Work has commenced on a new lighting scheme designed to create brighter streets in Digbeth, close to HS2's Birmingham Curzon Street station.

The Birmingham City Council project – funded in part through a £210,140 investment from HS2's Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) – will see the installation of 75 new LED, high performance lighting columns along two walking routes through Digbeth.

With additional match funding provided by the council via its Highways Private Finance Initiative (PFI), the lighting is aimed at improving accessibility for people walking through the area and supporting the local night-time economy.

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The Digbeth Access Community Group was involved in the development of the project.

Each eight-metre tapered column has a coloured finial – an illuminated spike at the top – projecting above the LED street lights to indicate the two routes. A yellow route will direct pedestrians from Allison Street, near Moor Street Station, towards the Custard Factory. A second pink route will lead from Allison Street towards Fazeley Street, River Street and Digbeth’s bars and restaurants.

Due for completion by spring 2025, the illuminated routes will be located near to HS2’s flagship station in the West Midlands, which is currently under construction. Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station will be at the heart of the country’s new high-speed railway network, providing seven high speed rail platforms, a new public space, and integration with the city’s tram network.

The Digbeth lighting project is one of over 300 initiatives to be granted funding from HS2's Community & Environment (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Fund (BLEF).