After years standing dark and dormant, Birmingham's iconic New Street Station media screens are set to be reactivated next year, according to the Bullring's owners.
Years of Darkness for City Landmark
The three distinctive LED screens, often compared to Sauron's Eye from The Lord of the Rings, have been without power for an extended period, failing to display advertisements or provide their distinctive illumination to visitors arriving in the city centre.
Two of the screens located at the station's main entrances have been inactive since 2023, while the display near Station Street, close to the former John Lewis building, has been dark for even longer.
Hammerson, which owns both the Bullring shopping centre and the massive media screens, had previously indicated in May that they were reviewing their media assets but couldn't provide a timeline for when the screens might be restored to operation.
Public Pressure and Safety Concerns
The prolonged darkness of the screens has drawn criticism from Birmingham residents, including local campaigner Reiss Omari, who has consistently advocated for their restoration.
Omari previously told his social media followers that "Birmingham deserves better" and questioned whether such neglect would be tolerated in London.
The issue of the screens has become intertwined with broader safety concerns in the city centre, particularly regarding street lighting. Many central Birmingham streets remain poorly illuminated after sunset, potentially contributing to residents feeling unsafe.
The reactivation of the media eyes would provide a welcome additional source of lighting in the area, coinciding with heightened public awareness about urban safety following the tragic death of Katie Fox.
Confirmed Relaunch Timeline
In a fresh development, Hammerson has now confirmed plans to relaunch the New Street screens in 2026, though the company has not specified an exact month or date for the reactivation.
The confirmation came when BirminghamLive questioned Hammerson about its responsibility for fixing street lighting around the shopping centre.
A Hammerson spokesperson stated: "We believe people should feel safe and enjoy the vibrancy of Birmingham's city centre."
"As such, we take the health and safety of our visitors and the wider public exceptionally seriously. We're a key partner for the city and will continue to work with Birmingham City Council and WMCA to look at any ways in which we can support new or additional measures."
Network Rail has previously clarified that management of the screens falls solely under Hammerson's responsibility, distancing the rail operator from the decision-making process regarding the screens' operation.
