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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
27 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

King Kong at Nortons Digbeth by Gent 48

While the King Kong that was formerly at 'King Kong Park' in 2022 is now gone, there is another King Kong to see. Remember 'Forward in Unity' at Nortons Digbeth for Art 4 Charity? Well Gent 48 has come back and replaced it with a mural of King Kong. Also images of the BT Tower and Rotunda. Seen from Meriden Street.

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King Kong at Nortons Digbeth by Gent 48





While the King Kong that was formerly at 'King Kong Park' in 2022 is now gone, there is another King Kong to see. Remember 'Forward in Unity' at Nortons Digbeth for Art 4 Charity? Well Gent 48 has come back and replaced it with a mural of King Kong. Also images of the BT Tower and Rotunda. Seen from Meriden Street.


I noticed that the 'Forward in Unity' mural, painted by Gent 48 back in the summer 2020, during the pandemic had been painted over. So I travelled to Digbeth during the August Bank Holiday Weekend 2023 to see it up close.

The location as before is at Nortons Digbeth.

 

The wall now reads I ♥ BRUM, GUINNESS PLEASE BAB! also My My GUINNESS

A giant King Kong, the same one as the recration that was at King Kong Park last year from July to about October 2022.

The Rotunda resembles the way it was from the mid 1960s until before it was refurbished in the 2000s.

The top of the BT Tower has some satellite dishes, all of which are now removed from the top of it.

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

King Kong can be seen from passing buses on the Digbeth High Street if looking up Meriden Street (near the Eastside Metro extension).

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
26 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Digbeth street art on Fazeley Street from the High Vis Street Culture Festival in 2023

The 2023 High Vis Street Culture Festival was held in Digbeth around Fazeley Street during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August. Although after those dates, other artists such as Annatomix added pieces a few weeks after the event. There is the street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, and the buildings behind towards New Canal Street. This was the 50th Hip Hop anniversary.

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Digbeth street art on Fazeley Street from the High Vis Street Culture Festival in 2023





The 2023 High Vis Street Culture Festival was held in Digbeth around Fazeley Street during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August. Although after those dates, other artists such as Annatomix added pieces a few weeks after the event. There is the street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, and the buildings behind towards New Canal Street. This was the 50th Hip Hop anniversary.


High Vis Street Culture Festival during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August 2023 celebrated the 50th annivesary of Hip Hop.

Here are some the great street art found in Digbeth on the 15th and 22nd August 2023.

 

Don't Sleep by Poser on Floodgate Street, Digbeth

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Poser%20HVF%20Floodgate%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the Ether by Rude Brown Dude on Little Ann Street, Digbeth

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RBD%20Little%20Ann%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A starfield with a planet on Bordesley Street in Digbeth

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Bordesley%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, corner of Andover Street, had been completely repainted, for the first time since 2015.

This is now called The Printmaker's Arms according to the High Vis Street Culture Festival.

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

About a week later the Andover Street side of The Printmaker's Arms was looking finished.  You could even see it from the Digbeth Branch Canal!

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Graf%20House%20Digbeth%2022082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Graf%20House%20Digbeth%2022082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Most of the street art was to be seen on Fazeley Street in Digbeth.

The main piece was the Tempo 33 face that he normally paints all over Birmingham.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, Annatomix had added some art.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Annatomix crab.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Woman by Crysista Sim Simma.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, the space had been filled below NFAZ and High Vis 50 years of Hip-Hop! Annatomix to the right.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Container with eyes and rep lips with lipstick?

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Caravan painted by Scotford Wilds.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Print Makers. The caravan from the week before had now moved.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A cartoon cat with a mask on by Pojek.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First look at Miscfit on the shutter.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Miscfit again, one week later.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

On the shutters of William Marston Ltd on Fazeley Street was a ghost with a torch.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On the William Marston Ltd building on Fazeley Street as a green headed figure with purple top by VCT.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Purple grapes and more art on William Marston Ltd, corner of Fazeley Street and New Canal Street.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Purple grapes on William Marston Ltd again a week later, this time from New Bartholomew Street.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rude Brown Dude on the railway viaduct between New Canal Street and New Bartholomew Street. HS2 has now fenced off the road towards Curzon Street.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography courtesy Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
24 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The changing face of the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside

There is major changes in the area around the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside, Birmingham. Between the Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance and the Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance. Birmingham City University built there Eastside campus nearby during the 2010s. Now HS2 is underway and Glasswater Locks too.

