Moda Group and local partners to transform public walkway in Birmingham

Moda Group and local partners to transform public walkway in Birmingham

Moda Group, along with the Colmore Business Innovation District and Jewellery Quarter District in Birmingham have committed to a £120,000 transformation of a key public walkway in the city.

The long-awaited transformation will address years of maintenance issues, anti-social behaviour, and safety concerns, aimed at enhancing the connectivity between the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter Districts.

The project is located adjacent to Moda, Great Charles Street (pictured), 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, added: “As a long-term operator in Birmingham, Moda is fully committed to enhance the experiences and safety of the city’s communities.

“Partnering with the business districts and Birmingham City Council to transform the Livery Street Subway is an opportunity to have a positive lasting impact on the city and is a fantastic example of how collaboration between private and public organisations can regenerate areas and drive outstanding social value.”

The centrepiece of the revitalisation effort is the creative vision of renowned ceramic artist Adam Nathaniel, known for his dynamic public artworks in Bristol and Croydon. With a deep understanding of Birmingham’s rich history, Adam has been tasked with transforming the subway’s flank walls, located between the ramp and steps, into a vibrant visual experience.
After exploring the architectural and cultural history of both the Colmore and Jewellery Quarter BID areas, Adam developed an innovative ceramic tile design that gives the illusion of three-dimensionality, despite being a flat, two-dimensional surface.

The ceramic tiles, each uniquely crafted, are currently being produced by a specialist tile design studio. A precise referencing system ensures that the intricate design, from production to installation, maintains the artist’s original intent.

Installation is expected to begin in Autumn 2024, with safety and wall repairs being carefully managed by Colmore BID to ensure the smooth progression of the project.