Controversial Midlands Rail Hub plans threaten iconic Birmingham community hub
Birmingham Friends of the Earth calls for a major rethink to protect Digbeth's vibrant community spaces
Last updated 26th Oct 2026
The iconic Warehouse building in Digbeth, home to Birmingham Friends of the Earth, is facing demolition under the controversial £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub proposals.
The plans, revealed in July 2026, have sparked significant backlash from local community groups, including the Birmingham Friends of the Earth, who have been campaigning to protect the building they describe as an integral part of the city’s community fabric.
Karen Leach, CEO of Birmingham Friends of the Earth and campaign leader, highlighted the importance of The Warehouse as a shared space for various organisations, including charities for refugees and LGBT communities.
"The warehouse is our wonderful community building," Leach said.
"It would be such a huge loss to Birmingham's environmental and community centre if it were to go."
Leach also criticised the planned extension of the Bordesley Viaduct:
"The whole area of Digbeth and its economy and the way it feels as a place is going to be decimated by this scheme."
Last week, in the night between Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October, a mural mocking the project appeared on The Warehouse, illustrating growing community dissent.
The anonymous artist painted two Network Rail workers covering up the 'Tree Lungs' artwork, which was already on the side of the building, with grey paint.
Leach advocates for significant changes to the proposal, suggesting an alternative approach that separates construction phases to minimise disruption to Digbeth.
"There are other ways to deliver that don’t cause anything like this amount of damage," Leach said.
Despite the criticism, the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance insists the project will alleviate rail congestion and promote job creation.
The initial consultation period ran from 6th July to 28th August 2026, with feedback currently under review.
Mark Cuzner, Alliance Director, Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, said:
"We received more than 3,500 responses to our consultation, alongside valuable feedback through our consultation events and conversations with businesses and stakeholders. This has given us a clearer understanding of local views and concerns about potential impacts while designs are at an early stage of development.
"We are carefully considering that feedback alongside our ongoing technical and environmental work as we refine the proposals and look for opportunities to avoid, reduce or manage impacts wherever possible. The feedback we have received will play an important role in shaping our proposals ahead of a second consultation planned for summer 2027."