Birmingham City Council has identified the possible redevelopment of Perry Barr's One Stop Shopping Centre as a 'major opportunity' in its recently-published draft Local Plan, setting out a vision for the suburb's future over the next two decades. The plan, which serves as a blueprint for shaping Birmingham's development, highlights Perry Barr's potential for continued transformation following its significant role in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Council's Vision for Perry Barr
The draft Local Plan states that Perry Barr could undergo change to become a neighbourhood "built around design excellence, accessibility, public realm upgrades and community oriented facilities." Regeneration efforts aim to create a sustainable town centre that includes retail, commercial, leisure uses, community facilities, and services. Specifically, the One Stop Shopping Centre is described as an important local facility but currently "inward facing" and forming a barrier between new communities, transport links, and green corridors.
"One Stop Shopping Centre is an important local shopping facility," the council said in the plan. "However, it is inward facing and forms a barrier between new communities and transport links and green corridors. The Shopping Centre and land at Regina Drive adjacent to the park have the potential to be redeveloped on a phased basis. [This could provide] an improved, sustainable town centre including retail, commercial and leisure uses, community facilities and services."
Housing and Infrastructure Growth
The plan outlines that Perry Barr town centre and surrounding areas will deliver significant housing growth, with Perry Barr Village set to become a new neighbourhood of approximately 2,000 homes. The council emphasised that this growth will be accompanied by necessary community facilities and supporting infrastructure. "The development and regeneration of Perry Barr town centre and the surrounding area will deliver significant housing growth and the necessary community facilities and supporting infrastructure," the plan states. "[It] will be a focus for growth including commercial, residential, community, and learning uses. The town centre will be strengthened through the introduction of high-quality new homes and increased town centre activity."
Sustainable Future for Alexander Stadium and Green Spaces
Beyond the shopping centre, the draft Local Plan seeks to secure a "sustainable future" for the Alexander Stadium complex through a mix of uses. It also includes ambitions to prioritise pedestrians, enhance cycling infrastructure, increase recreational activity within Perry Park, and open up the River Tame corridor. The aim is to increase the "wildlife and amenity value of the watercourse," contributing to environmental improvements in the area.
The council's draft Local Plan is open for public consultation, allowing residents and stakeholders to comment on the proposals before final adoption. The plan represents a strategic approach to managing growth and regeneration across Birmingham over the next 20 years, with Perry Barr singled out as a key area for transformation.
