Demolition keeps Eastside Metro on track
The Birmingham Eastside Metro extension took a step forward with the successful demolition of a recently-vacated college building in Digbeth, signalling that construction for the route remains on track.
The derelict building was pulled down by the Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), in order to make room for trams to turn from Meriden Street to Digbeth High Street.
Peter Cushing, director of the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “With a summer of sport almost upon us, it is great to be able to share an update on progress on the Metro scheme. It 's great to see the “Creative Quarter 's ” new look beginning to take shape with attractive street scene improvements. I look forward to providing further progress on the project after the Games. ”
The demolition work, which took place between April and June this year, was captured on a time-lapse camera. The Kings Parade building, located on Dales End, is also set to be taken down before the close of the year following the completion of works in Lower Bull Street.
Construction activity for the extension is set to continue throughout the summer with some localised and discreet works during the Games. Following the international sporting event, Metro works will return to the area with activities to lay the first tram tracks expected by the end of the year.
Since construction began in Digbeth last July, the team have made significant progress on the urban realm works which are part of Birmingham City Council and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership 's masterplan to regenerate the area.
David Hardman, interim deputy chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), said: “In the last decade, the Enterprise Zone Investment Plan (EZIP) has helped drive the transformation of Birmingham 's city centre.
“This latest milestone highlights the progress our partners have made in delivering the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension project which received £15.4 million Enterprise Zone funding. When complete, it will improve local connectivity into the new HS2 Curzon Street station whilst also creating a better environment for walkers, cyclists and public transport users."
The £227m Birmingham Eastside Metro extension, will run from Bull Street, in the city centre, to Digbeth, adding four new tram stops to the Metro network. More than half of the 1.7km route is planned to be free of overhead wires, similar to the recently opened extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square.
For any further information visit www.metroalliance.co.uk or email [email protected].