Birmingham's HS2 Station Public Space Plans to be Decided Next Week
Plans to create new public spaces around Birmingham's HS2 station are set to be considered by the city council's planning committee next week. HS2 Ltd has recently unveiled several CGI images showcasing how the areas surrounding the new Curzon Street Station could transform part of the city centre.
Revised Public Realm and Connectivity Scheme
Proposals for a revised scheme focusing on the 'public realm and connectivity' in and around the new station will be examined by council members. A recently-published report outlines that the plans aim to establish a series of distinct character areas, each designed to enhance the urban landscape and improve accessibility.
Key Character Areas in the Proposal
The proposed spaces include:
- Station Square: Described as the main arrival space, serving as a welcoming gateway for visitors.
- Curzon Promenade: A green-infrastructure link with a parkland character, designed to provide a scenic route along the station's side.
- Curzon Square and New Canal Street Square: These would merge to form a large-scale, hard paved city square, ideal for public gatherings and events.
- Garden Square: Proposed to the east of the Grade I listed Old Curzon Street Station, adding a touch of greenery and historical context.
- Paternoster Place: A key public space at the gateway to Digbeth, intended to create a high-quality main entrance area.
Visualisations and Future Outlook
The CGI images provide a glimpse into the potential future of Curzon Street Station and its surroundings. Visualisations show:
- Curzon Square with a southward view along New Canal Street.
- Paternoster and Station Square Steps on the southern side.
- Old Curzon Street Square Gardens.
- A tram passing under the new station, highlighting integrated transport links.
- Station Square as seen from Moor Street Queensway, emphasizing its role as a frontage.
These plans are part of ongoing work on the HS2 terminus, aiming to revitalize Birmingham's city centre and improve connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
