Station revamp is key to Commonwealth Games regeneration
PLANS have been revealed for a new Birmingham train station which will play a key role when the city hosts the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Perry Barr station, the nearest to the Alexander Stadium athletics venue, is set to be rebuilt ahead of the festival of sport in three years’ time.
The overhaul forms part of a wider £500 million regeneration of the north Birmingham suburb where an athletes’ village is currently being built on the former Birmingham City University campus.
The new-look station, next to the One Stop retail park and bus station, will have improved pedestrian links to a redesigned bus interchange outside the One Stop park.
Other planned work in the area includes changes to the road network, including the controversial demolition of the A34 flyover, and the introduction of transit buses.
All of these are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2022 Games, which will start on July 27 and last 12 days.
The city is expected to attract around 6,500 athletes and officials from across the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories, along with thousands of spectators.
Two consultation sessions are being held to showcase the plans for Perry Barr station.
They are at:
Doug Ellis Sports Centre, Moor Lane, 2pm to 8pm on November 19
One Stop Shopping Centre, Perry Barr, 10am to 5pm on November 26
Comments can also be registered at www.tfwm.org.uk/ perrybarr by December 7.
The project is being led by the West Midlands Rail Executive and Transport for West
“Sprint”
rapid
Midlands in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Network Rail and West Midlands Trains.
Malcolm Holmes, director of Transport for West Midlands, said: “Perry Barr railway station is rightly seen by many as unattractive and unsafe and this redevelopment is long overdue.
“I would urge everyone who lives, works or travels through the area to look at our plans, attend our events, ask questions and send in their comments.”
Phil Edwards, assistant director for Transport and Connectivity at Birmingham City Council, added: “The railway station and bus interchange are important parts of the Perry Barr redevelopment project, improving connectivity across Birmingham and serving a growing population so it is important that as many people as possible have their say on these plans.”