Bulldozers to demolish empty flats in Bartley Green

Bulldozers move into place this Thursday to start the demolition of empty flats and shop units in the Curdale Road Shopping Centre in Bartley Green to provide an opportunity to remodel and revitalise the area.

The first phase of redevelopment will see a section of the Western Shopping Parade centre demolished to pave the way for the building of new residential properties to meet local housing needs.

The retained shops in the North and South Parade will benefit from improved parking and environmental works funded by NRF approved by Bartley Green Ward Committee.

Birmimgham Council is already carrying out a range of improvement works to retained council properties in the area including uPVC double glazed windows, central heating, uPVC rainwater goods and 'Secure by Design' external doors.

Each property will also receive an electrical test and roof inspection. Where required properties will also benefit from cavity wall and loft insulation works.

Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The demolition of this parade will be welcomed by the residents of Bartley Green who have seen a gradual decline in the shopping centre. The clearance of this section will allow us to provide an improved centre for local people and much needed new homes.”

The Western Parade has become a target for social and environmental decay with a high number of empty shop units with flats above which were difficult to let. The partial demolition of the shopping centre will allow key businesses to be retained to continue to serve the residents in the area and the improvements will help enhance the shopping experience for residents.

Phases two and three will see further clearance and demolition, with the development site marketed during 2008. 

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