A crowd of around 1,800 people gathered at a block party in Birmingham’s Digbeth district to call on West Midlands mayor Richard Parker to protect the area’s nightlife. The event was organised by campaign group Save Our Scene, whose founder, George Fleming, described Digbeth as the city’s most vibrant area.
Plans proposed by the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, which includes Network Rail, could result in seven nightclubs being demolished from 2030. The proposed viaduct extension is intended to allow more trains to pass through Moor Street station instead of the busier New Street. Clubbers are asking Parker, who leads the region’s strategic transport agenda, to lobby against the plans.
The venues potentially affected include XOYO Birmingham, Mama Roux’s and Club Colette. The Rail Hub Alliance’s director, Mark Cuzner, said the group understands the uncertainty facing businesses and is considering feedback as it refines the plans, with the aim of limiting the impact on Digbeth.
For local clubbers and artists, the district is more than a nightlife strip. DJ Fleur Shore said Digbeth was where her career began and argued that places to dance and socialise provide an important release from everyday pressures. Residents and visitors also described the area as a place to meet creative people and build connections. Some venues host events for LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority communities, as well as nights for people with support needs.
The possible loss comes amid wider pressure on UK nightlife. The Night Time Industries Association says more than 26% of the country’s late-night venues closed between 2020 and 2025. Birmingham recorded a 28% fall in bars, clubs and other venues where people can go for a late-night drink, the largest decline among major UK cities.
Grassroots music venues are also under strain. The Music Venue Trust’s 2025 annual report said 30 such venues closed permanently in the year to July 2025, 54% made no profit and 6,000 jobs were cut. Fleming said rising costs and taxes were putting further pressure on nightlife businesses and making affordable nights out harder to maintain.
Save Our Scene has proposed a £1 ticket levy for major shows to support grassroots venues. Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Pulp, Diana Ross, Katy Perry and Radiohead have committed to adding the charge, but Live Nation has resisted calls to adopt it across the board.
The next consultation phase on the railway proposal is scheduled for next summer. Parker said securing transport improvements for the West Midlands remains a priority, while adding that concerns about the plans must be taken seriously.
Sources: The Guardian Business.