A contemporary art gallery in Birmingham’s Digbeth district has voiced significant frustration over a prolonged period of roadworks that have severely impacted its visibility and customer traffic. Seventh Circle, located on Bowyer Street and known for showcasing independent artists, describes the ongoing construction as a “six-month nightmare” that has “actively crushed its footfall.” What was initially planned as a five-week project has, according to the gallery, devolved into a six-month ordeal characterized by contractor vehicles and temporary barriers obscuring the venue.
Digbeth Gallery’s Struggle with Extended Roadworks
Seventh Circle, a vibrant space featuring paintings, sculptures, and other art forms, operates within a neighborhood celebrated for its creative energy. However, the persistent “external mess” outside its doors has created substantial challenges. Gallery director Marie Hutton explained the delicate balance independent businesses face when deciding whether to publicly address such issues. “You don’t want to bring negative energy into the room, but staying completely silent while an external mess actively crushes our footfall isn’t an option,” Hutton stated.
The root of the problem, as described by Hutton, involves a “complex repair” by Severn Trent Water to a Victorian sewer pipe. “For six months, concrete trickled down and set inside a Victorian pipe right outside, turning a five-week job into a six-month nightmare,” she elaborated. The consequence for the gallery has been a drastic reduction in visibility. “From the street corner you literally cannot see us. It looks like a dead end. Visibility has hit an all-time low, and for an independent space, this is serious,” Hutton added.
Severn Trent Water’s Response and Apology
Severn Trent Water has acknowledged the situation, issuing an apology for the disruption. A spokesperson for the water company explained that their teams have been engaged in “complex repairs to a sewer which was seriously damaged by suspected third party misuse in March.” The nature of the repair necessitated traffic management measures to ensure the safety of both crews and the public.
The company stated that they have been in communication with local businesses to mitigate the impact of the works. “We have been liaising with local businesses to minimise impact where possible, including installing ‘Businesses open as usual’ signage,” the spokesperson said. “We apologise for any disruption caused by these emergency repairs, which we hope to complete within the next three weeks.” The issue is understood to involve concrete within the pipework, complicating the repair process.
Broader Challenges Facing Digbeth Businesses
The prolonged roadworks at Seventh Circle are not an isolated incident but are emblematic of broader challenges faced by businesses in the Digbeth area. The neighborhood, recognized by Time Out as one of the world’s top 25 coolest districts, has seen a confluence of development projects and infrastructure works causing significant stress.
Recent public consultations regarding rail plans to modify the Bordesley Viaduct arches have also generated anxiety among small businesses. Many fear that the proposed construction could jeopardize their survival. This concern is compounded by ongoing delays and disruptions associated with major infrastructure projects like High Speed 2 (HS2) and the West Midlands Metro expansion.
Since the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses in Digbeth have spoken out about the cumulative difficulties of operating in an area subject to continuous construction. The combination of these factors has created a challenging environment for independent enterprises striving to thrive in this dynamic part of Birmingham. The hope remains that the current sewer repair will indeed conclude within the stated three-week timeframe, offering much-needed relief to Seventh Circle and other affected local businesses.
