Plans will mean more services for passengers in and out of Birmingham
Birmingham Moor Street will be at the centre of the ‘transformed’ rail services in the city(Image: Martin O’Callaghan/Birmingham Live)
A blueprint to transform local rail services in and around Birmingham has finally been given the green light, with an estimated £1 billion fund on its way to build new links, add extra platforms and eventually bring up to 300 extra trains a day in and out of the city.
The cash bonanza – part of a package of transport infrastructure announcements from the Goverment – will mark the turning point in a decade-long quest for more local and frequent connections between neighbourhoods and towns around the city and beyond, and take the pressure off congested New Street.
READ MORE: Last hope for Birmingham pub bombings inquiry as MP makes case
It was hailed as ‘a fantastic day’ for the region by mayor Richard Parker, who said it was the latest fillip for the area’s transport plans.
The funding is expected to fund long-awaited schemes including:
- the ‘West Chord’ – a spur line and viaduct at Bordesley that will mean trains heading into the city from the south-west and Wales, and from new stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Stirchley/Pineapple Road, can head into Moor Street, allowing for many more trains
- the ‘East Chord’ – a second spur line that will create an access to Moor Street from the East Midlands, allowing direct access for trains from cities such as Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.
- the transformation of a disused platform at Snow Hill
- upgrades at Kings Norton station
- a series of other interventions throughout the region
The first projects could be ready ‘in the early 2030s’ subject to a full business case completed by 2028.
The scheme will eventually allow more than 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 extra trains every day.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves first highlighted the scheme in her Comprehensive Spending Review in June with a pledge to fund a full business cases and some small works – today’s announcement goes way beyond this, providing the capital investment needed to make it a reality.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, announcing the move, said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
How Birmingham Moor Street could look after its transformation – this is part of the longer term vision for train services in Birmingham(Image: Grimshaw)
In all a package of fifty road and rail upgrades across the country was confirmed as part of the £92 billion of transport investment announced in the Spending Review, supporting 42,000 jobs, enabling 1.5 million new homes, and improving connectivity for 50,000 people as part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change.
Also green lighted was a new M6/M54 link road connecting the two motorways northbound.
It comes hot on the heels of a £400m pledge to build a tramline to east Birmingham and plans to bring the region’s bus services back into public ownership as a way to improve services.
The Midlands Rail Hub scheme is expected to create nearly 13,000 construction jobs and serve up to 50 stations and destinations across the Midlands and beyond, said Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, the organisation behind the Midlands Rail Hub.
She said: “This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will lead to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme.
“Midlands Rail Hub is a once-in-a-generation chance to change our collective future for the better.”
READ MORE: Crackdown on ‘ghost number plates’ in West Bromwich as police nab motorists in blitz
Mr Parker said of the announcement: “This is a fantastic day for the region and I want to thank the Government for backing Midlands Rail Hub with the investment it needs.
“This is the sort of national commitment that gives people confidence in our ability to create jobs, build homes and connect communities across the Midlands. This will transform the region, drive growth and opportunity.”
Raj Kandola, acting deputy chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see that the Government has committed to the delivery of the Midlands Rail Hub – a game-changing project that could unlock huge socio-economic benefits across the West Midlands and beyond.
“We have been long-standing champions of the Midlands Rail Hub as we can see the decisive step change it could bring to rail transport in our region.
“By adding millions of extra seats across the rail network, this will help to shorten journey times, reduce congestion and ultimately drive productivity gains in a part of the country that lags behind its regional counterparts.
“We look forward to working with local and national stakeholders as the rail hub moves to its next phase of development and ensure the voice of local business remains at the heart of the project.”
Stuart Cain, chief executive of Edgbaston cricket stadium, was among those hailing the news. He described it as crucial.
“Just this weekend as we welcomed over 100,000 people to Edgbaston for the England v India Test Match, we heard stories of fans experiencing over-crowded trains and being left on platforms from towns around the West Midlands.
“The planned increase in capacity will help alleviate this and improve the experience of those wanting to live, work and play in the city.”