The Jewellery Quarter was transformed for Park(ing) Day 2025, as Define invited other businesses and organisations (Maber, The Quartermasters, Edge and Fira) to reimagine traditional parking bays into vibrant pop-up parks, creative installations, and welcoming community spaces. With support from The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID), Birmingham City Council and JQ Common Room Microgrants, the event brought residents, businesses, and visitors together to experience their streets in a completely new way.
The day showcased how even small pockets of urban space can be repurposed for people rather than cars. From mini gardens to interactive art displays, each installation sparked curiosity and conversation, encouraging passers-by to stop, relax, and connect. The event also created a buzz online, with social media reels and posts capturing the lively atmosphere and sharing it with a wider audience.
Define organised the initiative, while JQBID provided valuable support in engaging the community and amplifying the impact across the Quarter. Birmingham City Council also provided some funding for the parking permits from revenues generated by the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), helping to make the initiative possible. The partnership highlighted the power of collaboration in delivering creative placemaking that benefits both local people and businesses.
“As Urban Designers, Planners, Landscape Architects and Architects working in the Jewellery Quarter, Park(ing) Day has given Define the valuable opportunity to collaborate with other organisations and advocate for urban spaces that are often overlooked. Through simple, temporary interventions, the global event invited the public to rethink how urban space is allocated and whether it serves people and the environment, rather than just a single vehicle.” said Jessica Shearman, Urban Designer at Define
“We were proud to support Define in bringing this idea to life. The creativity and energy on display captured the essence of the Quarter and what makes it such a unique place”, added Luke Crane, CEO of JQBID
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment at Birmingham City Council, said:
“It’s great to see parking spaces transformed into places for people, not just cars. Events like this highlight the real benefits of reclaiming our streets, while also supporting Birmingham City Council’s Transport Plan and Healthy Streets Approach – which put people at the heart of street design and help create neighbourhoods where everyone can feel proud to live, work, and spend time.”
Following the success of this year’s event, Define is already looking to Park(ing) Day 2026 to explore how streets and public spaces in Birmingham can be redefined to prioritise community, sustainability, and creativity.
