Re-connecting the city
The regeneration of Martineau Place is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-connect the city centre with attractive, green pedestrian, and cycle routes.
Improvements to the Union Street environment and the new pedestrian route, Martineau Street, will create an attractive option for people and cyclists, enhancing connectivity between Curzon Street, Moor Street Station, and the Colmore Business District.
The existing tram network, with a stop on Corporation Street, will also ensure residents and visitors have easy access to public transport – ultimately connecting to Digbeth and Birmingham City FC’s Sports Quarter in East Birmingham.
Respecting Birmingham’s heritage
This part of the city was originally characterised by narrow and winding medieval streets – such as Crooked Lane – which ran through the heart of what is now Martineau Place.
The area was later redeveloped with substantial Victorian buildings and commercial streets. It was a place to meet and spend time – full of energy and vibrancy. And, in the 1960s the modern Martineau Place was developed.
This part of the city has always been a place of renewal, responding to changing consumer preferences, and the changing nature of Birmingham over generations.
We have worked closely with heritage experts to develop proposals which respect views across the city and ensure Martineau Place adds real value to Birmingham’s skyline.
-
![Proposed street improvement works from 1875]()
Proposed street improvement works to replace Little Cherry Street (blue) & Crooked Lane (purple) with Martineau Street (green), joining to Corporation Street (yellow), 1875
-
![Crooked Lane 1886]()
Crooked Lane, 1886
-
![Looking west from Martineau Street towards the now-demolished Cobden Hotel on Corporation Street 1930’s]()
Looking west from Martineau Street towards the now-demolished Cobden Hotel on Corporation Street, 1930’s
-
![Looking east down Martineau Street from Corporation Street 1930’s]()
Looking east down Martineau Street from Corporation Street, 1930’s
