Birmingham is getting a new Green Travel District
The pioneering new scheme has launched in Sutton Walmley & Minworth, Reddicap and surrounding areas.
According to Birmingham City Council, ‘the initiative will help put people before cars ensuring that workers and visitors have more opportunities to walk, wheel, cycle and take public transport’.
Improvements include a new footbridge over the A38, better connections to nearby railway station and the canal towpaths, and new signage. Two bus routes have also been added – the 67A, between Birmingham city centre and Peddimore, linking Erdington and Castle Vale, and 71A between Royal Sutton Coldfield and Chelmsley Wood, linking Kingshurst and Castle Bromwich.
The district incorporates the new Peddimore employment park, and Langley Sustainable Urban Extension, both of which have promised thousands of new jobs in the area and the need for new homes. Amazon, one of the first tenants at Peddimore, has published its own travel plan emphasising green modality, and other businesses are expected to follow suit, driven in part by the upgraded infrastructure.
‘I am so pleased we have worked closely with partners to set up a Green Travel District for this part of Sutton Coldfield, bringing everyone together to discuss transport issues and collaborate on opportunities to enhance sustainable travel across the area,’ said Councillor Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport at Birmingham City Council. ‘This is exciting news for the entire region and will see investment in schemes and initiatives that benefit all those living, working and travelling locally.’
‘Sustainable travel that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport is central to the Peddimore vision, connecting local people in Birmingham, Royal Sutton Coldfield and neighbouring North Warwickshire with new employment opportunities,’ added David Smith, Director, Planning & Communities, IM Properties, development partner for Peddimore. ‘We’ve created a striking landscape setting that sensitively links with the surrounding area and provides attractive, safe, and accessible active travel routes. This contributes to an engaging and welcoming workplace, supporting the wellbeing of employees and visitors, while minimising impact on the environment.’
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