University, the Curzon Street HS2 station and Digbeth, home to the new BBC Tea Factory and Steven Knight's Digbeth Loc. Studios.
Mr Parker said: 'This funding means we can now deliver a new Metro line to the Sports Quarter - connecting it to Birmingham city centre and unlocking one of the most significant private investments our region has ever seen.
'But this is just the beginning. This investment unlocks a nationally significant infrastructure project that will transform East Birmingham and North Solihull into one of the UK's key growth corridors."
Proposals for a £100million 'gateway to Digbeth' were recently submitted to council planners.
If approved, a piece of land near Digbeth Coach Station would be cleared to make way for the "landmark" Phoenix Yard mixed-use development with 240 new homes, retail, commercial, educational and media space, and public realm.
Property developer Hartwell PLC described the brownfield site, beside Digbeth High Street, as "outdated" and "under-utilised".
Phoenix Yard proposals would aim to "boost Digbeth's acknowledged potential as a burgeoning growth area in Birmingham", the company added.
Joanne Churchill, group property manager at Hartwell Plc, said: 'By tapping into the potential of this site, our plans are set to significantly enhance the area's evolution into a thriving and vibrant part of Birmingham.'
The face of Digbeth is set to be transformed as part of an enormous project which could see new homes, bridges and a 'sky park' built.
The major plans, considered in 2021, include proposals for up to 1,850 units of residential accommodation, a nightclub, car parking, student accommodation, public realm works and more for a site of roughly 18.9 hectares.
Those behind the scheme have said they want to 'revitalise' the Digbeth neighbourhood and create an 'independent, individual and industrious' community.
The proposals took an important step forward last year, with the city council confirming its approval of the planning application following the completion of a legal agreement.
One of the most notable aspects of the plans is the proposed 'sky park' on the 400m long Duddeston Viaduct, a disused but prominent landmark in Digbeth.
'There is an opportunity to create a vibrant public space that would be of benefit not only to the existing business and residential community but to the rest of the city centre, wider Birmingham and the West Midlands,' a council report said.
The project also included plans for a number of new bridges in Digbeth, including pedestrian ones across the River Rea and the Grand Union Canal.
The massive Smithfield development, described as a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to create a landmark destination in the heart of Birmingham, could also contribute to Digbeth's transformation.
The huge scheme is set to transform the former Birmingham wholesale market site near Digbeth Coach Station and will include housing, cultural spaces, office space, a theatre/cinema, market, park and more.
For years, there has been hope the enormous project will create a must-visit site; help unlock the potential of the city and boost Brum's international standing while also celebrating its heritage.
According to a previous Birmingham council report, the benefits the Smithfield development include the creation of new jobs, further investment in the area, housing, a new public square and open space.
'This is an opportunity, in my view, to transform an area of the city I have represented since 1996,' Coun Yvonne Mosquito said at a meeting when the plans were approved last year.
"It's also about generating jobs for local people who are struggling.'
Plans for four new buildings in Digbeth, including a 37-storey residential tower, were approved last year.
The proposed buildings included two residential towers with a total of 546 apartments and two student blocks with 710 units.
Paul Squire, chief executive at developer Sama Investments, said in 2024: 'Garrison Circus will transform an underutilised brownfield site to unlock a new gateway into Digbeth, whilst also supporting the wider regeneration of the area.
'Not only will we deliver much-needed new homes and support the vibrancy of nearby universities, but our plans offer street-level community uses and green space for existing residents in the area to enjoy.'
