Exciting new plans which will change the face of Digbeth forever have been unveiled.
The ambitious proposals include revamping The Custard Factory, creating a new "garden in the sky" on the top of Duddeston Viaduct and opening up new walkways and river paths.
Developers behind the project say their intention was to preserve Digbeth's history, while making sure it can thrive in the 21st century.
Plans will be submitted to Birmingham City Council in 2020 - and if granted, will be implemented over the next ten to 15 years.
The scheme is the brainchild of Oval Real Estate, which bought a large part of Digbeth in 2017, including The Custard Factory, Fazeley Studios and Bond Studios.
The company is working in partnership with architectural practices Studio Egret West, Glenn Howells Architects and BPN Architects - a practice of architects, urban designers and graphic designers and model makers.
Since October 2018 they have been consulting with all the landowners in Digbeth and Homes England on their plans - which has the hashtag #onlyindigbeth.
They also commissioned a survey of Digbeth's buildings - those in use, those derelict and those which are vacant. These included railway, waterway, community, owrks and factory works, pubs and shops.
A public exhibition was unveiled on Thursday, November 14, and now members of the public have until December 5 to view the plans online and give their views.
The consultation says: "Once the heart of Birmingham's industrial revolution, Digbeth has evolved into a thriving modern creative community with a continued industrious spirit.
"In order to maintain Digbeth's renaissance, further investment is required.
"Oval Real Estate plan to do this in a way which retains the unique fabric of the area, whilst preparing Digbeth for the future."
They said their plans were an "over-arching framework" to guide the development of Digbeth over the long term.
They said they would be submitting a hybrid planning application to Birmingham City Council next year, which will be outline planning permission for the whole site and also detailed planning permission for a small number of sites.
If permission is granted, they would aim to bring forward detailed plans for other parts of the area over the next 10 to 15 years.
Oval Estates said Digbeth was now home to a "thriving modern creative community". It was also surrounded by areas which are undergoing transformation - including HS2 Curzon Street Station, Smithfield, the Metro extension and Sprint Bus Link.
But it also has problems - including litter and anti-social behaviour.
Digbeth started out as a riverside medieval settlement, then became a village on the outskirts of Birmingham (1500 - 1700).
The industrial revolution followed (mid to late 1850), then post-war the site was cleared (1945 - 1970), this was followed by its rebirth with the renovation of the Custard Factory and emergence of the creative community from the 1990s onwards.
The most well-known building in Digbeth is the Custard Factory.
Under the plans, there will a new three-storey extension built on it, to house a rooftop function space and garden.
There will also be 32 new loft apartments - called "Living @The Custard Factory" - on the triangular piece of land on Floodgate Street.
This will involving knocking down the current single storey brick sheds, creating not just the new homes but also a new piece of public space, replacing the existing bridge and improving the pedestrian route. At street level, they will create two new shops/cafe units.
The former W J Wild Ltd metal components manufacturers building next to Bordesley Viaduct will be transformed into "Wild Works".
This will house two new office buildings, as well as an opportunity for a new cafe and restaurant.
New routes will also be created for walkers and cyclists, the arches under Bordesley Viaduct will also be activated and the River Rea and canal will be enhanced.
But the biggest change will be to Duddeston Viaduct.
The consultation says: "Duddeston Viaduct has the potential to be re-imagined and reactivated to create a sky garden.
"This could provide an elevated public space unlike anything in the UK - placing Digbeth and Birmingham in line with global cities such as New York and Paris.
"There could be an elevated park, featuring a low level heathland and a woodland grove."
A public exhibition is being held detailing all the proposals, which can be viewed online on the website www.consultdigbeth.co.uk The deadline for feedback is December 5.
To view the plans and have your say, visit the website here.
