Digbeth clubs protest against £1.75 billion railway plan

EVENTS AND CLUBS

In Digbeth, Birmingham’s creative quarter, clubs, bars and live music spaces are protesting against a £1.75 billion railway project promoted by the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance. According to Mixmag, the plan could harm more than 50 businesses in the area affected by the works.

The proposals aim to improve the rail network between Moor Street station and Bordesley, with the stated goal of easing pressure on New Street Station, adding two new platforms and increasing trains into Moor Street. Venues named as under threat include XOYO Birmingham, Mama Roux’s, Club Colette, The Night Owl, Luna Springs and komunal.

Save Our Scene and the Digbeth Music Venues Alliance are coordinating the venues’ response. On October 11, the Digbeth Block Party brought together DJs, venue owners, clubbers and other participants to support the Save Digbeth campaign.

Artists cited as taking part in the event include Silva Bumpa and Fleur Shore. According to Save Our Scene, more than 4,000 emails have been sent to Birmingham MP and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood opposing the railway plans.

Source: Mixmag