Work on 'dirty and scary' tunnel not due until 2029

Birmingham City Council says it recognises concerns about a "dirty and unsafe" tunnel but improvements won't be made for another three years.

St Martin's Queensway is the fastest pedestrian route between Birmingham's New Street and Moor Street stations, but users say it is blighted by anti-social behaviour, drug use and rubbish.

When the BBC visited this week, people could be seen sleeping rough in the underpass while litter and graffiti covered the walls.

The authority said it was working with partners on plans, but work is not scheduled to begin until early 2029.

"It's really dirty," said Wiktor, 22, from Erdington, who walks through the tunnel once or twice a week.

"There's a lot of homeless people and drugs and stuff. It's not nice but you get used to it."

Jane, 19, a student from Vietnam, explained she found the queensway intimidating.

"I think it's really scary," she said. "As a woman I wouldn't want to walk through this tunnel alone.

"I was trying to find an alternative to go around it rather than go under it even though it's the fastest route."

Retiree Judi Jones, a visitor from Warwick, described the tunnel as "a bit run down".

"It's very dark," she said. "I wouldn't feel very safe walking around here at night time."

But her husband Paul said it didn't represent the city.

"You walk through here and you think 'wow what a tip, what's happened to Birmingham?' [but] there are parts of Birmingham that are really lovely.

"If you re-did this it would make a huge difference."

Kellie Robinson, from Albrighton, said she was worried about her teenage son potentially using the tunnel when he joins a college in Birmingham in September.

"I don't think he's going to feel very safe," the 47-year-old said.

"We could go all the way around and avoid it but I'd rather he didn't. It's not great."

Asked what she would like to see done, she suggested the tunnel needed "a bit of colour, maybe some murals or something that's a bit more welcoming".

The walkway is owned by Hammerson, the company which also controls the Bullring and Grand Central.

The council said it was working with company and police to "tackle the current challenges on site, including anti-social behaviour, drug use and rough sleeping".

"We are committed to a cleaner, safer Birmingham, which is why we are developing longer-term proposals with partners to deliver significant and lasting improvements to this important route," a statement read.

Proposals include shared road space for buses, taxis and bikes, a wider footpath continuing through the tunnel, upgraded lighting, acoustic treatments and graphic designs on tiled walls.

"Work is scheduled to begin in early 2029," the statement added.

"These improvements will help create a cleaner, brighter and more welcoming area."

Hammerson was contacted for a response.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.