Birmingham City Council has unveiled its draft Local Plan, setting out a vision to transform the area around Villa Park into a “world class destination” over the next two decades. The plan focuses on the Witton and Aston neighbourhoods, home to Aston Villa’s stadium, and outlines eight key actions to achieve this goal.
Eight key actions for transformation
The council says the area will become a “world class cultural destination”, with Villa Park and adjacent Aston Hall and Park at its core. The plan states: “[It will have] a thriving local community at its heart, supporting increased leisure and tourism, hotel, conference, community and leisure uses.”
The eight actions include: supporting investment in Villa Park (including the North Stand extension and the recently opened Warehouse venue); protecting and enhancing Aston Hall and Aston Park; delivering new homes on underused industrial land along Tame Road; enhancing Witton local centre with public realm improvements, green infrastructure, and wayfinding; identifying the Witton Lane units and car park site for redevelopment with a mix of town centre uses; improving the River Tame watercourse; upgrading Witton Railway Station and other public transport facilities; and exploring vehicle movement improvements to address congestion.
Addressing congestion and connectivity
The draft Local Plan acknowledges that “congestion is an issue in the area, particularly on match and event days.” It proposes a “programme of interventions” to create a “people-focused environment”, which may include downgrading some roads, creating pedestrian priority streets, and reducing pavement parking.
Witton Station is described as “poorly lit, consists of narrow platforms and frequent overcrowding on matchdays” and “would benefit from redevelopment to improve its safety and overall experience.” Improved pedestrian links to Aston Station are also needed, with detailed work underway to establish deliverable improvements.
Villa Park as a Growth Zone
The plan identifies the area around Villa Park as a Growth Zone, recognising the “important role” the stadium plays in the local economy. It notes: “The club is committed to investing in their future and has bold proposals to increase capacity and facilitate a wider range of activity at the site.”
The draft Local Plan is set to be discussed by the council’s cabinet members on Tuesday, July 28. If approved, it will guide development and investment in the area over the next 20 years, aiming to create a vibrant destination that benefits both residents and visitors.
