Paradise public spaces set for approval
Plans for public spaces around Birmingham’s Paradise development – including a new square and routes through the landmark buildings – are set for approval.
A planning application submitted by Paradise Circus Limited Partnership includes reserved matters not included in a previous approved application for the site.
These include the scale, appearance, layout and landscaping of the public realm as part of phase 2b of the development.
The areas covered by the planning application – due to be heard by councillors next week – are bound by 1 Centenary Way and 2 Chamberlain Square to the north, Paradise Street to the south, the Town Hall to the east and Alpha Tower and Arena Central to the west.
To the west, Easy Row Subway will be “enhanced” and refurbished and will connect Alpha Tower and the Arena Central development to Paradise. The newly-proposed Western Terrace will be the westernmost public space in the Paradise development.
Designs show a new public square dubbed ‘Ratcliff Square’ – which is surrounded by proposed hotel Three Chamberlain Square, one Centenary Square (existing) and One Centenary Way (under construction).
An “interface” with Paradise Street to the south has been designed to “prioritise” pedestrians and minimise vehicle use – with access available via the service tunnel below Ratcliff Square.
A taxi drop-off and manoeuvring space is proposed in the space to the south of the hotel.
To the east is Ratcliff Passage, a new tree lined street between the Town Hall and 3 Chamberlain Square.
This space will accommodate relocated statues of James Watt and Joseph Priestly.
The public realm is intended to be “primarily hard landscaped, incorporating a variety of granite and Yorkstone to reflect the function of the differing spaces”.
There will be “subtle variations in the paving mix and colour to differentiate spatial hierarchy, accommodate vehicular movements where required, and respect heritage buildings”.
The plans also include lighting – set to give it a “distinctive night-time character, and create safe spaces which encourage pedestrian movements”.
This includes “contemporary lighting columns, integrated lighting into handrails and street furniture, wash/up lighting of trees and feature cladding and building mounted luminaries”.
A planning officer, recommending the plans are approved, said: “The use of Yorkstone and granite are considered good quality materials which are complementary to the existing civic character of the area and like those used for Chamberlain Square.
“Planting is within defined pits and raised planters with integrated furniture. Species are appropriate and are of an acceptable size.”
The plans will be considered by councillors at the planning committee meeting due to be held at 11am on February 24 and can be viewed on the council’s committee meetings YouTube page.
