The owner of a Birmingham music venue has called for the urgent completion of works on a new tram line which have 'hit traders hard'. Peter Connolly, who owns Nortons in Digbeth, said the second phase of the Eastside Metro Extension was expected to be completed last month but work is still ongoing, prompting fears further delays could hit what should be a busy summer period.
Disruption and Decline
Businesses have had to suffer significant disruption due to Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) work on Meriden Street, Bordesley Street, Coventry Street and New Canal Street. Mr Connolly said this has resulted in a decline in footfall, but a rise in fly tipping and break-ins. Issues around suppliers, deliveries, and events owing to road closures and reduced access have also been felt by businesses.
Open Letter
In an open letter on his website, Mr Connolly called for the rapid completion of the construction, transparency over completion dates and future disruption, and more investment in the environment around the works. He said: 'First of all, to those of you who have navigated through the labyrinth of road closures and barriers to continue to support us – thank you sincerely. Especially during the darker months, no one should have to navigate through dark bin-bag-filled alleyways to get to a creamy pint of Guinness and a great night out.'
'If you've been to visit us recently you'll know that the MMA construction outside Nortons has been a monumental pain for us since the first phase in 2022. This most recent – and largest closure – began last summer and was originally due to be completed last month. We've been very patient (ok, bar a few social media outbursts) however we've had 31 days of May and the construction is still ongoing.'
Summer Concerns
'Along with fellow hospitality, NTE and other sector businesses in our community, we've now been told that the work will continue throughout the summer. That's during the World Cup, the All-Ireland finals, the European Athletics Championships, and during the months when our huge garden should be full of you lovely folk enjoying a summer of sports, live music, food and drink.'
Impact on Trade
'Over the last year the disruption caused by the MMA construction work has hit us incredibly hard. Visibility of Nortons from Deritend (Digbeth High Street) has been reduced to almost zero, which has completely decimated our passing trade. Where once you'd see customers enjoying a drink outside on our benches and barrels – marking the venue as open and alive – now we are hidden away behind a wall of Heras fencing.'
'And don't even get us started on trying to get a taxi home through the maze at night, or the fact that the area doesn't feel safe or welcoming right now. The MMA construction works have contributed to a devastating loss of trade for Nortons and neighbouring businesses. We've had to reduce our opening hours which in turn means less shifts available for staff.'
Operational Challenges
'We've had to delay improvements to the venue until footfall returns to normal. We've had endless issues with suppliers, deliveries, and events owing to the reduced access, which means more logistical challenges to get our Guinness, Lashford's sausages, and musicians into the building. We've had more break ins and rubbish outside the venue than ever before.'
Compensation Issues
'To make matters worse, there is absolutely zero financial compensation available to support independent live music and NTE venues like ours while they tear up the street. The compensation scheme that was set up by MMA in March 2019 is only available to businesses with a turnover below 500k – essentially denying support to all pubs and venues.'
HS2 Concerns
Mr Connolly added there were also concerns that 'as HS2 work is further delayed, that MMA work may well be too'. He also asked for supporters to help provide evidence to put towards its case to the Department for Transport, TfWM chair and Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, and MMA.
Response from Transport for West Midlands
A spokesperson for Transport for West Midlands said: 'We fully appreciate that construction can be challenging and apologise for the disruption, particularly at a time when all high street businesses are facing broader economic pressures. We are grateful to local traders and hospitality venues for their patience.'
'The Eastside Metro extension is essential for bringing reliable mass transport to Digbeth, supporting local businesses and is already driving major new investment and regeneration in the area. We have listened closely to the concerns raised by Nortons, and in response introduced additional shifts with our contractors to speed up the work with a view to opening this section of Meriden Street by the end of June.'
