A £350,000 scheme to regenerate the Alum Rock Road area of Birmingham is set to begin with the demolition of two rundown properties in the middle of the shopping area.
The regeneration will provide much-needed parking spaces and boost trade to shops in the area.
Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Neville Summerfield, will push the button to begin the demolition work on Friday.
As well as making room for a new 28-space street level car park, the council will also be investing in providing new pedestrian crossings and street lighting.
Councillor Summerfield said: "By improving both parking provision and pedestrian movement around Alum Rock Road, we hope to dramatically improve the area's attraction to shoppers, in turn increasing levels of trade.
"Local shops and shopping centres provide a crucial component of the city's economy and day-to-day life, just as important in many ways as any city centre shopping mall or development.
He added: "That is why we are committed to doing all we can to not only support the on-going existence of these local centres, but help them flourish and grow into the future."