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The changing face of the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside





There is major changes in the area around the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside, Birmingham. Between the Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance and the Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance. Birmingham City University built there Eastside campus nearby during the 2010s. Now HS2 is underway and Glasswater Locks too.


Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance, Ashted Lock's 2 and 3

The February 2011 view from Belmont Row. There was bulrushes growing next to Ashted Lock no  3. The land towards Lawley Middleway, had probably had demolition on it during the 2000s. Nothing would happen there until 2023!

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By March 2018, on the section towards the Belmont Row Bridge, near Ashted Locks 2 and 3, you could see the completed Birmingham City University buildings, University Locks, Curzon B, and the Curzon Building. The Lock Keepers Cottage was also restored. The towpath entrance / exit to Belmont Row was still open from this side, but still quite narrow. Wide enough for horses and people.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Belmont%20Row%20(Mar%202018)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2019, half of the brick wall on the right had been demolished, with fencing up. Meanwhile, it was before Belmont Row Works got restored, and you could also see the Unite the Union / Eastside Rooms building (later completed in 2020).

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As of August 2023, Glasswater Locks is under construction between Jennens Road, Lawley Middleway and Penn Street, with the Digbeth Branch Canal on one side. The towpath entrance from the Belmont Row Bridge is closed.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Belmont Row Bridge, Ashted Lock's 4 and 5 to Curzon Street Bridge

The view from the Belmont Row Bridge in February 2011. You could clearly see the pool of water to the right of Ashted Lock's 4 and 5. Work on the Curzon Building wouldn't begin to the right until about 2013, two years later. Curzon Street was still visible ahead.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The new steps from the Digbeth Branch Canal to Belmont Row and University Locks of Birmingham City University was open by September 2019.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There is a new entrance to the Digbeth Branch Canal from Belmont Row. To the left is student accommodation at University Locks (built 2015-16). To the right is the Curzon Building (built 2013-15), along with Curzon B (built 2016-18), all part of Birmingham City University. Seen during August 2023.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curzon Street Bridge, Ashted Bottom Lock to Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance

This was what the Digbeth Branch Canal looked like between Curzon Street and the Curzon Street Tunnel in February 2011, long before HS2. There used to be a modern towpath exit up the the road near the railway, above the tunnel, this was open as late as 2018.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curzon%20St%20Tunnel%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There used to be a circular area with benches, close to Curzon Street, as seen below in April 2017. It could have been used to move horses around in a circle with their rope attached to the narrowboat. Also the towpath exit used to lead to the road above the Curzon Street Tunnel. HS2 had closed this off by 2019 or 2020.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Curzon%20St%20(Apr%202017)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A now impossible shot from September 2018, I went up the towpath to the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel to look at the Birmingham City University buildings beyond Curzon Street. Access up here was still open into 2019, before HS2 eventually hoarded if off. Wasn't much up there, with land fenced off. This was before HS2 demolished the Curzon Gate student accommodation, in the way of the line in 2019.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Curzon%20St%20(Sep%202018)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2019, the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel had been hoarded off by HS2, although the towpath ramp was still open, it didn't lead anywhere any more, other than above the tunnel.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As of August 2023, Annatomix is working on finishing her mural for HS2 on the left, not far from the Ashted Bottom Lock. No longer access to the towpath exit above the tunnel now. But the towpath through the tunnel towards Fazeley Street is still open.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix%20HS2%20DGCE%2022082023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Travel & tourism
19 Jul 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Beach at Smithfield Birmingham from Danter Attractions

For the third summer in a row, Danter Attractions (the family group behind Ice Skate Birmingham and Digbeth Fun Fair) is opening a fun fair in Birmingham. This time at the Smithfield Festival Site. The entrance will be from Pershore Street in Southside. It runs from 14th July until 28th August 2023. Mostly the same rides as in previous years, Wild Mouse, Star Flyer, Air, Dodgems and so on.

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Beach at Smithfield Birmingham from Danter Attractions





For the third summer in a row, Danter Attractions (the family group behind Ice Skate Birmingham and Digbeth Fun Fair) is opening a fun fair in Birmingham. This time at the Smithfield Festival Site. The entrance will be from Pershore Street in Southside. It runs from 14th July until 28th August 2023. Mostly the same rides as in previous years, Wild Mouse, Star Flyer, Air, Dodgems and so on.


Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham. AKA Digbeth Fun Fair and Birmingham Beach, is once again being run by the family team at Danter Attractions (who annually hold Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square).

