Network Fail mural mocks controversial rail plan

A piece of street art has appeared on the side of a building mocking controversial proposals to wipe out several buildings as part of a £1.75bn upgrade of the railways.

The mural, by a mystery artist, shows a worker in orange overalls bearing the words Network Fail spreading black paint over an existing artwork on the side of The Warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The building, home to Friends of the Earth Birmingham, is earmarked for demolition along with several other businesses to make way for the extension of the Bordesley Viaduct as part of the Midlands Rail Hub project.

Chief executive Karen Leach said: "When we saw it at first glance, we thought it had been vandalized - it was just a real shock and then we realised, that's genius."

The painting has been daubed on top of an original mural called Tree Lungs by artist Caroline Rouge in 2013.

"Even though we wouldn't want to lose our mural, to make such a powerful message in such a powerful way was really good," Leach added.

After getting over the initial shock, she said the new mural "represented the drab grey of these developments that don't really take local regeneration and life and liveliness into account, as opposed to the green that it's painting over".

Network Rail said the Midlands Rail Hub project's aim is to relieve central Birmingham rail congestion by reconfiguring services across Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill.

But the plans could lead to the demolition of The Warehouse and nearby music venues including The Night Owl, XOYO and Mama Roux by 2030.

It has led to a huge backlash from business owners and the thousands that frequent the venues.

Leach said The Warehouse provided affordable space for community groups, including organisations supporting refugees, anti-racism initiatives and LGBT people, as well as arts groups.

"It's not just our property, it really is the heart of activism. The culture of the community here is something you can't pick up and move it somewhere else," she said.

Friends of the Earth Birmingham has submitted a 36-page response to the consultation asking whether alternative rail infrastructure options have been fully considered.

The document, prepared with the help of volunteer engineers and architects, argues that the current proposals do not offer value for money.

Alternatives suggested include making greater use of Curzon Street station's planned capacity and considering the proposed Soho Pool Loop scheme.

However, the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance has said the project would unlock opportunities, create jobs, boost economic growth and enable new homes to be built.

A spokesperson for the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance previously said it recognised the potential impact on businesses and organisations in the area.

Further consultation is due to take place.

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