Better Streets for Birmingham has publicly backed the Midlands Rail Hub proposals, a scheme it describes as of 'vital importance' to the future of rail travel in the city, even though its own regular meeting venue, The Warehouse on Allison Street in Digbeth, sits directly in the path of the planned demolition.
The group's endorsement comes during a public consultation on early plans to enhance the rail network between Birmingham Moor Street station and Bordesley. The proposals include constructing two new railway 'chords' to relieve congestion at New Street Station and increase capacity at Moor Street, alongside widening the arches of the Bordesley Viaduct, under which numerous local businesses currently operate.
Why the plan is necessary
A spokesperson for Better Streets for Birmingham explained the rationale behind their support: 'This long-touted project is of vital importance to the future of rail travel in the city and wider region. New Street Station is full. The proposals currently being consulted on will create rail capacity.'
The group highlights concrete benefits: 'For the city, this means the Cross-City Line can go back every ten minutes, it will cut journey times on the Camp Hill Line and enable more trains to be added in future.'
They also link the rail investment to broader transport goals: 'One of the most frequent responses we get as a campaign is that Birmingham needs better walking, wheeling, cycling, train, bus and tram alternatives before Brummies will leave their car at home for some trips or consider ditching it altogether.'
Impact on Digbeth's community and businesses
The plans have sparked widespread concern across Digbeth, particularly among live music venues and bars that fear losing their livelihoods and the area's cultural identity. The Warehouse, a hub for small businesses and home to city climate and transport activism, is currently proposed for demolition to provide site access.
Despite this, the campaign group is not opposing the scheme outright. Instead, it is planning to submit a formal response that emphasises the need to facilitate businesses and community assets around the arches and viaducts. The spokesperson acknowledged the scale of the impact: 'We are also feeling the impact. Our monthly public meeting takes place at The Warehouse on Allison Street – a hub of small businesses and home to city climate and transport activism – which is currently proposed to be demolished for site access.'
Mixed reactions and calls for engagement
The group noted that Birmingham Friends of the Earth has also acknowledged the proposals are necessary while engaging constructively and critically with the early plans. Better Streets for Birmingham encourages other Digbeth residents and organisations to do the same.
'We have been pleased to see Birmingham Friends of the Earth to acknowledge that the proposals are necessary while engaging constructively and critically with the early proposals,' the spokesperson said. 'We encourage Digbeth's wider community to do the same as ultimately the plans mean more people arrive into Digbeth every day.'
The consultation remains open, and the final decisions on the rail hub's scope and design have yet to be made. The outcome will determine whether The Warehouse and other affected venues can be preserved or relocated, and how the balance between transport capacity and community heritage is struck.
