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The following details are extracted from proposed plans listed for Icknield Port Loop developments
Public interpretation of archaeological remains.
The provision of a new swimming pool/ fun pool which is open for use by the general public and schools.
Construction of residential canal moorings/wharves and/or a canal basin on the Loop will be encouraged. If viable this would provide an attractive alternative approach to the Reservoir particularly for canal based tourist trips from Gas Street Basin and the Broad Street Redevelopment Area.
Improved pedestrian and cycle access from the main line canal to the Ring Road.
Additional car parking and improvements for Reservoir users (including resurfacing of paths, provision of play equipment and contributions towards infrastructure works to stabilise water level fluctuations at the Reservoir).
Creation of a Water Recreation Centre
Creation of a Visitor/ Interpretation Centre
The provision of Public Art.
ICKNIELD PORT LOOP forms part of Birmingham's first canal, the Old Main Line. The earliest industrial development along this part of the canal was at its junction with Spring Hill/ Dudley Road, where the Park Glasshouse was established in 1788.
Development along the Loop itself began in the middle of the 19th century, including a canal maintenance yard with covered dock, superintendent's office and stables between the Loop and the Reservoir, as well as various industries along Freeth Street. The Loop and its surroundings lie within an area of Potential Archaeological Importance that extends from Spring Hill. In addition to historic buildings, it includes the site of the Icknield Glassworks on Freeth Street, which was established in 1857 (Sites and Monuments Record 20504). There are likely to be below-ground archaeological remains at this site.
In accordance with PPG 16 and UDP policy 8.36, an archaeological assessment will be required in advance of any consideration of development proposals, following which development proposals may need to be modified in order to preserve archaeological remains,or, if this is not feasible, further archaeological recording will be required in advance of commencement of development. This applies to above-ground archaeological remains as well as below-ground.
There are a number of quality industrial buildings within the study area which should be retained if possible. They are typical of canal side developments of the 19th Century and form an important part of the historic charactor of the area. Some of these buildings are particularly suitable for conversion due to their layout and form.
There are a number of listed and locally listed buildings and structures within the area(listed and shown on the plan 6) the setting of which should be carefully considered.
British Waterways Board, Oldbury Section Maintenance Yard, Icknield Port Road. This is a good example of a 19th century canal side depot with wharfage and docking facilities and has important "group value". Grade II listed.
Specific buildings of interest include:Superintendent's office: two storey red brick building dating from c 1845.
Store (former stabling):small, single storey building dating from c 1860.
Covered dock:long narrow single storey building, red brick, over canal basin which forms an enclosed docking facility, with timber gates to the canal. Dates from c 1845.
Workshops and stores: long single storey workshops in red and blue brick. Circa 1890.
Hand operated crane.