Crucially, it’s hoped that these changes will bring new opportunities and jobs to the area and increase footfall for local businesses, boosting the local economy as we build back better out of the pandemic. I want to use this latest column to tell you a little about the exciting things being planned for Digbeth.

The major remodelling works will see the High Street transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space served by much-improved public transport links.

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) has allocated £15.4m from its Enterprise Zone Investment Plan (EZIP) to Birmingham City Council to redevelop Digbeth, with an additional £272,000 is being provided by the council. The works, which should begin this summer, will complement construction of the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension in the area.

It is great that work is set to start this summer, creating local jobs at what is a critical time as we recover from the Covid pandemic. The improved transport links and street environment will also help support jobs and investment in the Digbeth area for years to come. So, what is happening?

Firstly, the Metro will be realigned to allow for wider pavements, better cycle routes and increased cycle parking. The idea is to make the area more attractive for pedestrians and residents, increasing customer numbers, bringing more commercial investment and supporting local businesses. 

Improvements to the street scene are set to commence in July and are expected to be completed next summer. They will include a two-way Metro running on the southern side of Digbeth, closest to the coach station, providing a fast and frequent public transport link to the West of Birmingham and the Black Country.

A wide area of public space will include planting, trees, street lighting and flexible spaces for seating.

There are also changes to Digbeth’s roads planned, which aim to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, while still allowing businesses to load and unload.

Digbeth, of course, is located near the landmark Curzon HS2 station, and these improvements also aim to maximise the benefits of that development.

The expansion of the Metro in Digbeth and to the east of the city will make it easier for local people to get around, and will help transform and support the regeneration of Digbeth by improving connectivity and making the most out of HS2.Even before the Metro is carrying passengers locally, the area will be renewed through these ambitious street scene improvements.

Of course, as with any major infrastructure project, there will be some disruption. Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on traffic and reduce any disturbance as far as possible, and travel advice will be provided by Transport for West Midlands and transport operators. But these plans, and the major investment behind them, represent a real opportunity to transform Digbeth, providing a timely boost the local economy just when we need it.

Welcome to another Birmingham Irish Association news update

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