Eight ways Villa Park area could become 'world class destination'

The authority has recently published its draft Local Plan, which sheds light on how it can help shape the city’s future over the next two decades.

In particular, it sets out how the council can support economic development, address housing need and attract investment while also focusing on regeneration opportunities.

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This draft Local Plan provides insight into how certain neighbourhoods could be transformed in the next 20 years, including the Witton and Aston area – home of Aston Villa’s stadium.

The council says this area of the city will become a “world class cultural destination”, focusing on Villa Park and the adjacent Aston Hall and Park.

“[It will have] a thriving local community at its heart, supporting increased leisure and tourism, hotel, conference, community and leisure uses,” it said.

The council has said it will take several actions in the coming years to make sure this vision is realised, including:

On connectivity woes in the area, the draft Local Plan went on to say: “Congestion is an issue in the area, particularly on match and event days.

“In the longer term, a programme of interventions will be delivered that address this and help to create a people-focused environment.

“This may include the downgrading on some of the road network, the creation of pedestrian priority streets and measures that reduce the impact of issues such as pavement parking.”

It continued that Witton Station is currently “poorly lit, consists of narrow platforms and frequent overcrowding on matchdays”.

“[It] would benefit from redevelopment to improve its safety and overall experience,” it said.

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“Improved pedestrian links to Aston Station are also needed. Detailed work is being undertaken to establish what improvements are deliverable.”

On Villa Park itself, it went on to say that identifying the area as a Growth Zone recognises the “important role” the stadium plays in the economy of the surrounding area.

“The club is committed to investing in their future and has bold proposals to increase capacity and facilitate a wider range of activity at the site,” it said.

The draft Local Plan is set to be discussed by the council’s cabinet members on Tuesday, July 28.