University station plans could get green light

PLANS to build a new University station in Edgbaston may get the green light this week.

The current station opened in 1978 and was intended to cater for around 400,000 people a year, though the current footfall of

3.48 million people a year means it is no longer considered fit for purpose.

It is thought that by 2043, passenger numbers could reach as many as seven million per year.

“The proposed scheme would deliver a new station building on the site of the current at-grade University of Birmingham staff car park,” the application says. “A new station building would be located either side of the Cross-City railway line, linked together by a pedestrian footbridge which would provide access to the main station building facilities and platforms 1 and 2.

“Access to the station building would be taken from a new station approach and forecourt located on Vincent Drive, and a direct access from the University of Birmingham Edgbaston Campus via a new footbridge over the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

“Direct access would also be provided directly from the canal towpath.

“An exit from the station would remain available through the existing station building.” No passenger parking is being proposed for the development, while the existing building will be retained to be used as an exit from the station.

There have been some letters of objection to the proposals, with residents worried about the lack of parking.

However, it looks as though the plans will be approved this week, with Birmingham City Council’s planning committee due to meet today.