Businesses in Moseley were looking forward to a timely boost to trade when the new station was due to open later this year. But instead they were bitterly disappointed with the news that the long-awaited new facility, along with planned stations at Kings Heath and Pineapple Road, has been delayed until next year.
Strolling down the main shopping streets the village seems bustling with a range of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and more than a few estate agents with lots of people moving around on a mid-week morning. However, when I spoke to several business owners, it was hard to escape the overwhelming sense of frustration and skepticism they now feel about the entire project.
Transport for West Midlands said it faced rising costs totaling £121m due to rising costs of labour, materials and energy, but gave assurances the projects would be delivered. George Howell, of Indigo Wholefoods, which is based opposite the new station on St Mary’s Row, said: “It’s disappointing.
READ MORE: Birmingham’s Camp Hill line and other major transport projects delayed again
“It’s been a long time coming anyway – until the first discussions about it more than 20 years ago. We seemed to be getting closer to it, but unfortunately problems at Transport for West Midlands have now got in the way.”
“It will now be two years since it was first planned. The delays since then have been very disappointing. For Moseley in general, I think having another means of transport to the village will be beneficial. For us specifically, it’s right across the road from us so it will be very beneficial.
“What I’m not sure about yet is the impact on parking and the local road network, but the benefit of the train station has to outweigh that.” And when asked how confident he was that the new station would be completed next year, Mr Howell said: “I’ll believe it when I actually see it!”
Harry Singh, of Grounded Kitchen on Alcester Road, said they were looking forward to seeing the facility completed and open this year to boost business. He said: “We were hoping to get more people into the area and we needed that, so we’re disappointed the station won’t happen this year.
“I think it’s going to be beneficial, it’s going to bring more people to the area and anything that brings more people is great for any business, especially restaurants. But I’m not sure it’s going to happen. It’s the second delay and it’s on budget so I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets delayed again.
“We’ll have to wait and see. We’ve had some positive news that it’s opening here and we’ve been looking forward to it, so the delay will have a financial impact on us. We’re struggling right now. They’re opening in 2020 and they’re talking to other businesses, who have been here longer and say this year was probably the worst they’ve been in business.’
Tas, from the Designer Dress Agency in Alcester Road, said: “We’ve been looking forward to it. Now there’s a delay, we don’t know how long it’s going to be and how it’s going to affect anyone. I honestly don’t know if it’s going to happen.
“They might move it again, so who knows? It’s bound to happen. People have been waiting a long time for this, so I can understand those relying on it being disappointed with public transport now.”
“There is a good bus service but having a train station would be an added benefit – especially for pubs and restaurants in the evening.”
And the woman, who did not want to be named, added: “It’s not the first time it’s been delayed, so it’s starting to look like it’s never going to happen. I don’t know what caused the first delay, but now they’re saying they’re delaying again.
“I think it will be quite useful for the citizens and all the areas around it. I don’t live in Moseley myself and it will be very beneficial.”
This is the second delay for the Camp Hill line project after it was originally due for completion in 2023.
Another major transport project coming back to 2025 is the first phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro scheme. The item will be discussed at a West Midlands Combined Authority board meeting on Friday (July 19). West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has ordered a review of the funding and delivery of all transport projects as a result of the delays.
Join our Best of Brum WhatsApp community here