Digbeth BID is calling for the potential impact of the proposed Midlands Rail Hub on local
businesses to be properly assessed, as the deadline for responses to the current public
consultation approaches.
The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance (MRHA) is consulting on early proposals for major rail works through Digbeth, including widening the Bordesley viaduct, two new sections of railway line, works at Birmingham Moor Street station and land that may be required temporarily or permanently.
The consultation closes this Friday 28 August, and Digbeth BID is urging businesses across the area to make themselves aware of the proposals and submit their own response.
Digbeth BID supports investment in better rail infrastructure and connectivity across the West Midlands, but is concerned about how potential disruption, access issues, uncertainty and land requirements could affect the businesses already operating in the area.
Digbeth has already experienced significant disruption associated with HS2 and the Eastside Metro Extension. The BID believes lessons from those projects need to be considered at an early stage as the Midlands Rail Hub proposals develop.
The BID has now submitted a detailed formal response to the consultation following a review of the consultation documents, Environment Report and indicative land plans. It has also mapped the potential impact against the BID area and rateable value data, considered experiences reported by businesses during the Metro works and taken specialist urban-planning input.
At the heart of its response are two key asks.
Firstly, the BID is calling for an independent economic and business disruption impact assessment to begin now, establishing a baseline while businesses are still trading and before continued uncertainty has the potential to affect investment, recruitment or expansion.
The BID wants this assessment published ahead of the next consultation on refined proposals, currently expected in 2027.
Secondly, it is asking MRHA to publish its options and viability analysis, including the evidence behind the preferred early proposal and the alternatives considered, before that next consultation.
Emma Riley, Chair of Digbeth BID, said:
“We absolutely support investment in the West Midlands and better rail connections. This isn’t about standing in the way of progress; it’s about ensuring progress doesn’t come at the expense of the businesses and communities already here.
“Digbeth has already lived through years of disruption from HS2 and the Eastside Metro Extension – long-term projects that have yet to deliver benefits to businesses in the region. We’ve seen what can happen when the impact on businesses isn’t properly understood early enough.
“We’re asking for something straightforward: assess the economic impact now, while businesses are still trading, and use that evidence to shape the proposals.
“Digbeth BID gives businesses a stronger collective voice. Now is exactly the time to use it.”
As well as submitting its own consultation response, Digbeth BID has written to Birmingham City Council, Shabana Mahmood MP and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, asking them to support its concerns and help ensure Digbeth’s existing economy is properly considered as the scheme develops.
The BID is also asking MRHA to minimise land take and demolition; protect access for businesses, customers, staff, deliveries and vulnerable users during any works; provide clear and early communication; coordinate works with other major infrastructure projects; and ensure support and compensation arrangements properly consider the different ways businesses occupy premises in Digbeth.
With the consultation still open, the BID is now encouraging individual businesses to submit their own responses and provide first-hand evidence of how the proposals could affect them.
Businesses potentially facing acquisition, demolition, loss of access, construction disruption or worksites close to their premises are particularly encouraged to explain those impacts in their own words.
Digbeth BID is also offering support to businesses that would like help putting together their response.
The Midlands Rail Hub consultation closes on Friday 28 August 2026.
Businesses and members of the public can respond through the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance website or by emailing engagement@mrhalliance.co.uk.
Digbeth businesses requiring support with their response can contact hello@digbethbid.co.uk.