Have you noticed this tree outside the burnt-out Kingsway Cinema before? It looks out on to a car park on one side, and Kings Heath High Street on the other. But if it peers hard with its topmost branches, it can see Kings Heath Village Square at the top of the High Street, and all the markets, events and everyday socialising that go on there. This tree looks at its own tarmac square of abandoned vehicles, and dearly wishes that it could be transformed into a beautiful, open space where people can gather, meet, talk and rest. And I think that many of the people using the High Street would agree, certainly those waiting at the bus stop would appreciate some relaxed seating off the pavement. And those with picnic lunches, or food from the many take-away shops around this area would be glad of a place to eat.
Fortunately, there is now the chance that this could happen. Birmingham City Council are currently considering a planning application to convert the Kingsway Cinema into a shop and flats, retaining the cinema façade. The planners could insist that the developers replace the car park with this kind of public space, but they are only likely to do this if they can see that there is public support for the idea.
So if you, like this Kings Heath tree would like to see a more welcoming space under the ‘Welcome to Kings Heath’ mural, please add your comments to the planning application using the link below, and tell the planners that you’d like to see the car park area converted into a public, pedestrian space as part of this development.
Click here to submit your comments to Birmingham City Council’s planning portal. Or view the details of the planning application here.
(This post has been recovered from web archive and has therefore lost its comments. They are included here in the post)
I would love to see it transform as I have lived in kings heath for almost 32 years and I would like it to continue to develop for my children to enjoy safely.
Karina,
Thanks! It’s good to have your feedback. It would be great if you could submit your comments to the planning department for their consideration using the link above. You’ll need to provide your name and address, but it should only take a couple of minutes.
Thanks again!
This has to happen! That part of the High Street is crying out for a community focal point. You only have to see how successful the village square is to know that another public space would be a great asset.
Andy,
I couldn’t agree more! As I’ve replied to Karina, it would be great if you could submit your comments to the planning portal, so the planners can see the need and support for pedestrian space.
Thanks for commenting!
Here’s what I wrote as an objection:
Kings Heath high strert is one of the most polluted High Streets in Europe according to recent research. It is also one of the busiest pedestrian areas with a huge young population passing through it to get to and from our many schools. I want to see more open green spaces for pedestrians on our high street and this development should include a green space for pedestrians in front. Please oblige developers to provide pedestrian only space in front of the development.
Thanks Marcus!
RT @SpaceExplorers: A Kings Heath Tree Can Dream: Would you like a new public square for Kings Heath, outside the old Kingsway Cinema? htt…
Great idea! Love the Square at top, and this is close to the library too, pop in for a book and an outdoor read
That sounds good Sarah, I’ll see you there!