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New cycleways and footpaths and a temporary re-alignment of the River Rea could all be carried out as part of the latest phase of regeneration in Longbridge.

St Modwen, which is a carrying out a £1 billion redevelopment of the town, has lodged new plans for infrastructure works alongside a project to build a new residential facility for staff working at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.

The two applications have been submitted simultaneously as the projects share a boundary on the land north of Bristol Road South.

St Modwen is seeking permission to re-profile the River Rea's banks, build new a footpath, bridge and cycleway, which will contribute to National Cycle Network Route 5, and carry out landscaping which will include a temporary re-alignment of the river.

The site forms part of Longbridge West, a part of the wider Longbridge regeneration area, and previously contained the former Bournville College Construction Centre as well as an adjacent area of surface car parking used by MG Rover.

The college building has since been demolished and most of the site now currently lies vacant.

Mike Murray, senior development surveyor at St Modwen, told the Post: "We continue to create a new, cleaner and greener environment for the local, business and broader community to enjoy through the regeneration of Longbridge.

"This includes our £2 million investment in opening up the River Rea and Austin Park in Longbridge town centre. The planning application is for the first phase of improvements of the River Rea at Longbridge West.

"This involves removing blockages from the river, creating new embankments and landscaping to provide a more natural setting for everybody to enjoy.

"As part of these works, we are extending the current footpath and cycle way from the town centre so it runs under the existing A38 bridge, meaning pedestrians and cyclists no longer have to leave the riverside in order to cross the road and eventually access the Longbridge West development.

"As our work on Longbridge West progresses, we will continue to improve the river and extend the footpath and cycle way to Frankley, approximately one kilometre away - connecting the Longbridge and Frankley communities, enabling easier access to one another's shops and services."