NEW “FESTIVAL STREET” FOR BRUM

17-11-2009

Digbeth could become Birmingham’s “Festival Street”, hosting major arts events, according to the city’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney.

Writing on The Stirrer Forum in the aftermath of Saturday’s Christmas Lights shenanigans, Mullaney pointed out that Millennium Point will be unavailable from the New Year, as the area currently used as a concert venue is being turned into a park.

The main alternative site, Centenary Square, is out of commission for three years while the new Central Library is built.

Cllr Mullaney’s suggestion is that Digbeth could fill the gap in the market.

He said:  “My idea on Digbeth High Street is that we remove the central reservation along its entire length. The level of traffic along this road is now so small since the Ring Road was breeched at the new Bull Ring.

”The traffic disruption would be minimal if it was closed for an entire weekend - traffic could easily use Bradford Street.

”Making Digbeth High Street into the City's Festival Street would (a) regenerate both sides of the High Street (b) ensure that Digbeth becomes Birmingham cultural and creative quarter.”

Mullaney proposes closing Digbeth during event weekends between Meriden Street and the Rainbow pub, creating space for a stage at either end.

He adds:  “If Birmingham City Council said that this road would be our Festival Road for definitely 20 years, - you would find that developers would work with the council to provide the appropriate infrastructure eg car parks.

“The width of Millennium Point of 40metres. The width of Digbeth High Street from kerb to kerb (excluding the pavements) is 23metres.

“So yes, it is narrower than Millenium Point but you have the length, plus the bars and shops already in place, plus a road (Bradford Street) running parallel along which buses can run.”

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