£120,000 INVESTED TO TRANSFORM BIRMINGHAM’S LIVERY STREET SUBWAY

• £120,000 has been invested by Colmore BID (£64,000), Jewellery Quarter BID (£13,000) and Moda Living (£43,000) to revitalise Livery Street Subway
• The collaboration will see the partners work alongside Birmingham City Council to tile the subway
• Renowned ceramic artist Adam Nathaniel has led on the subway tile design

Birmingham, UK – 02 October 2024.

Colmore Business District (BID), in partnership with Jewellery Quarter BID (JQ BID) and rental living investor/operator Moda Living, has launched an exciting new project to revitalise Livery Street subway, one of Birmingham’s key city-centre pedestrian links.

The long-awaited transformation will address years of maintenance issues, anti-social behaviour, and safety concerns, aimed at enhancing the connectivity between the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter Districts.

Colmore BID spearheaded the initiative through their Outstanding Places Working Group, assembling a project group that includes Birmingham City Council (BCC), the subway’s owner, to collaborate on the project. With contributions from all partners, £120,000 funding is being invested to begin the first phase of improvements.

“We saw a great opportunity to work together to uplift this important yet overlooked part of the city,” said Melanie Williams, Board Director and Chair of Colmore BID’s Outstanding Places Working Group. “By creating a more welcoming and visually engaging environment, we hope to enhance the overall experience for pedestrians, bringing life and vibrancy to this key link between two major districts.”

The centrepiece of the revitalisation effort is the creative vision of renowned ceramic artist Adam Nathaniel, known for his dynamic public artworks in Bristol and Croydon. With a deep understanding of Birmingham’s rich history, Adam has been tasked with transforming the subway’s flank walls, located between the ramp and steps, into a vibrant visual experience.

After exploring the architectural and cultural history of both the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter BID areas, Adam developed an innovative ceramic tile design that gives the illusion of three-dimensionality, despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface.

The ceramic tiles, each uniquely crafted, are currently being produced by a specialist tile design studio. A precise referencing system ensures that the intricate design, from production to installation, maintains the artist’s original intent.

Installation is expected to begin in Autumn 2024, with safety and wall repairs being carefully managed by Colmore BID to ensure the smooth progression of the project.

The project is located adjacent to Moda, Great Charles Street, where Moda is transforming a site left vacant for more than seventy years into more than 700 best-in-class new homes, community spaces and landscaped public realm.

James Blakey, Planning and Engagement Director at Moda Living, added: “As a long-term operator in Birmingham, Moda is fully committed to enhance the experiences and safety of the city’s communities.  Partnering with the business districts and Birmingham City Council to transform the Livery Street Subway is an opportunity to have a positive lasting impact on the city and is a fantastic example of how collaboration between private and public organisations can regenerate areas and drive outstanding social value.”

Pending additional funding, phase two will focus on additional improvements to the subway’s lighting, cleanliness, and overall cosmetic appeal. These enhancements will further improve safety and accessibility, ensuring that the area becomes a welcoming thoroughfare for all.

This project represents a unique collaboration between Colmore BID, JQ BID, Moda, and Birmingham City Council, all working together to turn a long-standing issue into a positive change for the city.

Luke Crane, Chief Executive Officer at Jewellery Quarter BID said: “We are proud to partner with Colmore BID, Birmingham City Council and Moda in funding this vital project, which will enhance the public realm and create vibrant, welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy. Together, we are investing in the future of our community, fostering growth, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

With Phase one now in motion, Birmingham residents and visitors alike can look forward to a brighter, more pleasant journey through this key urban space.

For more information, please visit colmorebusinessdistrict.com.