Livery Street subway bursts into colour
A pedestrian subway in Birmingham city-centre has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming throughfare.
It is thanks to a £120,000 revitalisation project led by Colmore BID, in partnership with Moda Living, Birmingham City Council and JQ BID.
The project, aimed at improving safety, connectivity and aesthetic appeal, has reimagined the Livery Street subway with a stunning installation of colourful ceramic tiles, designed by Adam Nathaniel Furman.
With a deep understanding of Birmingham’s rich history, Furman explored the architectural and cultural history of both the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter BID areas, developing an innovative ceramic tile design that gives the illusion of three-dimensionality, despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface. The transforming the subway’s flank walls into a canvas for civic pride.
The design has the transformed the subway’s flank walls into a canvas for civic pride, demonstrating Colmore BID’s mission in creating more engaging and maintained public spaces to better connect the city-centre.
“This project is a fantastic example of how art and infrastructure can come together to improve everyday experiences in one of Birmingham's key city-centre pedestrian links,” says Nicola Fleet-Milne, Chair of Colmore BID. “Thanks to our investment with our partners, what was once a dark and uninviting underpass is now a bright, creative, and connected corridor that people can enjoy and feel safe using.”
Colmore BID spearheaded the initiative through their Outstanding Places Working Group, assembling a project group that includes Birmingham City Council (BCC), the subway's owner, Moda Living and Jewellery Quarter BID.
The project group unveiled the completed subway to the public and is already receiving positive feedback from residents and visitors alike.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "This is a fantastic way to transform our subways, showing real pride in the city and making the space feel welcoming and vibrant, not simply a place to walk through.
"We want all parts of the city to be connected and easily accessible for pedestrians so well done to Colmore BID and partners for their great work."
Livery Street Subway is located adjacent to Moda, Great Charles Street, where Moda is transforming a site left vacant for more than seventy years into more than 700 best-in-class new homes, community spaces and landscaped public realm.
James Blakey, Planning and Engagement Director at Moda Living, said: "Seeing the transformed Livery Street Subway completed is a proud moment for everyone involved. The project is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision to improve our city.
“By creating a safer, more welcoming, and visually inspiring space, we’ve not only enhanced connectivity between two key districts but also delivered lasting social value for the communities who live, work, and visit here. We’re delighted to have played our part in helping to bring this important gateway to life as we prepare to welcome our first residents to Moda, Great Charles Street early next year.”
Luke Crane, CEO at The Jewellery Quarter BID, said: “Seeing the Livery Street subway burst into colour is a proud moment for everyone involved. By working in partnership with Colmore BID, Moda Living and Birmingham City Council, we’ve transformed a once-neglected underpass into a safe and vibrant gateway between our districts.
This project celebrates the heritage and creativity of The Jewellery Quarter and enhances connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when we invest in public spaces together and demonstrates our commitment to fostering growth and civic pride across the city.”
This project represents a unique collaboration between Colmore BID, JQ BID, Moda, and Birmingham City Council, all working together to proactively address a long-standing issue into a positive change for the city.
Recognised as one of the leading BIDs in the country through initiatives focused on providing value and quality to levy-payers, Colmore BID works to create a thriving city-centre environment for businesses, residents, and visitors.
For more information, visit www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com.
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