Super September showcase for city.
September is going to be a fantastic month in Birmingham as the city showcases its many attractions to regional, national and international guests.
Super September will bring together arts, entertainment and sport alongside the opening of two major milestones in the transformation of the city centre – the opening of New Street station and Grand Central, featuring the flagship John Lewis store.
And the eyes of the world will be on us when the Rugby World Cup comes to town in the shape of two of the tournament’s favourites, Australia and South Africa.
Councillor Ian Ward, deputy leader at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s going to be really busy, particularly the final weekend of September with the two Rugby World Cup matches at Villa Park, Birmingham Weekender festival and the first trading weekend at Grand Central.
“It is a great chance to see the city and its people at their finest and we want everyone coming to the city to have a great time and feel really welcome. There will be plenty of first-time visitors and I know they will have a wonderful Brummie welcome and be eager to come back. And we have taken our More Birmingham campaign to London, Manchester and Liverpool so I hope to welcome visitors from those cities.
“We also want everyone who lives and works in the city to be able to go about their usual business without too much inconvenience.
“To this end we have been working with a whole range of partners to ensure we have a co-ordinated response to the challenges of keeping the city moving and making sure everyone has a great time in the city.”
• Highways England has agreed to remove all traffic management measures currently in place on the Aston Expressway and at the M6 junction 6, by 18th September.
• Reducing the impact of road works and the Paradise development on the city’s network with new measures.
• Increased provision of public transport at key times, including a shuttle bus service for Rugby World Cup spectators and additional local and mainline trains to and from the city.
• On-street marshalling and volunteer ambassadors to guide visitors along the designated walking routes between events and venues.
• Designated park and provision as part of a wider parking strategy (which is?), including increased enforcement for parking and traffic infringements in the city centre.
• Extra resources to respond to incidents such as stranded vehicles, including additional rescue vehicles at strategic locations.
• A comprehensive road signage strategy, including messaging on motorway matrix signs and variable messaging signs on key routes into the city.
• Multi-channel communications delivering consistent messaging and up-to-date information to the travelling public, including social media platforms used by the city council, partners and event organisers.
“So there’s plenty to get excited about, but it is going to be busy so please plan ahead and consider how you are going to get into the city,” Cllr Ward added.
“We are well-served by public transport so it is worth thinking about taking the bus or train if you usually drive – especially as there are some great deals being offered. Walking or cycling is a healthy option, and we have designated walking routes to and from venues that will take pedestrians safely and easily around the Paradise works in the city centre.”
