Moseley Trader Says 'Too Late' as Delayed Birmingham Railway Lines Finally Open
While many residents and businesses in Moseley are eagerly anticipating the imminent opening of a new railway station, one long-standing trader has declared it's 'too late' for him. Yann, the owner of De Maines of Moseley, an English French cafe on St Mary's Row, has been operating just yards from the new station for over a decade. However, he has decided to sell his business, citing fierce competition from new ventures that have invested in the village in recent years, drawn by the promise of the station.
Increased Competition Makes Trade 'Very Difficult'
Yann explained that the prospect of the new station has led to a surge in new businesses setting up in Moseley, creating a highly competitive environment that has made trade 'very difficult' for him. He believes the station will attract more people to the area, but for him, it's not enough to sustain his cafe. 'Personally, I'm going to have to sell because I don't get enough customers,' he said. 'I think the train station will certainly attract more people here, that's why you are getting more businesses investing in Moseley now rather than before. It's going to change a lot, in terms of trade here. But for me it's too late now. I don't have any more money to stay.'
Station Opening After Multiple Delays
Construction work on the new Camp Hill line stations in Moseley, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road has been completed, and train testing is currently underway. The stations are expected to open shortly, marking the return of passenger services to these areas for the first time since the early 1940s. This comes after significant delays to the project. In July 2024, Transport for West Midlands announced that the Camp Hill scheme, along with other major regional projects, was delayed by a year due to £121 million budget pressures from soaring costs. This was the second delay, as the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2023.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Other traders and residents have expressed excitement about the new station, believing it could provide a substantial boost to the area once it opens. However, Yann's experience highlights a downside. He added, 'With life you have to move. All the businesses came here really because of the train station and that made trade very difficult and very competitive. It hasn't been very fair and I have been suffering from it. I've put it up for sale and want to move on as soon as I can.' This story underscores the complex impacts of infrastructure developments on local businesses, where anticipation can lead to both opportunity and challenge.
