A street art mural mocking Network Rail has appeared overnight on the side of The Warehouse in Allison Street, Digbeth, a community hub that could be bulldozed under the rail firm's controversial £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub plan.
The 'Network Fail' piece, sprayed by an unidentified graffiti artist, depicts workers for the rail firm painting over The Warehouse's signature 'Tree Lung' mural. The original artwork was created by artist Caroline Rouge in 2013 and became a symbol of the venue's community work.
Initial shock turns to appreciation
Karen Leach, chief executive of Birmingham Friends of the Earth, which is based at The Warehouse, said she initially "felt sick" when she first saw the original mural had been painted over earlier this week. But she soon recognised the "powerful" and "genius" message behind the new work.
"I came around the corner and saw that somebody had painted over it," Leach told BirminghamLive. "I felt sick in my stomach, initially. It was gut-wrenching to see because we've loved it for years. We've even put [the lung] on t-shirts."
After taking in the work, Leach concluded it was "genius". "Our building is the green heart and lung of Birmingham," she said. "To see it obliterated with this grey paint felt powerful and accurate to what is happening."
Demolition threat to Digbeth businesses
Under Network Rail's Midlands Rail Hub plan, changes to Bordesley Viaduct could see more than 50 independent businesses demolished or displaced. That could include popular venues such as Luna Springs and Mama Roux's. The Warehouse, which houses a café and hosts community events, is among those at risk of being flattened if the plans go ahead.
Leach denied any involvement in the Network Fail piece. She questioned whether Banksy might have been responsible, but an expert on the street artist's work told BirminghamLive it was "definitely not".
Leach said her team had contacted Caroline Rouge, who approved of the new piece and sent a graphic to help recreate her original. She said Caroline's mural would be restored if the campaign against Network Rail's plans were "successful".
Political pressure and alternative proposals
Leach called on politicians and local leaders, including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, to "do more" to challenge Network Rail's proposals. "The Mayor and others have raised concerns but we don't think they go far enough," she said. "We need politicians to do their jobs and challenge properly."
Birmingham Friends of the Earth has submitted alternative proposals to Midlands Rail Hub Alliance. Leach said the group was "confident" in its "well-informed" counter-plan. "It may well be that there are flaws in it," she said. "But they haven't proven it. They haven't even come back to us yet."
Network Rail and Mayor respond
Network Rail told BirminghamLive it was "listening carefully" to "concerns raised locally". A spokesperson said: "Our ambition is for Midlands Rail Hub to be a positive part of Birmingham's future, improving connections, supporting jobs and businesses, and contributing to the city's continued regeneration. We're listening carefully to the concerns raised locally as we continue to develop the proposals."
Richard Parker has also responded after thousands objected to the planning proposals. He said: "My priority is to ensure that the West Midlands secures the transport improvements it needs while also supporting the businesses, venues and cultural assets that contribute so much to our economy, our communities and our identity."
He was also reported to have told scheme partners that concerns from affected businesses and cultural organisations "must be taken seriously".
