Flyover could be removed under council master plan

One of Birmingham's most recognisable landmarks could be removed in the coming years under a council development master plan.

The Hockley Flyover, which opened in 1968 to relieve congestion, was described by Birmingham City Council as a "major obstacle" in its draft Local Plan - which is currently under consultation.

The council said the flyover, which has a sunken concourse that is home to three Grade II listed concrete murals, restricted pedestrians, prioritised traffic and contributed to a "poor public realm".

Proposals to either remove or remodel it would reconnect nearby communities and unlock land for new residential neighbourhoods, the plan argued.

Under the council's 20-year planning blueprint, the flyover's removal could create a major new public square acting as a focal point for community activity and events.

The authority said the current pedestrianised spaces and subways within the concourse were dated, lacked natural surveillance, and were widely perceived as unsafe.

It added the removal or remodelling of the flyover would address the "severance" the infrastructure had caused, reconnecting communities across Soho Road, Lozells, Handsworth, Newtown, Ladywood and the Jewellery Quarter.

The council also made clear the listed murals, by sculptor William Mitchell, would be "protected and celebrated", with a new home provided as part of redevelopment.

"Remodelling the highway infrastructure would allow for the redevelopment of the surrounding underutilised sites, providing opportunities for a mix of residential and employment," the authority said.

It added: "Whilst the removal of flyover will provide a catalyst for change in the area and unlock underutilised sites, several of the opportunities in the area can come forward before the flyover is removed."

Further feasibility work will be carried out to understand the implications of removing the infrastructure, the council confirmed.

The city's draft Local Plan was approved by cabinet last month. The council is set to submit documents to the Planning Inspectorate by December.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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