West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (November 2019)

I did walk up Pinfold Street into Victoria Square again but saw no trams go up or down. So I headed to Centenary Square (after a coffee stop in Starbucks). And saw West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop. I then popped up to the Library of Birmingham to see it. Had a 20 to 25 min wait to see the same tram again!

First up, West Midlands Metro tram 21 departing Grand Central Tram Stop. Now in the full blue livery with the red Just Eat adverts as it moves onto the Wolverhampton bound tracks.

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When walking up Stephenson Street I think I saw another tram arrive at Grand Central, but none as I walked up Pinfold Street, into Victoria Square through the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. After a coffee stop in Starbucks, I headed towards Centenary Square.

West Midlands Metro tram 23 seen heading through Paradise Circus Queensway. The roadway is now complete. The view towards Suffolk Street Queensway and the Beetham Tower.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Centenary Sq (Nov 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading past Arena Central and Dandara, onto what used to be Broad Street. The Bus Gate has been rebuilt by the looks of it.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Centenary Sq (Nov 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 23 comes to a stop outside of HSBC UK at Arena Central. Before continuing onto Centenary Square Tram Stop.

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I next crossed through Centenary Square around the ice rink of Ice Skate Birmingham and headed into the Library of Birmingham. And went up to Level 3 and onto the Discovery Terrace. I waited around for around 10 minutes or so, even getting more photos of Ice Skate Birmingham, and the Westside Metro extension without the tram. Then went up to Level 7 to go to the Secret Garden.

Eventually I saw tram 23 heading round Paradise Circus Queensway. Looks like cars or buses in future would have to head down the slip road onto Suffolk Street Queensway.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen here heading onto what used to be Broad Street but is now considered to be Centenary Square. As it passes the Alpha Tower and HSBC UK at Arena Central.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Big Wheel as tram 23 arrives at Centenary Square Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

End of the line, at least for another 2 years. Welcome to Centenary Square Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back towards Town Hall Tram Stop. Back on Paradise Circus Queensway. I think Easy Row Subway is still under there, but the bridge has been reinforced.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (6) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

About to turn left towards Paradise Street. Which is Tram only. So if you are in a car, don't drive down there OK!

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (7) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These trams are quite flexible and bendy. No over head wires, all battery powered.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (8) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing Paradise Birmingham (on the left).

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (9) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Paradise Street heading towards Town Hall Tram Stop (for Victoria Square).

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (10) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.