Plans for East Birmingham’s transformation into a Green Energy and Innovation Quarter is being launched today by city partners.
The University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and Tyseley Energy Park (TEP) are announcing the Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District Vision. This defines a clear identity for the area’s green future, which will also be key to the city’s climate change response.
The vision includes:
- Creating an exemplary sustainable working and living ecosystem which is recognised for its approach to net zero and sustainability.
- Linking to the city’s East Birmingham Inclusive Growth Strategy to promote inclusive growth in TEED that will benefit both local communities and the wider Birmingham area.
- Collaborating with residents and businesses in the community to ensure the area is developed to the benefit of everyone.
- Building on current momentum to attract more businesses to the area to join the green energy revolution.
Birmingham City Council leader, Councillor Ian Ward, together with Professor Martin Freer, of the University’s Birmingham Energy Institute, and Tyseley Energy Park Director, David Horsfall, formally launched the plans at an event held today at TEP.
The launch was the culmination of consultations with stakeholders in both residential and business communities, along with research into the socio-economic profile of the area and a review of both national and regional policies.
Professor Martin Freer said: “Our launch of the Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District Vision marks another important step towards a green energy revolution in Birmingham. By drawing together the city’s research and innovation strengths in this area we will be creating growth and opportunity, attracting diverse business, as well as driving forward environmental progress.”
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “This is a vision for a greener, fairer and more successful Birmingham – a city that will lead the way to net zero and a more sustainable future. Through collaboration and innovation, we can be at the forefront of a green energy revolution that will shape the lives and life chances of people across East Birmingham.”
Tyseley was identified as the optimum area for the Environmental Enterprise District because of existing momentum generated around the TEP and other green energy projects which focus on the area. These includes successes such as the 10MW Waste Wood Biomass Power Plant; the UK’s first low and zero carbon refuelling station and the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre. It is envisioned that the benefits of the TEED will extend into wider Birmingham, West Midlands, and the UK.