Transport scheme launched to improve access in and around Sutton Coldfield
A transport scheme is set to improve public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure around Sutton Coldfield.
Sutton Gateway aims to enhance access to, from, and around the heart of the town and to remove the barriers posed by the ring road for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage a shift from private vehicles to more sustainable travel options.
Birmingham City Council has been working with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and local stakeholders to develop the Sutton Gateway scheme.
The scheme aims to regenerate the town centre by making it more attractive for residents and visitors, encouraging them to spend more time in the town.
Proposed interventions include bus interchange improvements at lower parade and south parade, transformation of the ring road transformation including fewer lanes for general traffic, segregated cycle routes in key areas, improvements to crossing facilities and speed limit reductions and improving the connection between the town centre, Sutton Park and Sutton Coldfield railway station.
The proposals will also look to attract inward investment and support economic growth.
Andrew Mitchell, MP for Sutton Coldfield, said: “The 15 projects which collectively make up the Sutton Gateway scheme will help revitalise our town centre through ensuring it is more accessible and attractive to visitors, businesses and residents alike.
“I will continue to monitor the scheme’s delivery to ensure it is delivered in a timely manner and secures the widest possible benefits.”
Cllr Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and chairman of the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership, said: “Achieving this key milestone for the Sutton Gateway scheme represents a real success story for both the town council and Royal Sutton Coldfield.
“Leveraging public sector funding to act as a catalyst for investment across the town centre has been a long term objective for the Town Council.
“Not only will the 15 projects deliver real and sustainable improvements for the town centre, progressing the scheme to this stage demonstrates how the town council is successfully working in partnership to secure real and tangible benefits for the wider town.”
Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “There is so much to see in and around Sutton, whether the wonderful park, historic quarter or hospitality offer.
“However, we need to ensure they are all as accessible as possible. The Sutton Gateway will aim to improve connections by bus in the town centre, making the existing bus network more attractive to residents and visitors, and create better connectivity for walking and cycling, such as better crossing facilities and an integrated cycleway.”
The scheme is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded to the WMCA by Government.
£25 million has been earmarked for the project.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said: “Revitalising high streets like Royal Sutton Coldfield is a key part of my mission to boost local economies and support our communities.
“This Gateway project will transform travel in and out of the town, attracting new investment in shops, offices, and housing while making Sutton Coldfield a better place to live, work, and visit.”
Pictured: From left - Cllr Majid Mahmood, Andrew Mitchell MP and Cllr Simon Ward
