Plan agreed for inner-city brownfield regeneration.

A vision for the sustainable transformation of the area between the City Hospital and Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham has been approved.

The Greater Icknield Masterplan provides guidance on how over 60 hectares bordering the west side of the city centre can be developed. It is the largest brownfield housing-led redevelopment proposal in Birmingham, with the potential to provide around 3,000 new homes and 1,000 job opportunities.

Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for development, transport and the economy, said: “Birmingham city centre has changed dramatically over the last 15 years, and major development opportunities have continued to spread outwards from this area.

“Greater Icknield presents a huge opportunity to create a high-quality development with easy access to the city centre. This masterplan seeks to create a family-orientated area that complements existing communities but has a distinct identity.

“New development in the area will have high standards of sustainability, with benefits extended to existing properties, such as the extension of district heating schemes, sustainable waste management and digital infrastructure. The masterplan also emphasises the need to have good access to employment and strong connections to surrounding areas.”

The Greater Icknield area includes a small part of the city centre and extends towards the boundary with Sandwell, encompassing the A457 DudleyRoad/Spring Hill corridor and part of Dudley Road local centre. It includes the 32 hectare Edgbaston Reservoir and a significant network of canals which offer the potential for waterside developments, both residential and recreational.