Prospective plans to demolish part of Birmingham city centre's High Street to make way for a brand new development have been revealed, potentially giving the city a new shopping arcade. The 'Botanical Arcade' is described as 'calm' and 'unique', offering a green setting for a retail experience focused on wellbeing and lifestyle.
Details of the proposed development
A public consultation is currently underway regarding the future of the 1.143 hectare site at the top end of the High Street, bordered by Bull Street, Union Street and Corporation Street. The area currently houses Martineau Place, which includes shops, bars and restaurants such as Fallout Clothing, Merlin's Cafe Bar, Awesome Chips and Beauty Central, as well as high street brands like Boots, CEX, Poundland, Savers and Burger King.
These, along with the Staybridge Suites Hotel and a GP surgery, would be demolished to make way for two new towers, public thoroughfares, parks, commercial spaces, new homes, and the Botanical Arcade.
What the arcade will offer
According to the partnership behind the plans, Sixth Street and Henley Investment Management, the arcade will provide a calm, green environment. It will support boutique and independent shops alongside a garden café, with tables able to spill out into the arcade. Lush planting and elevated views over Martineau Dials will invite people to pause and reconnect with the city.
Martineau Dials will be the centre of the site, described as a 'focal point for civic life'. It will serve as a central point between Curzon Street HS2 station, the High Street, Bull Street and Cathedral Square, featuring a central plaza, trees, plants, and steps for informal dining and socialising.
Additional green spaces
Other green spaces include a new linear park along Union Street called Union Street Gardens, and another space named Harriet Gardens. A pavilion and an accessible route through the middle of the site will provide easier access to HS2. Restaurants with terraces and a water cascade feature are also planned, alongside two towers for homes and businesses.
Public consultation and timeline
The public is invited to comment on the plans until July 31. Following the consultation, planning applications will be submitted to progress the scheme. Martineau Place originally opened in 1959 and underwent significant refurbishment in 2001.
