Iconic Flying Scotsman Draws Crowds to Birmingham's Moor Street Station
This week, Birmingham welcomed a surge of visitors eager to witness the legendary Flying Scotsman locomotive as it arrived at the historic and picturesque Moor Street Station. The iconic steam engine offered passengers a scenic round-trip journey towards Dorridge, providing ample photo opportunities beside the record-breaking machine. However, the experience of reaching Moor Street from New Street Station has sparked significant backlash, with many locals and online commentators harshly criticizing the connecting route.
St Martin's Queensway Tunnel Described as 'Dingy' and Unsafe
BirminghamLive recently conducted a walk-through of the St Martin's Queensway tunnel, following a viral video by Transport Matters that labeled the most direct path between the two stations as 'dingy'. Reporters observed a troubling scene marred by extensive graffiti, litter, discarded intravenous needles, and cans of extra-strength cider. The tunnel emitted a strong odor of urine, and on a bitterly cold morning, individuals were seen sleeping in bags under the shelter as tourists passed by en route to Moor Street.
The tunnel is owned by Hammerson, a major property developer with a substantial portfolio in Birmingham, including Bullring and Grand Central. Last summer, Hammerson acquired the remaining 50% stake in the tunnel for £319 million. The company also owns The Square shopping centre, where demolition work has recently commenced.
Council and Hammerson Collaborate on Long-Term Improvement Plans
Birmingham City Council has acknowledged the ongoing concerns regarding the St Martin's Queensway tunnel. A spokesperson stated that the council is working closely with Hammerson and the police to address current challenges such as anti-social behavior, drug use, and rough sleeping. The council emphasized its commitment to creating a cleaner and safer Birmingham, with longer-term proposals developed in partnership with Hammerson, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Network Rail.
These proposals include measures to reduce anti-social behavior, create shared road space for buses, black cabs, and bicycles, widen and open up the footpath through the tunnel, upgrade lighting, implement acoustic treatments to minimize vehicle noise, and add graphical designs to newly tiled walls. Work on these improvements is scheduled to begin in early 2029, aiming to transform the area into a brighter and more welcoming route.
Alternative Routes Between New Street and Moor Street Stations
For those wishing to avoid the tunnel, there are alternative paths between New Street and Moor Street stations, though they require additional time and consideration for accessibility. One option involves going up and over the tunnel, passing by the Bullring instead of underneath it, but this route includes steps and ramps that may pose challenges. Another alternative is to travel through the Bullring itself, taking lifts or escalators up to Grand Central from New Street, then proceeding through Link Street and the shopping centre towards Selfridges, where an exit leads to Moor Street.
