New council heritage strategy raises hopes for Station Street, birthplace of Black Sabbath's first gig

Station Street, the short city centre road that gave the world Black Sabbath's first gig and one of the UK's oldest cinemas, could become a "destination of choice", after Birmingham City Council's new heritage strategy singled it out as a home of "nationally significant" culture.

The strategy was discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday 10 November, Birmingham Live reported. It recognises that the street holds a "remarkable concentration of cultural heritage assets", including the Electric Cinema and The Crown pub, where Black Sabbath played their first gig.

"A street of cultural significance"

"Together these buildings illustrate Birmingham's nationally significant contribution to music, film, theatre and popular culture," the strategy says.

Councillor Robert Alden (Conservative) asked whether more could be done to celebrate the street's history. "That is a pretty easy place to be able to pedestrianise," he said, suggesting the council examine whether it could be turned into "a real destination of choice and celebrate the history".

Councillor Deborah Harries (Liberal Democrat), the cabinet member for culture, said the street had been a focus "for many months", and that a working group had been set up.

"We're having conversations about the whole of Station Street and the idea of it being a cultural street, not just focused on The Crown or The Electric or the other listed buildings," she said. "I'm not saying that we're quite in Matthew Street realm of the Cavern in Liverpool but there is a street of cultural significance there."

She said options under discussion included pedestrianisation, part-pedestrianisation and improvements to the public space.

A five-year plan for the city's heritage

Cllr Harries said the strategy would set out how the council will "conserve, celebrate and engage with Birmingham's heritage" over the next five years.

"This strategy recognises that Birmingham's heritage is one our greatest strengths," she said, adding that it covers "the historic streets, parks, waterways, archives, industrial sites and cultural traditions that give every neighbourhood its distinct identity and sense of place."

The strategy also commits the council to strengthening and expanding Birmingham's local heritage list, recognising that the places residents care about most are not always nationally designated. Deputy council leader Julien Pritchard (Green) called it "a really good starting point" that could be built on.

Campaigners welcome "a single step forward"

The Save Station Street campaign welcomed the strategy's use of the street as a "case for culture-led regeneration", while describing it as "a single step forward". Both The Crown and the Electric remain closed for now. The Crown's owner, Toyoko Inn, has previously said it has long-term plans to restore the pub and build a hotel.

Cllr Harries acknowledged the council's tight finances, saying it would need to work with partners. The regional mayor, Richard Parker, has previously said he wants to see The Crown "restored, refurbished and then managed sustainably for decades ahead".

For music fans and the city's night-time economy, a revived Station Street, in the shadow of New Street station and the Hippodrome, could become one of the first places visitors see when they arrive in Birmingham.