Construction of the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension has reached the HS2 Curzon Street station site. Contractors will now prepare the ground for track installation on the final section of the route.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is delivering the project on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has taken possession of the first parcel of land on the HS2 site. The handover marks the start of work on the link between the existing temporary Millennium Point stop and the planned Digbeth Coach Station terminus.
The Eastside extension is being constructed in phases. The section between Bull Street and Millennium Point is already open to passengers, while track installation has been completed at the Digbeth High Street end, turning into Meriden Street. Construction also continues along New Canal Street.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:Getting spades in the ground at the HS2 Curzon Street site is a major step forward for our tram network.
This final section bridges the gap between Bull Street and Digbeth, opening up crucial local connections and driving investment right into the heart of Birmingham. It also lays the foundations to extend Metro services out to the Sports Quarter and beyond.
Contractors took possession of the first section of the HS2 site last week to prepare for track laying from Millennium Point. A second land handover is scheduled for spring 2027.
The second section is needed for HS2 to install concrete beams across structural pillars, forming the tunnel through which trams will pass beneath Curzon Street station. HS2 will continue construction work on and around the station while the Metro extension is built below.
Passenger services to Digbeth Coach Station are scheduled to begin in 2028. The new Curzon Street tram stop will open at a later date, alongside the HS2 station.
Jonathan Berry, HS2 Ltd's project director for Curzon Street station, said:The Eastside Metro extension will bring huge benefits for Birmingham – improving public transport links through Digbeth and boosting access to jobs and education opportunities.
That’s why we’ve been working really hard with our contractors and TfWM to agree the two-stage handover of the land they need under the station so work can begin as soon as possible.
HS2 Ltd said work on the main station site was progressing and that it remained on schedule to hand over the remaining space required for the tram extension in spring 2027.
