A long-forgotten street buried beneath a 1960s shopping complex in Birmingham city centre could soon be brought back to life, transforming the area into a thriving green oasis. A newly unveiled masterplan envisions demolishing Martineau Place—a 1.143-hectare site nestled between High Street, Bull Street, Union Street, and Corporation Street—and replacing it with a mix of new homes, commercial spaces, gardens, and terraces.
Central to the redevelopment is the reinstatement of Martineau Street, a historic thoroughfare erased over 70 years ago. This revived street will form a key pedestrian route linking the Colmore Business District with the HS2 Curzon Street station area, creating seamless connectivity and encouraging foot traffic.
The project aims to create “a new green civic heart” for Birmingham, featuring lush gardens, terraces, water features, and tree-lined walkways designed to introduce shade, calm, and texture to the bustling city environment. The plan includes inviting spaces where local residents and visitors alike can relax, meet, and enjoy café culture—far removed from car traffic and noise.
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Named after the influential Martineau family, the development pays homage to Harriet Martineau, a renowned 19th-century journalist, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate who lived in Birmingham. Planners are incorporating accessible pathways like “Harriet’s Way” and tranquil “Harriet Gardens” to honor her legacy. The Martineau family’s historical significance runs deep, having produced five Birmingham mayors, with ties to the city’s governance spanning more than a century.
Over half of the new Martineau Place site will be dedicated to public space, emphasizing community engagement and environmental enhancement in the city centre. These ambitious plans are currently open for public consultation, inviting Birmingham’s residents to share their views on this exciting vision for the city’s future.
What do you think of the prospect of expanding green spaces in Birmingham’s heart? Share your thoughts in the comments below.