A major two-year programme to transform the public spaces in the heart of Birmingham is set to commence in the first week of the New Year. The extensive public realm works, commissioned by Birmingham City Council, will see large areas of the city centre upgraded with new surfaces, improved lighting and better street furniture.
Phase One: The Initial Works and Timeline
The first phase of construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 5, 2026. Contractor CPC Civils will initially focus on the steps at Victoria Square, along with specific sections of New Street and Temple Street. On New Street, work will take place between Nando's and KFC, and also between the Apple flagship store and Watches of Switzerland. On Temple Street, the works will be concentrated between the restaurants Fumo and Flight Club.
To facilitate the project, the top of Temple Street and the middle section of the footway on both ends of New Street will be closed. However, access to shop frontages will be maintained throughout. To manage traffic and essential services, Bennetts Hill and Temple Street will operate with two-way traffic flows while Temple Street itself is closed, ensuring continued vehicle access and waste management.
Coordination and Business Support
CPC Civils has established a dedicated hub for businesses at 70 New Street, next to Medicine Café. Here, traders can speak directly with the company's Public Liaison Officer, Peace, about any issues arising from the construction. Furthermore, weekly drop-in sessions will be held at the site every Wednesday to provide ongoing support.
Two dedicated traffic marshals will also be on site to coordinate access and deliveries across New Street, Temple Street and Bennetts Hill. The initial week will see areas cordoned off to allow equipment to move through, with work to break through the existing concrete expected to start by the third week.
The Full Two-Year Vision
This initial phase is just the beginning of a comprehensive six-phase project that will unfold over the next 24 months. The scheme, supported by Central BID, aims to enhance the experience for everyone using the city centre. The full list of areas slated for improvement includes:
- New Street
- Bennetts Hill
- Ethel Street
- Temple Street
- Lower Temple Street
- Eden Place
- Chamberlain Passage
The council states that creating more pedestrianised areas will make the urban core "safer and more attractive" for cyclists, residents, visitors and businesses alike. A key long-term benefit, the authority adds, will be improved air quality resulting from the restriction of vehicles in these zones.
A Lasting Legacy for the City
The installation of new granite surfaces, alongside upgrades to drainage and street furniture, represents a significant investment in Birmingham's future. The transformation is designed not only to improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the city's streets but also to promote sustainable travel and a healthier urban environment. Residents and visitors can expect a markedly improved public realm as the project progresses through its six phases towards completion in early 2028.
