The Mace Dragados JV, working with Arcadis, WSP and lead architect Grimshaw made the change to meet tougher fire safety rules and cut future maintenance costs.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee signed off on the updated design after reviewing a report highlighting value for money, technical complexities, and engineering constraints as key drivers behind the design tweaks.

The redesigned interior includes additional cycle parking, better accessibility, more seating and simplified platform access. A prominent southern entrance to the Eastern Concourse will also enhance links to Digbeth.

Major earthworks are already underway, with foundation work due to begin this autumn. Structural works will kick off in 2026, followed by internal fit-out through to the end of 2028.

Grimshaw partner Neven Sidor said: “The original design vision has not only been maintained but has also been enhanced. It is more robust, more efficient to build, and just as elegant.”