Westside Metro extension from Hagley Road to Broad Street - Late April 2021 update

With lockdown restrictions being eased, I was able to back on the bus again for the first time in around 4 months. Again got the no 1 bus to Harborne Road in Edgbaston, and walked around Highfield Road to the start of the Westside Metro extension outside of 54 Hagley Road. Pitstop at Starbucks, bit of rain, and had my coffee on the walk down Broad Street.

A walk down Hagley Road and Broad Street on the morning of Thursday 29th April 2021. The third lockdown over the last four months meant I was unable to travel into the City Centre (other than by car). I did once pass this area in the car (as a passenger) going to and from Edgbaston Reservoir. But with lockdown restrictions being eased again, I'm able to ride trains and buses again. Got the no 1 to the Harborne Road terminus in Edgbaston, and walked down to Highfield Road (instead of taking the Morrisons shortcut). To get to the Hagley Road and walk towards Fifty4 Hagley Road.

 

Edgbaston Village

This is the site of what might be called Edgbaston Village Tram Stop, outside of Fifty4 Hagley Road (54 Hagley Rd).

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There isn't much sign of a tram stop here, and they are still doing things around the tracks.

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The site is just outside of Barclays Bank on the Hagley Road.

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Heading to Starbucks Coffee for a drink, there is outdoor seating (not many tables and chairs).

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I did initially sit at a table, but started to rain, so instead crossed over the road and continued on to Five Ways Island and Broad Street. Temporary traffic lights here.

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Five Ways Tram Stop

Now on Broad Street, venues such as Cineworld and Pryzm have been closed since before the 2nd lockdown, and should be reopening by May 2021.

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The crossover point on Broad Street near Pryzm, towards The Bank and The Mercian.

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The other direction past Cineworld towards the Five Ways underpass, this leads to the Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

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Bishopsgate Street, between Pryzm and Cineworld, has new paving. I look forward to going back to the cinema. For me it's been all Netflix and Amazon Prime Video over the 3rd lockdown.

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The new Five Ways Tram Stop, with a view towards The Bank and The Mercian. Doesn't seem that long ago that you could get buses down here (more than 2 years ago now).

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Map showing the further extensions that are being built, including to Brierley Hill, Wolverhampton Station and the Eastside extension.

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Another look at Five Ways Tram Stop from Broad Street. In the direction of Five Ways Island.

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Brindleyplace Tram Stop

Continuing on along Broad Street. It was very quiet in the morning. The odd person or cyclist heading down here.

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Also the one person on a scooter. This was near The Bank and The Mercian.

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Some poles have been installed for the overhead cables on Broad Street.

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Approaching the site of Brindleyplace Tram Stop, I noticed the scaffolding on the left at Ten Brindleyplace, Willmott Dixon Interiors. Sainsbury's Local was open.

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Brindleyplace Tram Stop was outside of Nine Brindleyplace and Free Radio.

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Beyond Brindleyplace towards The Brasshouse and The Crown (Reflex The 80's Bar) and Coyote Ugly.

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Outside of The Solomon Cutler Free House was parked several Colas Rail vans. I think they were doing something near Library Tram Stop.

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Many of the Broad Street Walk of Stars were back on the pavement I noticed. Mostly the ones I've seen in the past.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown