National Grid has promised to restore a Birmingham city centre street to its former glory “as soon as possible” after the area was left “scarred” by unsightly tarmac patches, following a public backlash.
Luxury Paving Replaced with Tarmac
The granite slabs on Colmore Row, laid in 2024 outside Birmingham Council House, were dug up by National Grid workers. However, the company has yet to reinstate the original materials, leaving behind what critics call an “eyesore”.
Temporary tarmac patches have remained in place for over a year in some sections, with additional patches appearing in the past two months. Residents and campaigners have expressed frustration online, branding the fix as “lazy” and “ghastly”.
Campaigner Calls for Action
Reiss Omari, a local campaigner, questioned why money was spent on “nice things” if firms are “allowed to do this”. He noted that a patch around a lamppost has been in place since February 2025, adding: “You wouldn’t accept that as temporary in your garden.”
While many directed criticism at Birmingham City Council, the authority clarified that National Grid is responsible for restoring the area. The council said it is “actively working” with the energy firm to secure a permanent reinstatement.
National Grid’s Response
A National Grid spokesperson acknowledged the frustration, stating: “We know the current finish on Colmore Row isn’t what people expect… A temporary surface is in place to keep the area open and safe while a permanent solution is implemented.”
They added that reinstating the original granite slabs is more complex than standard paving. The company is in talks with the council to agree on the approach, including responsibility, materials, and delivery, and aims to restore the area “as soon as possible”.
Council’s Position
A council spokesperson explained that the works were urgent due to faults in an adjacent building that caused power outages. National Grid has statutory powers to leave the interim tarmac reinstatement for up to six months. However, the council is pushing for permanent restoration well before that deadline.
The situation has highlighted the challenges of balancing urgent utility repairs with maintaining the aesthetic quality of Birmingham’s historic streets. Both parties have committed to resolving the issue promptly.
