New plans to transform 180 acres of land in Birmingham city centre - which could see more than 5,000 homes built - have been unveiled.

Birmingham City Council has opened a consultation into what the authority is calling the 'Rea Valley Urban Quarter' which it says will focus on a reimaged River Rea as a green corridor.

The project, on land next to the Smithfield regeneration site near the Bullring, is also set to include new public space and pedestrian routes.

Highgate Park will be rejuvenated and reconnected to the city centre and overall the council is planning to create more than 12 acres of new public space, pocket parks and green roofscapes.

CGI of plans for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter
CGI of plans for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter

Alongside the new homes, there are also proposals for new employment space.

Birmingham City Council leader Coun Ian Ward said: "This announcement for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter demonstrates Birmingham's continued ambition to transform the city, delivering new homes and improved employment opportunities.

"The announcement of Lendlease as our preferred development partner for the Birmingham Smithfield development has provided a catalyst to bring forward plans for the wider area and deliver the next phase of the Big City Plan.

"These exciting plans will create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood with a network of green spaces and routes at its heart, providing high-quality environments for current and future residents along with ecological benefits."

A public consultation on these new plans will close on July 12, 2019.

For more information and to submit comments visit www.birminghambeheard.org.uk where details of a series of public drop-in sessions can also be found.