Birmingham city centre road closures & security operation for the Conservative Party Conference

The conference is taking place on Broad Street so multiple roads around the area will closed off, to buses, trams and cyclists as more than 12,000 are expected over four days, including visitors and protesters
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The Conservative Party Conference will take place in Birmingham from Sunday to Wednesday, 2-5 October and there are a number of road closures in place around the ICC and Chamberlain Square where the Tory Party and Prime Minister Liz Truss are due to meet.

The conference is taking place next to Broad Street so multiple roads around the area will closed off, even to buses and trams. The closures affect cyclists and motorists. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event. A number of cost of living protesters are also expected to demonstrate nearby. Around 11,000 delegates will be visiting Birmingham during the event which is taking place at the International Convention Centre ICC and in Chamberlain Square.

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Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the ICC and armed officers will also be out on patrol during the conference.

The security operation has been months in the planning and has involved close working with Birmingham City Council, the International Convention Centre (ICC), Hyatt Regency Birmingham and many other partners.

The closures are in place until Friday 7 October. The road closures accompany amajor security operation.

Armed patrols in place for Conservative Party Conference at the ICCArmed patrols in place for Conservative Party Conference at the ICC
Armed patrols in place for Conservative Party Conference at the ICC

Here are all the road closures in place:

For cyclists

They will be able to can gain access around the affected areas via Lyon Queensway, Summer Row, Parade, Sand Pits, Clement Street, St Vincent Street, Sheepcote Street, Broad Street, Granville Street, Holliday Street, Suffolk Street Queensway, and Lyon Queensway.

For motorists

Cambridge Street

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Cambridge Street, from Civic Close to Brindley Drive will be closed at all times from Sunday 2 October to Friday 7 October.

During the above closures, temporary access to Brindley Drive will be available from Summer Row via Lyon Queensway (Paradise Circus) and Cambridge Street.

Broad Street

Broad Street, from Lyon Queensway (Paradise Circus) to Gas Street will be closed from Wednesday 28 September to Thursday 6 October.

Broad Street will remain closed after the conference from Thursday 6 October to Sunday 9 October for essential maintenance works of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension.

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A clearly signed diversion route will be in place for vehicles and traffic marshals will be on hand to assist drivers where needed. Pedestrian access and access to all frontages in the area of the works will be maintained.

Bridge Street

The northern section of Bridge Street (outside of Hyatt Regency Hotel) will be closed from Tuesday 27 September to Friday 7 October.

Please note that access to The Wharf and the Bridge Street access road (at the southern end of Bridge Street) will be maintained at all times from Holliday Street.

Birmingham city centre road closures for the Conservative Party Conference 2022Birmingham city centre road closures for the Conservative Party Conference 2022
Birmingham city centre road closures for the Conservative Party Conference 2022

What has West Midlands Police said about the security operation?

A police spokesperson said: “We have established an excellent reputation as a conference force in recent years, and this is the seventh time we have mounted this type of complex, multi-faceted operation in the city.

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“Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the ICC and armed officers will also be out on patrol during the conference.

“The security operation has been months in the planning and has involved close working with Birmingham City Council, the International Convention Centre (ICC), Hyatt Regency Birmingham and many other partners.”

Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, who is leading the operation, added: “I want to stress that there has been no specific intelligence received relating to a threat to the conference and everything we are doing is as a precaution.

“Members of the public are our eyes and ears on the ground in the city and I’d remind anyone who sees anything suspicious or that causes concern to speak to one of our officers or call 101 as soon as possible.”

Birmingham City Council’s advice

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“You are advised to plan your journey and to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible. Business and leisure venues on Broad Street, Brindley Place and the surrounding areas remain open as usual. Access to the Library of Birmingham and Register Office are unaffected; however you are advised to allow extra time for your journey,” the council said on its website.

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