The director of one of Digbeth's most cherished independent venues has called on the Midland Metro Alliance to 'step up' and complete the Eastside Metro Extension to relieve pressure on local businesses.
Lee Nabbs, director of Mockingbird Cinema, an independent picture house in the Custard Factory that also houses The Nest bar, said the prolonged construction has taken a toll on the neighbourhood. The cinema has been a staple in Digbeth for a decade, but road layout changes, construction work, and street closures have made it difficult for customers to access the area.
The second phase of the Eastside Metro Extension was originally expected to finish in May, but work is still ongoing. A Transport for West Midlands spokesperson said extra shifts have been arranged with contractors to complete the job.
Norton's bar owner Peter Connolly shared his frustration, with Nabbs saying it is 'heartbreaking to see neighbours struggling through no fault of their own'. Nabbs told BirminghamLive: 'We totally understand the frustrations that Norton's and other nearby businesses face. While the tram extension will certainly benefit Digbeth eventually, the construction hassles have been going on for years now. Traffic rerouting, ongoing road closures, and limited access have made the area super confusing and not very inviting for customers.'
Nabbs emphasised that it is 'crucial' for customers to find the cinema easily and feel comfortable visiting, which is challenging when access is uncertain. 'When Digbeth feels tough to navigate or less appealing, business slows down for us and others,' he said. 'Plus, the area is constantly buzzing with other projects like transport work and the HS2 stuff. With HS2 facing its own delays, Transport for West Midlands and the project teams should do more to help. Clear communication and assistance would go a long way in easing our pain and speeding up completion.'
Despite the frustrations, Nabbs said he is still 'definitely pro-new tram system', but added: 'The delays and harm to local businesses can't be ignored either. This construction mess has just dragged on way too long. They need to step up now and get it finished. Digbeth's got so much to offer and so much more to come; we need a transport system to match its ambitions. We love Digbeth; it's in our DNA, it's heartbreaking to see our neighbours and pals struggling through no fault of their own.'
A Transport for West Midlands spokesperson 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.' They added that they have 'listened closely to the concerns' raised by local businesses and introduced additional shifts with the aim of opening Meriden Street 'by the end of June'.
