Ambitious plans to create the Rea Valley Urban Quarter

Delivering the next phase of the Big City Plan, the Rea Valley Urban Quarter will become a vibrant mixed-use area delivering jobs, homes and a network of green spaces and pedestrian routes.

Accommodating over 5,000 new homes the area will provide new housing, attracting families to the city centre supported by a range of community facilities and employment space. Expanding out from the Birmingham Smithfield development the area will focus on a reimagined River Rea as a green corridor that enhances its water management role and delivers significant biodiversity benefits.

As part of an extensive green infrastructure network Highgate Park will be rejuvenated and reconnected to the wider city centre. In total over 5 hectares of new and improved high-quality multifunctional public space will be created along with a multitude of pocket parks and green roofscapes.

The network will play a central role in reconnecting the area with the wider city centre and open up opportunities for the wider community in Highgate and beyond. Extension of the Midland Metro tram network from Birmingham Smithfield and extended cycle network will enhance connectivity.

The delivery of new homes will be matched by the provision of employment space to support business growth and job creation. Plans for the area will include opportunities to integrate businesses with new development and support improved accommodation or relocation.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This announcement for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter demonstrates Birmingham’s continued ambition to transform the city, delivering new homes and improved employment opportunities. The announcement of Lendlease as our preferred development partner for the Birmingham Smithfield development has provided a catalyst to bring forward plans for the wider area and deliver the next phase of the Big City Plan.

“These exciting plans will create a vibrant, mixed use neighbourhood with a network of green spaces and routes at its heart providing high quality environments for current and future residents along with ecological benefits.”

Following the success of Birmingham Smithfield, the Rea Valley Urban Quarter will help complete the delivery of the largest area of transformation within the city centre. The city council has produced a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the area. This sets out plans for major improvements to the areas infrastructure alongside guidance for future development and investment.

Public consultation on the SPD starts today and will run for 8 weeks.

A series of drop-in sessions will be held where the documents will be on display and officers will be available to answer questions.

Following consultation the Rea Valley Urban Quarter SPD will be updated and then presented to Cabinet for adoption in autumn 2019.