Work begins on Digbeth lighting scheme following HS2 grant

The Birmingham City Council project – funded in part through a £210,140 investment from HS2’s Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) – will see the installation of 75 new LED, high performance lighting columns along two walking routes through Digbeth.

With additional match funding provided by the council via its Highways Private Finance Initiative (PFI), the lighting is aimed at improving accessibility for people walking through the area and supporting the local night-time economy.

Each eight-metre tapered column has a coloured finial – an illuminated spike at the top – projecting above the LED street lights to indicate the two routes.

A yellow route will direct pedestrians from Allison Street, near Moor Street Station, towards the Custard Factory.

A second pink route will lead from Allison Street towards Fazeley Street, River Street and Digbeth’s bars and restaurants.

Due for completion by spring 2025, the illuminated routes will be located near to HS2’s flagship station in the West Midlands, which is currently under construction.