Entrance: Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 4RW

 

Dates: 14th July to 28th August 2023.

Postponed to 16th July due to the rain forecast. Or to a later date depending on the weather.

 

 

In 2021, Digbeth Fun Fair was located at Charles Henry Street (Warner Fields), while in 2022 it moved to land at High Street Bordesley (Lunar Rise). For 2023 it is at the corner of Smithfield near Pershore Street and Barford Street (Smithfield Birmingham). While these brownfield sites are not being used, Danter have been putting fun fairs on them each summer.

Smithfield was previously used in summer 2022 for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (Beach Volleyball and 3x3 Basketball).

 

Gallery of 25 photos below taken by Elliott Brown

 

Initial views taken from the no 6 bus on Moat Lane.

Air and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Got off the bus at the Bullring (Park Street), and next walked to the Upper Dean Street view.

Runaway Train

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view of the fun fair from Upper Dean Street towards the new developments in Southside.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgem and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Dean Street.

Air and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto Pershore Street near the entrance to Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham.

WELCOME TO THE BEACH

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Giant Circus Slides

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Top Spin

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Selfridges and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto the Pershore Street corner with Barford Street near Sherlock Street.

Air, Wild Spin and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The views from Moat Lane through the fence.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse and Snow Storm

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(21).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgems

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(22).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view from Moor Street Car Park, level 8 (over from the Parametric Bridge connected to Selfridges).

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(23).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View from the no 35 bus on Pershore Street

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(24).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before getting off the no 35 bus in Kings Heath on Vicarage Road, spotted this banner for Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham on the High Street near Institute Road.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(25).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Go to their Facebook page Birmingham Beach (Digbeth Fun Fair). For more close up photos of the beach and rides, than we have been able to get from walking around Upper Dean Street, Pershore Street, Barford Street and Moat Lane.

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Elliott Brown Transport
09 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022

Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.

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Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022





Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.


The major roadworks in Digbeth from July 2021 to July 2022 by the Midland Metro Alliance. They usually work during the week, apart from on Bank Holidays or at weekends.

The southbound lanes have been closed between Digbeth Police Station and The Rainbow, while the northbound bus lane has been closed and open to all traffic. The inner northbound lane has been used for southbound traffic. There is plenty of temporary traffic lights. Entrances from Heath Mill Lane, as well as the Zellig Car Park, and others that need access.

I've been getting the bus up and down it throughout, so not always wanted to get updates, when there was just big holes in the ground. Plus they will not be laying tracks on this side.

Sometimes takes 20 minutes to get through, if there is a lot of traffic. Longer if the traffic lights fail to work.

 

August 2021

On Monday 16th August 2021, the southbound lanes was closed by the Midland Metro Alliance, and they moved the southbound traffic into one of the former northbound lanes, close to Birmingham Coach Station. The northbound bus lane was open to all traffic.

Views from the top deck of the no 6 bus with National Express West Midlands Electric. Sitting at the time near the front, on the left, second window seat back.

Passing Digbeth Police Station. The first day that the traffic heading out of Digbeth would be diverted south onto one of the northbound lanes.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fancy Fabrics on the left. Early stages of the road being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Custard Factory and Zellig.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Custard Factory / Zellig and then the Clean Kilo.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Clean Kilo, followed by The Old Crown. Heath Mill Lane would remain open to traffic into 2022.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Old Crown, early stages of the road surface being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

May 2022

Saturday 28th May 2022, views from the top deck of the no 6 bus, National Express West Midlands Electric heading into the City Centre via Digbeth. Window seat on the right at the front.

Midland Metro Alliance have started to tarmac the southbound road surface at long last. It will only be temporary, as it needs to be in place for the Commonwealth Games.

Near The Rainbow.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

New paving outside of The Old Crown. They recently discovered a long lost hole, though to be a coal entrance, it's now been covered over.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Crown EME Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Custard Factory, Kilo Zero and The Old Crown. 

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At long last a tarmaced road surface. View towards Birmingham Coach Station, not far from the Custard Factory.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They will resume the work on Monday morning. This view not far from the coach station.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Big Bulls Head. Side roads such as Milk Street have been closed to traffic.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Bulls Head Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up is The Kerryman. The pavement has been quite narrow while they widen it, you can see the new curb stones here.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Kerryman Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This bit near the BCU Steam House (being demolished). View towards St Martin's Church and Digbeth Police Station. The eventual Metro line will come from HS2 via Meriden Street.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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