Phase 1 of the West Midlands Metro Eastside Extension opened for passenger service on 5 April 2026 — Easter Sunday. The new section runs 1.7 km from the existing network at Bull Street to a temporary terminus in front of the Clayton Hotel at Millennium Point. This extension adds two new stops along the route: Albert Street and Millennium Point.
According to West Midlands Metro official announcements, the route directly serves the HS2 Curzon Street corridor and Birmingham City University. Commercial project partners Colas Rail UK and the Midland Metro Alliance, whose delivery consortium completed the handover of the first phase to Transport for West Midlands in early March 2026, confirmed this ahead of the Easter opening.
Confirmed facts:
- Opening date: Services began on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026.
- New stops: Albert Street and Millennium Point.
- Route: 1.7 km extension from Bull Street to a temporary terminus at Millennium Point (Clayton Hotel).
- Destinations served: The HS2 Curzon Street corridor and Birmingham City University.
- Infrastructure handover: The Midland Metro Alliance completed handover to Transport for West Midlands in early March 2026.
Zagdim Analysis
The opening of Phase 1 appears to mark a significant infrastructure milestone for the Digbeth, Eastside, and B9 postcodes — areas that have been discussed as emerging corridors for residential and commercial activity. Whether this translates into measurable property price movement will depend on local market conditions, wider economic factors, and the pace of Phase 2 delivery.
More broadly, improved metro connectivity has historically been associated with property price uplift in comparable urban corridors, though outcomes vary considerably by location and market cycle.
Phase 2, which is intended to connect through the planned Curzon Street HS2 station to High Street Deritend in Digbeth, is currently under construction. Based on available information, completion appears to be subject to ongoing HS2 enabling works, and no confirmed opening date has been announced. Readers interested in Phase 2 timelines should consult the latest updates from West Midlands Metro directly.
References: West Midlands Metro – All aboard as new Metro extension to Millennium Point opens this Easter \ West Midlands Metro – Metro Expansion page Colas Rail UK / Midland Metro Alliance – Birmingham Eastside Extension handover statement \ Railway News – West Midlands Metro opens 1.7 km extension Birmingham Eastside \ British Trams Online – West Midlands Metro starts services to Millennium Point \ BBC News – City centre Metro extension to open at Easter
This article is based on officially verified sources current as of April 2026. Requirements and project timelines change frequently. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial or property investment advice. Transport infrastructure can affect property values, but is only one factor among many. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a licensed property advisor before making any investment decisions.
