Progress on Gateway plan to improve transport in Sutton Coldfield town centre

A package of transport measures is set to improve public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure around Sutton Coldfield town centre.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is working with Birmingham City Council and the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council (RSCTC) on developing the Sutton Gateway scheme.

It aims to enhance access to, from, and around the heart of the town and to remove the barriers posed by the ring road for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage a shift from private vehicles to more sustainable travel options.

Cllr Majid Mahmood (Birmingham City Council), Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell and Cllr Simon Ward (Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council) view the plans

The scheme is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded to the WMCA by Government. £25 million has been earmarked for the project.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Revitalising high streets like Sutton Coldfield is a key part of my mission to boost local economies and support our communities.

“This Gateway project will transform travel in and out of the town, attracting new investment in shops, offices, and housing while making Sutton Coldfield a better place to live, work, and visit.”

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “There is so much to see in and around Sutton, whether the wonderful park, historic quarter or hospitality offer. However, we need to ensure they are all as accessible as possible.

"The Sutton Gateway will aim to improve connections by bus in the town centre, making the existing bus network more attractive to residents and visitors, and create better connectivity for walking and cycling, such as better crossing facilities and an integrated cycleway. This scheme demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together.”

Cllr Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and chairman of the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership said: “Achieving this key milestone for the Sutton Gateway scheme represents a real success story for both the town council and Royal Sutton Coldfield.

"Leveraging public sector funding to act as a catalyst for investment across the town centre has  been a long term objective for the Town Council.  Not only will the 15 projects deliver real and sustainable improvements for the town centre, progressing the scheme to this stage demonstrates how the town council is successfully working in partnership to secure real and tangible benefits for the wider town.”

Thumbnail image from Google.