Birmingham’s Richardson investors are honoured with a tram naming
WEST MIDLANDS Metro CAF Urbos 100 Tram 39 was named Don & Roy Richardson by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Roy Richardson in a short ceremony at the tramway’s Library tram stop in Birmingham city centre on March 2.
The Richardson twins were responsible for several significant and popular business developments in the region, such as the Merry Hill Shopping Centre and the Star City entertainment complex.
Roy and Don also established the Richardson Brothers Foundation, which has supported the region’s less fortunate through dozens of community groups and charities.
Mr Street, who is also chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “When I was asked to think about who should be nominated for this wonderfully West Midlands honour, Don and Roy Richardson stood out straight away.
“The business that Roy and his late twin brother Don built changed our region forever. The fact that the firm they founded remains in the family and is still based here is testament to the strength of their local commitment. It was only right to recognise their outstanding contribution.” Another tram naming took place on March 8, when Tram 40 was named Theresa Stewart, who was the first – and so far, only – female leader of Birmingham City Council, with the naming taking place on International Women’s Day.
This is the second WMM tram to be named after Mrs Stewart, who died in November 2020. Now-withdrawn Ansaldo-breda T69 Tram 11 was also previously named after the Birmingham councillor.
Tram 11 was removed from service in December 2014 and moved for storage to Long Marston.
Despite initial indications that it was to be preserved by Birmingham Museums, it was subsequently scrapped at Sims Metals at Newport in July last year.