Residents and businesses in Sutton Coldfield are being invited to help shape the future of the town centre as a major public consultation gets underway.
The Royal Sutton Coldfield Gateway Scheme aims to improve transport connections, pedestrian access and cycling routes throughout the town centre.
The project forms part of wider ambitions to regenerate Sutton Coldfield, making it easier for people to move between the railway station, bus interchange, shopping areas and Sutton Park.
A public consultation opened on Thursday 22 October and will remain open until 3 December 2026.
What is the Gateway Scheme?
The project is supported by £25 million in government transport funding secured in 2022.
It is being developed by Birmingham City Council, working alongside Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Transport for the West Midlands and other partners.
The proposals focus on improving access around the town centre, particularly where the existing ring road creates barriers for pedestrians and cyclists.
They also aim to improve public transport facilities and create a more welcoming environment for shoppers, visitors and businesses.
What changes are being proposed?
The consultation includes several significant proposals.
Park Road: Plans include making Park Road one-way eastbound towards Brassington Avenue and introducing a dedicated cycle route connecting Sutton Park with the town centre.
Station Street: Proposals include improved pedestrian and cycle crossings, alongside a new public square outside Sutton Coldfield railway station.
The Parade: Plans include improvements to bus stops, pedestrian crossings and public spaces.
Victoria Road: A segregated cycle route is proposed, together with changes to road junctions and crossing facilities.
Brassington Avenue: The proposals include a two-way cycleway, changes to parking arrangements and an additional crossing providing access towards the new Aldi.
A reduction in the ring road speed limit to 20mph is also proposed.
These are consultation proposals rather than approved final designs.
Residents can view the plans
Detailed drawings, computer-generated images and information about the proposed changes are available through the official consultation website.
Residents can submit comments online until 3 December.
Three public drop-in sessions are also planned at Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church, 1 Brassington Avenue.
The confirmed dates are:
- Thursday 12 November
- Wednesday 18 November
- Saturday 21 November
Members of the project team will be available to explain the proposals and answer questions.
An important opportunity for Sutton Coldfield
The Gateway Scheme could significantly change how people travel around the town centre.
For residents, the consultation offers an opportunity to raise questions about traffic, parking, accessibility and the proposed improvements.
Local businesses can also contribute their views on how the changes might affect customers, deliveries and access to commercial premises.
Feedback will be considered before detailed designs are finalised.
With proposals affecting several important roads and public spaces, residents are encouraged to examine the plans carefully and make their views known.
The consultation closes on Thursday 3 December 2026.
