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.

Four Oaks Police Issue Community Safety Update Following Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts

Police in Sutton Coldfield have reported several residential burglaries and vehicle thefts as part of their latest neighbourhood update covering Four Oaks, Mere Green and Harvest Fields.

The Four Oaks Neighbourhood Team has also been carrying out patrols in local shopping areas, parks and residential streets following reports of anti-social behaviour.

The update, published on Saturday 17 October, highlights recent incidents and offers practical advice to help residents protect their homes and vehicles.

Burglaries reported in Four Oaks

Three incidents were recorded between 6 and 14 October.

On Lichfield Road, offenders gained access to a property through a side door during the early hours of 6 October. They were disturbed before anything was stolen.

A second burglary occurred on Heathfield Road between 9 and 11 October, when entry was gained through an insecure rear door and a handbag was stolen.

A further incident took place on Harvest Fields Way between 13 and 14 October. Offenders attempted to force a door lock but were unsuccessful.

Vehicles targeted

Police also reported the theft of two vehicles.

A bronze Lexus was stolen from Worcester Lane on 10 October, while a red Jaguar was taken from Ethlered Close between 9 and 10 October.

Officers are reminding owners of keyless-entry vehicles to consider using Faraday pouches to protect their keys against signal interception.

Steering-wheel locks can also provide an additional visible deterrent.

Patrols and community engagement

Neighbourhood officers have been conducting patrols around Mere Green’s retail areas, Hill Hook Nature Reserve and Badgers Bank Road.

Two people were spoken to following anti-social behaviour concerns on Badgers Bank Road, with the incidents reported to the relevant housing association.

Police have also been visiting schools to address inconsiderate parking, particularly around entrances where obstructed pavements and vehicles parked on restrictions can create difficulties for children and parents.

Volunteers wanted

The neighbourhood team is encouraging residents to get involved in local Street Watch groups.

Volunteers are particularly sought for patrols around Hill Village Road, Dunton Close and the Harvest Fields estate.

Residents interested in participating can contact their local neighbourhood policing team.

Further crime prevention information is available through West Midlands Police.

The latest update provides a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and taking sensible precautions to protect homes, vehicles and neighbourhoods.

Tag: Local News

Sutton Coldfield Residents Invited to Have Their Say on £25 Million Gateway Scheme