Using HS2 to promote waterways

BIRMINGHAM City Council has proposed a Masterplan to create a 'vibrant new waterside' utilising the building of the HS2 at Digbeth.

In conjunction with Canal & River Trust the council has been working to make sure the construction of the high speed rail does not block any of the many waterway routes in the city, but will help create a new canal quarter along the Digbeth Branch.

Opportunities

It is believed that the HS2 will give opportunities for regeneration of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, and we are told that this presents a significant opportunity for regeneration and a focal point to the Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan area, giving public spaces along the waterway.

Richard Parry, Chief Executive, Canal & River Trust enthused:

"The proposals to create a new canal quarter are a great opportunity for the Canal & River Trust and for the city and we are pleased that the council has recognised the potential of the canal corridor. This is a creative and positive response to the challenge presented by HS2 which we believe will mean its impact can be a positive one for the canal at Curzon Street and for the people who visit and live in Birmingham."