Birmingham City Council and Southside Business Improvement District (BID) are working on plans to create a vibrant and high quality public square outside the Hippodrome Theatre.
In 2011 the council adopted the Big City Plan which included proposals for improved streets and a public square in Southside.
We have now completed the changes to traffic movements in the area. The final step is to transform the pedestrianised area outside the Hippodrome into a high quality, lively public space suitable for everyday use and special events. The square will create a new heart for Chinatown and will provide an enhanced setting for the Hippodrome and Back To Back Houses plus a gateway to the Gay Village. It will also transform pedestrian and cycling links between New Street Station and Birmingham Smithfield development. We expect that these improvements will add value and appeal to the area, attracting more visitors to this part of the city.
Well known as one of the most diverse and creative areas of Birmingham, Southside BID supports a diverse range of businesses. This truly unique public space will create a cultural heart for Southside to further promote the area, whilst celebrating and highlighting a huge range of local talent.
Not only will this be a great opportunity to attract new visitors and tourists to the Southside district, it will also increase dwell time and provide an exciting new space for events, festivals and entertainment to take place and act as a magnet to drive footfall.
A map showing our proposals is below, and includes:
