The Night Owl, a much-loved live music venue in Digbeth, has issued a stark warning that it will not survive if the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance (MRHA) proceeds with its proposed expansion of the Bordesley Viaduct. The venue, which operates beneath the iconic railway arches, says the plans pose an 'imminent danger' to its future and that of other independent businesses in the area.
What are the MRHA proposals?
The MRHA has put forward plans to upgrade the rail network between Birmingham Moor Street station and Bordesley. The project aims to 'unlock the existing capacity constraints' in the city centre by constructing two new sections of railway track at Bordesley. This would allow more trains to use Moor Street Station, thereby reducing congestion at New Street Station.
However, the visual proposals shared online have alarmed The Night Owl's team, who describe themselves as 'immensely shocked and stressed' by the potential impact. The venue fears that the expansion could lead to its closure by 2030, either through demolition, being used as a construction site, or being unable to operate during the works.
Venue's plea to the public
In a heartfelt statement, The Night Owl wrote: "The newly proposed MRHA plans to expand the Bordesley Viaduct put us at risk for closure by 2030. The whole team is immensely shocked and stressed about the imminent danger this puts us in, we would be completely heartbroken if we lost our home in Digbeth, and we know we aren't the only ones that would mourn the loss of our little club."
The venue is urging supporters to participate in the MRHA public consultation, which is open until Friday, August 28. It has called on customers to submit feedback via the MRHA website, emphasising the importance of community voices in shaping the outcome.
Impact on Digbeth's independent scene
The Night Owl warns that the expansion would be 'detrimental to the Digbeth we all know and love,' and that many independent businesses could be forced to close. The venue lists The Warehouse, Original Patty Men, and Mama Roux as among those at risk, alongside other small enterprises.
"It is currently uncertain what the fate of The Night Owl would be if these plans went through, whether we would be flattened, used as a construction site or simply unable to open due to the works, but what is certain is that if these plans go ahead, The Night Owl would not survive," the statement continued.
Resilience amid past challenges
The Night Owl has weathered significant storms in recent years, including lockdowns, prolonged roadworks in Digbeth, and soaring energy bills. The venue credits its loyal customers for its survival so far, and now appeals to them once more: "Unlike many hospitality businesses, we have managed to survive lockdown, years of roadworks in Digbeth, rising energy bills and much more, thanks in no small part to you, our regulars and supporters. Now more than ever, we need you to speak up!"
The venue adds: "What we need from you is to submit your feedback via the MRHA website here and tell them how important The Night Owl is to you. What would be lost if The Night Owl was closed? Tell them what The Night Owl means to you, and how the space benefits the community."
Broader context in Digbeth
Digbeth businesses have faced mounting pressures in recent years, with road layout changes and tram construction delays adding to the hospitality sector's difficulties. The area is undergoing significant transformation, with a £3m injection promised for regeneration, but The Night Owl fears that the rail expansion could undermine the very character that makes Digbeth unique.
Elsewhere in the shadow of the viaduct, a separate campaign is underway to save another historic Digbeth venue from demolition. The Night Owl's plea highlights the fragile balance between infrastructure development and preserving the cultural and independent spirit of Birmingham's creative quarter.
As the consultation period runs, The Night Owl remains hopeful that public pressure can influence the MRHA's final plans. "Together we can protect the future of The Night Owl and our neighbouring independent businesses who we love!" the venue concluded.
