Construction of the final section of Birmingham’s Eastside Metro extension has begun at the HS2 Curzon Street station site.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is delivering the project for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has taken possession of the first parcel of land within the HS2 site. The handover allows ground preparation to start ahead of track laying between the existing Millennium Point stop and the future Curzon Street tram stop.
Two-stage site handover
The final section will connect Bull Street with Digbeth Coach Station, with passenger services to Digbeth expected to begin in 2028.
The Eastside extension is being delivered in phases. The section from Bull Street to the temporary Millennium Point stop is open, while track has been completed along Digbeth High Street and into Meriden Street. Work is continuing on New Canal Street.
A second parcel of land is due to be handed over in spring 2027. HS2 is currently installing concrete beams across structural pillars in this area to form a tunnel allowing trams to pass beneath the high-speed station.
HS2 Ltd will continue work on and around Curzon Street station while the tramway is operational. The new Curzon Street tram stop will open at a later date, alongside the HS2 station.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker 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.”
Jonathan Berry, HS2 Ltd project director for Curzon Street station, said the extension would improve public transport links through Digbeth and access to jobs and education.
He said: “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.
“We’re making strong progress on the main site and remain on track to handover the rest of the space needed for the tram in spring next year.”