Full details on Birmingham city centre improvement works starting in January

The first phase of extensive public realm works in Birmingham city centre will get underway on January 5. Here’s a look at the timeline along with where and what work will be taking place.

CPC Civils is working on behalf of Birmingham City Council to install new granite surfaces and improve lighting, drainage and street furniture over six phases of work. It will enhance large areas of the city centre over two years and Central BID will be supporting businesses throughout the project.

The first phase will start on January 5 focusing on the steps at Victoria Square and sections of New Street and Temple Street, as highlighted in the map below.

Areas in blue along New Street and green at Victoria Square in Birmingham will see work start on January 5.

First phase public realm work in New Street will take place between Nandos and KFC and between The Apple Store and Watches of Switzerland.

In Temple Street, work will take place between Fumo and Flight Club.

This is what the first phase will involve:

  • The top of Temple Street and the middle section of the footway on both ends of New Street will be closed, while maintaining access to shop frontages
  • To maintain vehicle access and waste management, Bennetts Hill and Temple Street will have two-way traffic flows while Temple Street is closed.
  • Two dedicated Traffic Marshalls will be on site to coordinate access and deliveries across New Street, Temple Street and Bennetts Hill.
  • The first week will involve areas being cordoned off, signs being erected and equipment arriving.
  • By the third week, work to break through existing concrete is expected to be underway. Noise cancelling equipment to help direct the sound away from businesses will be used.


CPC Civils has set up a hub at 70 New Street, next to Medicine Café, for businesses to talk directly with its Public Liaison Officer Peace about any issues while work is taking place.

Drop-in sessions will also take place at this hub every Wednesday.

Over the full length of the two-year project, areas being improved include New Street, Bennetts Hill, Ethel Street, Temple Street, Lower Temple Street, Eden Place and Chamberlain Passage.

CPC Civils team, left to right, Contracts Manager Jim Walton, Project Manager Phil Jones and Public Liaison Officer Peace

Birmingham City Council said pedestrianised areas would make the city centre “safer and attractive” for cyclists, residents, visitors and businesses. Restricting vehicles also aims to “help improve the overall air quality” in the long term.

See more on this project at CPC Civils website here.