Plans to turn Birmingham street into outdoor dining area
A Birmingham street lined with bars should be permanently closed to traffic under plans designed to boost outdoor eating and drinking.
The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) has published plans for the future of the area, which it hopes to work with Birmingham City Council to bring into force.
Among the proposals is a plan to close Livery Street near Great Charles Street Queensway to traffic – to allow seating and food and drink service outside in the road.
It comes shortly after the approval of a planning application for a 722-home city centre development next to the site.
The plan from JQDT – called Revitalising the Jewellery Quarter, states: “Closing the section of Livery St, from the A38 Queensway to Lionel Street, to motor vehicles, would support active travel and transform the experience of rail users.
“The scheme would also attract higher levels of footfall for the businesses with extra outdoor seating and spill out space.
“The installation of decorative lighting along Livery Street, as well as the provision of outside furniture, will help create a bright and buzzing atmosphere stimulating business for the hospitality venues.
“Being in a prominent position off the A38 Queensway, visually enhancing Livery Street will help promote intrigue into the Jewellery Quarter from passing traffic.”
The stretch of Livery Street is currently home to Arch 13 and Indian Brewery, and Arch 13 owner Abigail Connolly has welcomed the plan.
She said: “The plan from the JQDT turns a street that is neglected and forgotten about into a real hub and has the potential to transform the way people look at the JQ.
“It will encourage those from Colmore Row to venture further down and explore the Quarter more, improve trade and showcase one of the absolute gems of Birmingham that is the Jewellery Quarter.
“We see this road closure as vital for our business in current times, and can’t wait to see the plans be put into action.”
Other plans included in the document include socially distanced dining furniture and provision at the public open space in Golden Square for outdoor food and cultural events.
Luke Crane, executive director of JQDT, said: “The JQDT’s Covid Response Plan is an amalgam of conversations with many stakeholders over the course of the past three months.
“We are excited to work with Birmingham City Council on a number of these projects and look forward to their cooperation in what is a crucial step for the future of the Jewellery Quarter.”
The group intends to consult with communities ahead of the second phase of the plan, due to be published in 2021.
