Hippodrome Square

As we return to the top of Ladywell Walk we find that, what was once a busy junction has now changed into a pedestrianised area called “Hippodrome Square”. Over the years the numbers of people congregating outside the theatre at times has become too much for the pavements and as Hurst Street’s significance as a through route has diminished the area between Ladywell Walk and Inge Street has been pedestrianised. In 2019 the road layout was changed to make Ladywell Walk into a cul-de-sac and vehicular traffic from Thorp Street was diverted to head to Smallbrook Queensway.

The enlarged area has be named Hippodrome Square and as the plan shows the original area in front of the Hippodrome has been extended to the junction with Thorp Street and down Ladywell Walk to Wrottesley Street.

There is also a plan for a 40ft traditional Chinese arch in Ladywell Walk. The following article was published in the Birmingham Mail in 2019:

New plans have been showcased to regenerate one of Birmingham’s key city centre business and cultural districts. Southside Business Improvement District and the city council are working together on the plans to revamp the area in front of the famous Hippodrome theatre.

The proposed new ‘Hippodrome Square’ in Hurst Street will provide space for markets and special events and also include a 40ft traditional Chinese arch at the road’s junction with Ladywell Walk. A new image of the project looking from the junction with Thorp Street has also been released.

Work on the regeneration project is due to commence in mid-2020 subject to receiving planning approval. Regarded as one of the most diverse areas of the city, the planned development will connect Chinatown and the Gay Village with the forthcoming Smithfield regeneration on the old Wholesale Markets site off Upper Dean Street. Existing cycle routes will be retained and new access to nearby New Street station is also planned via increased separation between vehicles and cyclists along Hill Street. Other proposed changes include new lighting to free up the space in the square for events, widened footpaths and other public realm work.

Julia Robinson, manager of Southside BID, said: “Well known as one of the most diverse and creative areas of Birmingham, Southside BID supports a diverse range of businesses. “This truly unique public space will create a cultural heart for Southside to further promote the area while celebrating and highlighting a huge range of local talent.

“Not only will this be a great opportunity to attract new visitors and tourists to the Southside district, it will also increase dwell time and provide an exciting new space for events, festivals and entertainment to take place and act as a magnet to drive footfall.

James Wong, chairman of the Chinese Festival Committee, added: “Hippodrome Square and the Chinese Arch have been in our plans for a long while and we’re glad that work could be starting early next year.

“This project will be a true celebration of Chinese culture and could become a landmark for the entire city.”For details of the development and to submit comments visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/southsidepr.

The plan to start work in 2019 have evidently been put on hold, although the changes to the road layout have already been made and some utilities work has started. Events including a cardboard Chinese Arch, a giant TV screen and live music have already been held under the “Summer In Southside” banner.

By 2022 work had started to remove all the trees and street furniture such as telephone kiosks etc had taken place. In addition, many underground services had been rerouted prior to resurfacing the whole area with tarmac. In order to prepare the square for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in July & August and the “Pride Parade” in September a huge “Gay” target has been painted on the square.

So, as we turn from Ladywell Walk the building on the corner houses the 101 Nightclub, one of the newer dance clubs in Hurst Street.

Next door to the nightclub a cafe called the Green Room was an almost permanent fixture on Hurst Street until the end of 2019 when it closed down. However, by mid 2021 a Greek Taverna called Mythos opened up.

A path, called Theatre Walk, then runs down the side of the building that leads to the centre of The Arcadian. this almost follows the line of part of Inge Street on the east side of Hurst Street that has now vanished.

On the other side is the first pub on our Hurst Street walk.