A major scheme to install an eco-garden at one of Birmingham’s busiest inner-city stations has been given the go-ahead thanks to a community grant from West Midlands Railway (WMR).
Jewellery Quarter station, which welcomed over half a million passengers during 2020 will have a ‘green makeover’ thanks to community volunteers working with the area’s Business Improvement District (BID). The £66,000 scheme, entitled “Greening a Grey Station”, will see ‘living walls’ of plants and shrubs installed at the station to enhance the environment for passengers and residents.
The walls have been designed by lead station adopter and local garden designer Gaynor Steele. The project will also involve training opportunities for community members who want to develop their own urban gardening projects.
This project was selected by WMR as part of its inaugural Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), with funding provided by the Department for Transport. The Jewellery Quarter scheme is designed to show how an urban railway station can tackle pollution with careful planting schemes, wildflowers and vertical systems to improve biodiversity and improve local air quality.
The project includes edible planting, rainwater collection, art panels and the creation of green areas to soften the landscape and provide spaces for passengers to relax and learn about the Jewellery Quarter.
Steve Lovell, from the Jewellery Quarter BID, said: “This project is central to our plans in improving the aesthetic of the Jewellery Quarter and increasing the amount of green spaces.
By turning the station into an eco-garden, we’re not only helping to improve the environment, we’re also creating an inviting entry point into the Jewellery Quarter that will increase footfall for our independent businesses. We can’t wait to get started.”