Moves to kick-start the economic growth in Birmingham’s inner cities took another step forward after the city council unveiled an area action plan.
A cornerstone of the East Birmingham Area Action Plan is the redevelopment of the 70-acre council owned Wheels site.
Council bosses believe the Wheels Park go kart raceway and surrounding derelict industrial land are ripe for a mix of housing, leisure, industrial and commercial development which would bring in crucial spin-offs for surrounding communities.
And the key local trading centres of Alum Rock Road and Small Heath fall within the area plan offering opportunities to attract investment.
Once confirmed, area action plan status will set the framework for development in the area and allow changes in land use and the opportunity for the council to assemble plots of land through compulsory purchase orders.
City cabinet member for regeneration Neville Summerfield (Con, Brandwood) said the new zone would dovetail with planning zones in the city centre and Eastside.
He said: “We are building out from the city centre. It is a real opportunity to set out a clear framework for what is quite a deprived inner city neighbourhood. This is about encouraging economic growth and delivers on our pledge to bring prosperity to all of Birmingham.”
Opposition Labour group leader Sir Albert Bore (Ladywood) welcomed the plan, but urged the council to extend the action area zone to take in all the neighbourhoods between the Small Heath expressway and Alum Rock.
“There are three rail stations just outside the zone – Small Heath, Bordesley and Duddeston,” he said.
