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Eastside City Park

Birmingham's award-winning urban oasis: 6.75 acres of contemporary design, water features, and green space in the city centre.

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Eastside City Park is Birmingham's premier urban green space, a 6.75-acre contemporary park that opened in 2013 as part of the city's major regeneration initiative. Located on Curzon Street in the Eastside district, this award-winning park features a striking 110-metre canal water feature, a public square with 21 jet fountains, over 300 mature trees, and thoughtfully designed recreational spaces. Free to enter and open daily, it serves as a vital connection between Birmingham's city centre and the Millennium Point cultural complex, offering locals and visitors alike a peaceful retreat amid urban surroundings.

A brief summary to Eastside City Park

  • Curzon St, Birmingham, B4 7AP, GB
  • +441214648728
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most striking photography, when the water features reflect golden light and the park's sculptural elements are beautifully illuminated.
  • Combine your visit with Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum at adjacent Millennium Point to maximise your time in the Eastside cultural quarter.
  • The park is popular with students and can be quieter during weekday mornings; visit then for a more peaceful experience away from weekend crowds.
  • Bring a picnic or purchase refreshments from the on-site café to enjoy while seated among the 300+ trees and water features.
  • Use the park as a transit point between Birmingham New Street station and the Eastside district; the linear design makes it an efficient pedestrian route.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Birmingham New Street station is approximately 1.2 kilometres away, a walk of 15–20 minutes. Exit towards Smallbrook Queensway, cross the road, and follow signs for Moor Street Station. Continue past the Selfridges building and cross onto Digbeth High Street. The park entrance is on Curzon Street. Alternatively, Moor Street station is closer at approximately 8 minutes' walk. Trains run frequently throughout the day with fares varying by origin; typical single fares within the West Midlands range from £2–£8.

  • Bus

    Multiple bus routes serve the park area: routes 4, 6, 45, 60, 74, 94, 95, and X8 stop near Curzon Street or Digbeth High Street. Journey times from the city centre are typically 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single fares are generally £1.70–£2.50 within Birmingham's city zone; day passes offer better value at approximately £4–£5.

  • Car

    Approach via Lawley Middleway or Watery Lane Middleway, exiting at Garrison Circus roundabout onto Great Barr Street, then onto Heath Mill Lane. Note that Digbeth High Street has a bus gate restricting general traffic. Pay-by-phone parking is available on side streets near Heath Mill Lane, with charges of £1.90 for up to 1 hour, £3.00 for up to 2 hours, and £5.80 for up to 4 hours (Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–7:30 PM). The Millennium Point Multi-Storey car park is nearby, open 6:00 AM–midnight daily, with overnight options available.

  • Bicycle

    The park is accessible by bicycle via the extended canal towpath network, which provides a scenic route from surrounding areas. Bike racks are available on the corner of Bromley Street near the park entrance. The flat terrain and dedicated cycling infrastructure make this a practical option for visitors from across the Eastside district.

Eastside City Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Eastside City Park

A Modern Green Oasis in Birmingham's Heart

Eastside City Park stands as Birmingham's first significant new park in over a century, representing a transformative moment in the city's urban landscape. Spanning 6.75 acres and covering more than 14,000 square metres, this contemporary green space emerged from a £11.75 million regeneration project that began in 2011. Designed by the London-based architectural practice Patel Taylor in collaboration with renowned French landscape architect Allain Provost, the park officially opened to the public on 5 December 2012, with formal inauguration following in March 2013. Rather than a traditional rectangular park, Eastside City Park functions as a linear sequence of interconnected spaces that guide visitors on a journey through carefully curated landscapes, creating what architect Peter Taylor describes as "a moment of green in a journey through the city."

Distinctive Water Features and Sculptural Elements

The park's most striking feature is its 110-metre curved canal water feature, a dramatic architectural element that echoes the nearby Digbeth Branch Canal while serving as a contemporary sculptural statement. This sweeping water wall, inscribed with poetry co-written by local poets Simon Turner and spoken word performer Steve Camden, reflects sunlight during daylight hours and glows subtly with evening illumination. Complementing this centerpiece is a public plaza featuring 21 jet fountains that create an interactive water experience, particularly popular with families and children. The Thinktank Science Garden, an outdoor discovery space developed in partnership with the adjacent Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, adds further dimension with its eight-metre-high "Terminus" machine and giant hamster wheel, creating spaces where visitors can engage with both art and science.

Landscape Design and Environmental Sustainability

The park's horticultural composition includes more than 300 mature trees strategically positioned to differentiate spaces, provide natural shelter and enclosure, and create varied sightlines throughout the site. Native plantings and decorative fencing establish distinct zones for both formal and informal recreation, while cut stone walkways guide movement through the landscape. Environmental sustainability was central to the design philosophy: thermal cooling is achieved through integrated grass, shrubs, and water features, materials were sourced locally, and a waste-neutral construction policy was adopted. The park's design earned numerous accolades, including the Royal Institute of British Architects National Award, the Civic Trust Award, the British Construction Industry Regeneration Award, and recognition as Entente Florale Europe's Outstanding Public Green Space Winner.

Connectivity and Urban Regeneration Context

Eastside City Park functions as a crucial link within Birmingham's broader Eastside Regeneration Project, connecting the city centre with Millennium Point, Digbeth, and Birmingham City University's Parkside campus. The park runs eastward from Park Street Gardens past the Masshouse development, lining the front of the Millennium Point complex before terminating at the university campus. This linear configuration transforms what was previously a brownfield site into a vital pedestrian corridor that encourages foot traffic and investment throughout the district. The extension of the canal towpath network alongside the park further strengthens connectivity, providing quicker access to the city centre and supporting continued regeneration efforts in the surrounding area.

Facilities and Year-Round Accessibility

The park offers comprehensive facilities designed for diverse visitor needs. A dedicated children's play area within the science garden provides safe recreational space for younger visitors, while bench seating and picnic areas throughout the park accommodate those seeking to linger. Cycle racks support active transport, and a café or kiosk provides refreshment options. Round-the-clock lighting and CCTV surveillance ensure safety during evening hours. The park remains open daily from early morning through evening, making it accessible for sunrise and sunset visits when the water features and landscaping are particularly photogenic. Its location adjacent to Millennium Point, which houses the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, positions it as part of a larger cultural and educational destination.

Social and Cultural Significance

Beyond its physical attributes, Eastside City Park addresses a critical urban need: Birmingham's city centre historically lacked adequate green space for residents and workers. The park has become particularly popular with students from the nearby university and serves as a gathering place for the growing creative community in the Eastside district. Public art commissions, including a notable work by artist Wolfgang Buttress, integrate cultural expression throughout the space. The park's design philosophy emphasises accessibility and inclusivity, creating environments where people of varying ages and abilities can experience nature and recreation within the urban fabric.

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