‘Struggling’ city centre traders have spoken of their ‘relief’ after it was announced that construction work on Lower Bull Street would soon be complete. Businesses on the major city centre route said two years of tram works had ‘significantly’ impacted their footfall.
Work first started to extend the Metro line to Digbeth through Bull street in early 2021. Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) staff will continue to work on Lower Bull Street over the next few days to finish paving installation - but the route is set to reopen to buses this week.
Traders on the road said they had noticed a ‘big difference’ in their profits during the two years of construction. They told BirminghamLive they hoped business would pick up once the road was cleared.
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Muhammad Abrar, of MS Cosmetics hair and beauty shop, said it had been a ‘long two years’ with the roadworks. “When the road works started we noticed a big difference in sales,” he said.
“Less customers were coming in because they didn’t like the road works. We’re glad to hear it’s nearly done and we hope business will pick back up.
“In the long run, we’ll get more walking traffic and traffic from the trams and buses. We’re hoping that makes a difference and things go back to how they were - it’s been a long two years but another week won’t hurt.”
Barbar Islam of Baguette World on Lower Bull Street added: “Business has been much quieter since the tram works started. People don’t come to this part of town anymore - they stay around New Street and around the ramp.
“We used to have four or five members of staff working in this shop - now there’s just two of us. When we heard it was going to open again we were very relieved - we hope it’s going to help.”
A track has now been fitted between Bull Street and Dale End which will allow trams to travel in six directions when the Eastside Metro extension is running. Buses heading towards Pheasey, Walsall , Sutton Coldfield and Brownhills West, that were previously diverted to temporary stops along High Street and Dale End, will now pick up passengers from a new stop on Corporation Street from Sunday, July 23.
Coun Liz Clements, Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for transport, said: “I am pleased this extension has made such headway in recent weeks. The Metro is a key part of Birmingham’s sustainable transport offer as we encourage people to leave their cars at home so we can have safer streets, cleaner air and achieve our net zero emissions goal.”
Midlands Metro Alliance project director, Maria Ion, said: “We're all delighted to have reached this key stage of construction along Lower Bull Street. I would like to thank all the businesses, residents and visitors for their patience while the construction was taking place.
"Although we will still be carrying out some activity in Lower Bull Street and Dale End, our teams will continue to work closely with partners to minimise disruption wherever possible.”
Have you been affected by this? Do you have a similar story to tell? We'd like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing nathan.clarke@reachplc.com
