A fresh burst of greenery could soon enliven Birmingham city centre with the proposed creation of the Serpentine Path — a charming new green space that promises to highlight a little-known Grade II-listed landmark, if planning permission is approved.
This innovative concept comes from Arena Central Developments, the company behind the major Arena Central masterplan. Their office buildings near the Library of Birmingham, including 1 Centenary Square and 3 Arena Central, have already reshaped the area, and now this new green corridor aims to enhance connectivity between Centenary Square and Holliday Street, with easy links onwards to the Mailbox.
The Serpentine Path’s design is as inviting as its name suggests. Visitors will have three route options: a direct, straight path for those pressed for time; a scenic winding zig-zag embellished with seating to pause and relax; and a ‘Play on Way’ trail crafted for children, outfitted with playful features like balance lines, sound cushions, stepping logs, and a climbing rope.
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Incorporating sustainability, the park may also include an urban drainage channel—a landscaped water feature with pebbles and plants designed to slow rainwater runoff. This element not only manages stormwater but also educates visitors about environmental stewardship through its visual appeal.
The architectural firm Gillespies has illustrated the project’s potential, with detailed visuals available via Birmingham City Council’s planning portal under application number 2025/05687/PA.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the Serpentine Path is its connection to Birmingham’s hidden heritage: the Grade II-listed Holliday Street Aqueduct. Located at the start of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, this historic structure dates back to 1870 and was built to carry the canal over the road from Gas Street Basin.
From beneath the aqueduct, pedestrians can admire the ornate cast iron columns crafted by Andrew Handyside and Company, a renowned Derby foundry. These 24 iron columns, reflecting in the timeworn tiles below, bear silent testimony to the city’s industrial past—often overlooked by everyday commuters.
The aqueduct’s aesthetic charm, including decorative diamond panels and vintage lantern streetlights now modernized with LED lighting, evokes a bygone era when infrastructure was celebrated equally for its beauty and utility.
If Birmingham City Council grants approval, the Serpentine Path will offer a lush, engaging route linking landmark locations like the Library of Birmingham and Centenary Square down to the historic Aqueduct, with easy access onward to the Mailbox.
This new green artery promises not only to beautify the urban landscape but also to encourage residents and visitors alike to reconnect with Birmingham’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.