Public realm works to transform city centre
13 January 2026
Pictured: An artist’s impression of Temple Street after the works have been completed
Major public realm improvements begun in January, bringing significant upgrades to key parts of the city centre – and here’s what Colmore Business District businesses need to know.
Birmingham City Council has appointed CPC Civils to deliver a programme of high-quality public realm works, including new granite paving, upgraded lighting, improved drainage and refreshed street furniture. The project is scheduled to run for around 18 months.
The works will transform a number of central streets, including New Street, Bennetts Hill, Ethel Street, Temple Street, Lower Temple Street, Eden Place and Chamberlain Passage. Although the programme sits outside Birmingham Colmore’s BID’s boundary, it will directly affect many routes that commuters, visitors and workers use every day.
Birmingham City Council said the enhanced pedestrian areas will create “safer and attractive” spaces for people walking and cycling, while restrictions on vehicle movements are expected to “help improve the overall air quality” over time.
“These works will involve small teams of highly skilled operatives removing the existing paving, upgrading the drainage and sub-base, and installing new surfaces across these locations,” a Council spokesperson confirmed.
The first phase begins on 5 January 2026 and includes refurbishment of the Victoria Square steps, the upper end of New Street from KFC and Nando’s through to the Apple Store and Mappin & Webb, as well as works on Temple Street near Flight Club, Fumo and The Ivy. A full timetable is shown below.
Some access routes will be temporarily diverted, with traffic management in place as needed. Any adjustments to waste collection points or delivery arrangements will be shared in advance, and Colmore will keep businesses informed through regular newsletter updates.
TIMETABLE
Temple Street – area by Flight Club – Fumo – The Ivy
Proposed work: January 5 until May 22
New Street – area by Nando’s – KFC – Simply Local
Proposed work: January 5 until April 16
New Street – area by Watches of Switzerland – Apple – Lloyds Bank – Gail’s Bakery
Proposed work: January 5 until April 30
New Street second phase – area by KFC and Boots
Proposed work: March 25 until July 9
New Street – area by Starbucks – Watches of Switzerland – Tesco
Proposed work: April 1 until June 4
Temple Street – area by Moss Bros – Flight Club – Tesco Car Park
Proposed work: May 25 until August 18
Cannon Street
Proposed work: July 10 until August 10
New Street – area by Bella Italia – Tim Hortons – Moss Bros
Proposed work: August 19 until November 9
Lower Bennetts Hill – areas by The Indian Streatery and Dave’s Hot Chicken
Proposed work: August 19 until November 25
Second phase Bennetts Hill – areas by Dirty Martini – Cosy Club – The Indian Streatery
Proposed work: November 26 until March 31, 2027
Lower Temple Street – area by Tim Hortons – Café Nero & Starbucks – Ladbrokes
Proposed work: April 1, 2027 until July 7, 2027
