Sutton Connect - a new Green Travel District to encourage sustainable travel

Developed alongside the Peddimore employment park and Langley Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) developments, which will bring thousands of new jobs and homes to the area, Sutton Connect brings a range of partners and stakeholders together to coordinate activity and ensure both developments are well connected and sustainable with the necessary infrastructure, policies and supporting initiatives in place.

The vision of Sutton Connect is for less congestion, less pollution, fewer accidents and healthier, safer, more productive communities.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Transport at Birmingham City Council said: “I am so pleased we have worked closely with partners to set up a Green Travel District (Sutton Connect) for this part of Sutton Coldfield, bringing everyone together to discuss transport issues and collaborate on opportunities to enhance sustainable travel across the area. This is exciting news for the entire region and will see investment in schemes and initiatives that benefit all those living, working and travelling locally.”

David Smith, Director, Planning & Communities, IM Properties, development partner for Peddimore site, said: “Sustainable travel that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport is central to the Peddimore vision, connecting local people in Birmingham, Royal Sutton Coldfield and neighbouring North Warwickshire with new employment opportunities. We‘ve created a striking landscape setting that sensitively links with the surrounding area and provides attractive, safe, and accessible active travel routes. This contributes to an engaging and welcoming workplace, supporting the wellbeing of employees and visitors, while minimising impact on the environment.”

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council are also backing the Green Travel District approach, seeing the benefits it will bring to the town. Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The Green Travel District clearly supports our Active Travel Vision across the town where residents and visitors can leave the car at home if they wish and move safely and efficiently through our streets and spaces. Providing real green transport choices supports better health, economic and environmental outcomes and will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the rich heritage, biodiversity and natural beauty of our town.”

People can sign up for regular Sutton Connect updates for more information about this initiative and to find out what support and activities will be available in future.

To enable people to travel by public transport two new bus services have been launched to serve the Peddimore site. The 64/X64 Birmingham – Peddimore/Minworth via Erdington, The Fort, Bromford & Castle Vale. Also, the 68 Birmingham – Peddimore/Minworth via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road is in line with Amazon shift times at Peddimore but may be suitable for those living/travelling locally.