Overview

I found myself here after Storm Darragh required an alternative route on my way to Cardiff, since I was here, I thought I'd write a review on my experience. Birmingham New Street feels more like a space station than a train station in some ways, especially in the main foyer, which has high ceilings, wide arches, and loads of places to eat and drink. It's also home to a 33-foot-tall metal bull, named Ozzy, in tribute to the infamous Black Sabbath Singer. Ozzy was used in the 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrations. Intended to honour Birmingham's role in the Industrial Revolution, it was intended to be scrapped, but public demand saved the sculpture which now has pride of place in the station - absolutely an unexpected sigh.

Transport & Parking

I came to the station by train from Crewe, so I can't speak about the car park, but I understand there are 34 spaces in total, with three EV charging spaces provided by APCOA Parking. The APCOA site mentions accessible parking spaces but doesn't state how many there are. There is a drop-off point at the 'drop & go' at the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank can be found on Navigation Street via the Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit. As I can't confirm the quality or access at this point, I'm not going to score this section

Access

I found the disabled access to be pretty good overall. The station has level and step-free access. Where there are stairs, there are rails and tactile paving at the top and bottom. There are plenty of places to sit on the platforms, in the foyer, at the bridge, and in the accessibility lounge. Each platform has tactile paving at the edges and induction loops. The lifts have braille buttons inside and out, with loops operating inside the lifts as well. The ticket offices, waiting areas, and even the Costa on the bridge have induction loops. Signage is clear, and despite the busy nature of the station, I was able to find my way around. The accessibility lounge is spacious. It has a lowered counter and an induction loop, as well as plenty of places to sit. The team here are great, helpful, and reassuring. There are accessible ticket gates at each end of the standard ticket gates, and automatic sliding doors at each of the entrances.

Toilets

I used the accessible toilet in the bridge area of the station, where you'll find lifts to each of the platforms. It was quite a distance from the accessibility lounge, all the way to the right when leaving the lounge. I should note there is a toilet in the lounge, although it's not suitable for a wheelchair. I managed to get in—just—but it was difficult to get back out. The accessible toilet requires a RADAR key to access, and the door opens outwards. There is space for a left-side transfer to the toilet, which has contrasting rails on either side. The small sink has a lever-style tap, with contrasting grab rails on both sides. The toilet was clean - for a train station - and could accommodate a power chair or manual wheelchair and one other person if needed. As it's near the other toilets, the area can get very busy, particularly towards the end of the year. I didn't have time to visit, but there is also a Changing Places facility and accessible toilet located in the southeast corner of the station, opposite Excess Baggage. I didn't notice the use of braille on the external signage or in the toilet itself.

Staff

The station staff were fantastic, incredibly supportive, and there for me when I first arrived. When my first train was cancelled (as it pulled into the station!), they helped me board a busy train safely when the next one came in. They escorted me and a visually impaired passenger and were super vigilant as other passengers rushed through the station recklessly, trying to get to their trains.

Photos