The plans will see hospitality businesses increase their capacities due to weekend road closures along Hurst Street.
Starting on Saturday 15th August, Birmingham City Council has agreed to pedestrianize Hurst Street from Inge Street to Skinner Lane for six consecutive weekends. All venues found along this stretch will be able to add extra covers on the newly cordoned-off road, increasing revenue that has been lost due to new capacity restrictions.
Popular spots such as The Loft Lounge, Sidewalk, Missing Bar and Chinatown restaurants like Topokki will be allowed to utilise the space on Hurst Street from 12pm each Saturday with trading finishing at 11pm on Sundays. Hurst Street will remain in use to vehicles during the week.
When the plans to reopen hospitality venues were announced, Southside BID entered the ‘StrEATery’ proposal to the council to close roads and allow outdoor seating.
Businesses will now need to apply for outdoor trading licenses, with Southside BID helping to fast track the process. The BID has also provided a furniture hire package for the venues that don’t have outdoor tables.
“We’ve applied for licenses for both The Village and The Loft Lounge and we know all our neighbours will be doing so too. We can’t wait to see Southside get back to its vibrant best.” Lawrence Barton
