Work on the city centre extension of the West Midlands Metro network in Birmingham will take another step forward this month when demolition of a commercial building begins. Kings Parade in Dale End is best known for housing a McDonald's restaurant which closed last year but will now be razed to make way for the 'Eastside' extension, connecting Bull Street with Digbeth.
The demolition is due to be completed by next spring and throughout the programme of works the site will be continually cleared in order for utility diversions and upgrades to take place. New track will then be laid through the site later in 2023.
This extension will add a mile of track and four new stops to the metro network, serving Albert Street, Meriden Street, the new HS2 station in Curzon Street and sites such as the South & City College, Custard Factory and Birmingham Coach Station in Digbeth.
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Construction for the scheme has been ongoing in Lower Bull Street since last year including the development of the delta junction and street scene improvements.
Michael Anderson, metro programme director at Transport for West Midlands, said: "It is fantastic to see construction of the Eastside extension progressing to this new phase.
"The upcoming demolition of Kings Parade will bring us one step closer to completion of this highly anticipated scheme, not only that but the removal of the building will also pave the way for the regeneration of this area of the city centre.
"The Kings Parade building is well known but since the units have become empty we have had many questions from local businesses and residents about when it will be demolished to allow metro progress to continue and we are delighted to be able to confirm that these works will be starting this month."
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Traffic measures already in place in Lower Bull Street will remain, with motorists diverted via Carrs Lane.
Buses, which were diverted in spring 2021 when activities began, will continue to serve amended routes and stops while the current Hackney carriage bays in Dale End will still be accessible via a new location at Lower Bull Street.
This new phase in the project follows the installation of the first pieces of track on Digbeth High Street last month.