3.8 Birmingham "Water City"

3.8.1

Plain English Version

The City has grown around the banks of the River Rea and the canal network.

The theme of Birmingham as a “Water City” could transform these and use of water throughout the streets, squares, parks and buildings of the City Centre in water installations and fountains.

Original Document

The City has grown around the banks of the River Rea and the canal network. The theme of Birmingham as a “Water City” could build from opportunities to transform these existing features and extend the imaginative use of water throughout the streets, squares, parks and buildings of the City Centre with water installations and fountains.

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3.8.2

Plain English Version

A lot of Birmingham’s canals are currently hidden from view. Parts of the network have been  improved over recent years, at the Mailbox, Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place, but some other parts are unattractive and do not feel secure.

The canals could attract more people and activities and act as a safe alternative way to get around the city cenre (by walking or cycling alongside).

Original Document

Birmingham’s canal network is an important part of the city’s historic legacy. But much of the canal network is currently hidden from view. Parts of the network have been substantially improved over recent years, most notably at the Mailbox, Gas Street Basin and Brindleyplace, but other parts are unattractive and do not feel secure. The canal network has the potential to attract more people and activities and act as a safe alternative movement network, whilst maintaining the industrial character.

4 comments


3.8.3

Plain English Version

The River Rea is hidden under Birmingham. It is in a trench restricted by industrial buildings. We could work with the Environment Agency to open up the river, make it easier to get to and encourage wildlife along it.

Original Document

The River Rea is another part of the hidden environment under Birmingham. It is in a deep cutting and hemmed in by industrial buildings. In conjunction with the Environment Agency there is scope for opening out and improving access to the river and for developing it as a wildlife corridor.

2 comments


Question ENV1

Plain English Version

What can we do to make sure that the changes in the city centre, such as new buildings and spaces are very high quality?

Original Document

What steps should be taken to ensure that new development in the city centre, including urban design, buildings and spaces, is of the highest quality, and furthers Birmingham’s aims as a a global city?

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Question ENV2

Plain English Version

How should Birmingham protect and make the most of its old buildings?

Original Document

What approach should be taken to enable Birmingham to protect and enhance its historic environment and maintain the best of its buildings of all periods?

1 comment


Question ENV3

Plain English Version

How can we make sure that new development, especially around New Street Station, fits in with the network of public spaces we already have?

Original Document

How can new development particularly around New Street Station link in with the existing network of public spaces?

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Question ENV4

Plain English Version

What can we do to make the area along the A38 (Bristol Road) nicer for people who live, work and visit there? How can we connect this area better with other parts of the city?

Original Document

What investments and environmental measures can be taken to make the city centre’s street network including the A38 corridor more attractive to residents, visitors and workers? What should be done to improve the connections to the wider city centre?

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Question ENV5

Plain English Version

What can we do around the canal and river areas to attract more people? How can we make them a focus for leisure and commercial activities? How can we make them a safe way of getting round the city? How can we do all this without changing what they look like and their historic character?

Original Document

How can the canal and river environment be developed to attract more people, become a focus for leisure and commercial activities and provide a safe movement network giving access to the wider city centre, whilst at the same time maintaining its historic character and appearance?

2 comments


Question ENV6

Plain English Version

Could we have a big new water feature in the city centre, such as in the wholesale markets area, to act as a new focus for the streets and buildings there? How could we develop this idea?

Original Document

Is there scope for a major new water feature in the centre, such as on the site of the wholesale markets, to act as a new focus for the streets and buildings in the area? How might this concept be developed?

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Question ENV7

Plain English Version

How can we make the open space in the city centre better to make the centre nice and make more people want to live here? How can we have more open space? Are there any new ways we can have open space, such as on rooftops? How should we plan for more outdoor events? How should we manage and look after the city centre’s outside spaces?

Original Document

How can the quality of open space in the city centre be improved to make the centre more liveable and attractive and how can the amount be increased? Are there any innovative ways in which this can be achieved, such as providing rooftop spaces? How should we plan for more outdoor events? How should the city centre’s open spaces be maintained and managed?

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Question ENV8

Plain English Version

What can we do to boost the natural environment and wildlife of the city centre, including the River Rea?

Original Document

What steps can be taken to enhance the natural environment and biodiversity of the city centre, including the River Rea?

1 comment


Question ENV9

Plain English Version

How much, and in what ways, can we make the streets greener (such as by planting more trees) to make housing and business areas nicer, give shade and help improve air quality? Can, and should, we do this in the traditional industrial districts as well?

Original Document

How far, and in what way, can the streets be made greener (for example by encouraging more tree planting) to create a more attractive residential and business environment, provide shade and assist in improving air quality? Can and should this approach be extended to the traditional industrial quarters?

2 comments


Question ENV10

Plain English Version

Where and when should we encourage tall buildings?

Original Document

Where and under what circumstances should tall buildings be encouraged?

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