Birmingham City Council has been awarded more than £210,000 from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) to improve the lighting and accessibility of walking routes in Digbeth.
The funding will be used for a new lighting scheme designed to brighten streets near HS2’s flagship Birmingham Curzon Street Station, currently under construction.
It will see the installation of 75 new LED lighting columns along two key walking routes through Digbeth.
The yellow route will lead from Allison Street towards the Custard Factory, while the pink route will direct people towards Fazeley Street, River Street and the area’s bars and restaurants.
Expected to be completed by spring 2025, the project is part of a wider effort to enhance the local night-time economy and improve accessibility for people walking through the area.
The scheme is also supported by additional match funding from the council through its Highways Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
Cllr. Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “This is a fantastic project, with the Digbeth business community that has been impacted by the HS2 construction works closely involved in its development. It supports the wider investment that Birmingham is making in the area and demonstrates the importance of the vibrant night-time economy in Digbeth.”
Cathy Elliott, independent chair of the HS2 Fund said: “The funding programme is delighted to support such a worthwhile project for local businesses. Digbeth’s lighting project will bring a variety of benefits for local people and the area’s night-time economy. I’m glad that we can support the continued development and success of local businesses.
“Over the years I have visited many projects funded through HS2’s CEF & BLEF schemes, and the one thing these projects all have in common is that their positive impact they have on the local community is positively felt by the people I speak to.
“We still have a lot of work ahead, with just over half of the funding pot still unallocated. I would encourage any organisation delivering projects in communities that are impacted by the construction of HS2 to look into the HS2 funds, get in contact, and see if we can help you achieve your goals.”
