Delays to Pineapple Road station reopening

An unfortunate series of events means the Pineapple Road train station reopening to passengers will likely be delayed until the end of 2024.

An unstable wall that borders a locally listed building at Pineapple Road has had to be rebuilt brick by brick. Meanwhile, a previously undocumented Victorian well at the Kings Heath site, linked to the historic Highbury Hall, has meant a redesign of the area. Over in Moseley, badgers, who are protected species, have been discovered on the grounds and can only be moved at certain times of the year.

Despite these challenges, much of the structural work to prepare the site has now been completed at Kings Heath and Pineapple Road and the platforms are taking shape. Whilst the stations may not reopen until later, Transport for West Midlands have are of the view that most of construction work will be finished early next year.

Neil Gaskin, programme director for Network Rail’s Central Route, said: “These stations unlock the railway to three vibrant communities in Birmingham, which will bring benefits and opportunities to thousands of people and businesses. They will be worth the wait and we will continue to work with our partners to support them opening as soon as possible.”

Mini Caribbean festival coming to Stirchley

Leaf Creative Arts and Love Hertz are bringing Good Vibrations to Stirchley as they host a mini Caribbean festival in August.

The event, which takes place on Wednesday 9th August at Stirchley Baths, includes a steel pan troupe, reggae-aerobics & Calypso dancing, a Caribbean silent disco, dominoes tournament, and fruity refreshments.

All ages are welcome to this free event, which is family, carer and dementia friendly. The organisers have asked people, if possible, to let them know if they’re attending so they can have an idea of numbers. However if you turn up on the door they’re unlikely to send you away.

For more information, email leafcreativearts@gmail.com or call them on 07746642387.

Stirchley Co-operative Development breaks ground

An innovative, eco-friendly, affordable residential and retail premises will be coming to Stirchley next year, with the Stirchley Co-operative Development (SCD) breaking ground on their Pershore Road site.

SCD is a group of local people in housing and worker co-operatives who are developing land on Pershore Road (next to the British Oak) to house local businesses along with 39 apartments where residents will be charged affordable rent. Loaf bakery and cookery school, Birmingham Bike Foundry, and Artefact will all move into the building once it is completed, which is expected to be autumn 2024.

Members of the SCD were joined by Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe, Stirchley councillor Mary Locke, members of the Forum Committee, and a host of other guests to mark the breaking ground.

For more information on the Stirchley Co-operative Development, including registering your interest in joining the coop, visit https://www.stirchley.coop/

Councillor Ward Forum meeting agenda

Councillor Mary Locke’s ward forum meeting agenda has been released. The meeting, which takes place on Tuesday 20th June, will include updates from Stuart Cross from Kier Highways and Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for the Environment to talk about his role and responsibilities.

The meeting takes place at 6.30pm at Stirchley Community Baths on the corner of Hazelwell Street and Bournville Lane. All those with an interest in Stirchley are welcome. Please note this is NOT a Neighbourhood Forum meeting, and the July meeting will take place as normal on Monday 10th July.