Public Realm
Public spaces are at the heart of the Martineau Place masterplan.
The regeneration of Martineau Place is a landmark opportunity to deliver a new green civic heart as part of a wider strategy for greening the city centre. New trees, planting, and water features will bring shade, texture and calm to the heart of the city.
Inspired by Harriet Martineau’s spirit of progress and inclusion, our aspiration is to curate spaces where people can meet and linger – away from cars and the bustle of modern Birmingham.
A new central route, Martineau Street, will be reinstated to reconnect the site and improve movement between Curzon Street, Cathedral Square, Bull Street, and the wider city centre.
This central route will link bespoke character areas including gardens, terraces, and water features – with spaces for a café culture to thrive. This approach will unlock significant new public realm, with over half the site to be public space.
It will also extend the proposed ‘Green Loop’ from the High Street and we have worked closely with neighbouring landowners and Birmingham City Council to enable the delivery of joined-up green spaces at scale.
Over half the site unlocked for public use
Character areas
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![CGI of Union Plaza]()
Union Plaza
An important interface between Union Street, City Arcade, Corporation Street and with city centre to the north. It will create a new enhanced entrance for City Arcade, with spaces to sit and dwell with new cafes and restaurants.
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![CGI of Union Street Gardens]()
Union Street Gardens
A linear park running along the north side of Union Street, which will enhance pedestrian and cycle routes between Curzon Street to Cherry Lane and Cathedral Square.
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![CGI of Martineau Dials]()
Martineau Dials
At the heart of the site, Martineau Dials will become a focal point for civic life. It will become a new meeting place on routes between Curzon Street, the High Street, Bull Street, and Cathedral Square.
A plaza will anchor Martineau Dials, whilst terraced steps will double as informal seating for events, casual outdoor dining, and socialising. Trees and green planting will be integrated into the space.
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![CGI of Botanical Arcade]()
Botanical Arcade
This space will offer a calm, green setting which will support a unique retail experience focused on wellbeing and lifestyle.
Boutique and independent shops will be supported by a garden café, with tables able to spill out into the arcade. Lush planting and elevated views over Martineau Dials will invite people to pause and re-connect with the city.
