£50m backing for new rail interchange in city

AKEY £50 million deal to support the transformation of railway services in Wolverhampton has been signed off by transport bosses.

It means it is full steam ahead for the city’s Interchange project.

Led by a consortium of partners, including City of Wolverhampton Council, the Interchange will create a new railway station connected to an extended tram network via a new stop outside the railway station.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) signed off almost £50 million to back the plan. Building on the development of a new multi- storey car park, it will enable the delivery of 30,000 sq metres of office, retail and leisure space, £80 million of private sector funding and create 1,300 new jobs.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “This project is about more than just creating a transport hub, where buses, trains, trams, cycling and walking come together and provide enhanced links to the new HS2 network. This is also about accelerating the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre, bringing jobs, opportunities and growth.

“Simply, this is one of the key gateways into the city, a city that deserves a world-class welcome.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader Councillor Roger Lawrence said: “This key funding contribution means everything is now in place for the Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership to push ahead with the development of the city’s new railway station. The people of Wolverhampton can look forward to seeing the emergence of a station befitting of their city. There is £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across the city, as part of this regeneration.

“This new state-of-the-art station will deliver that. It has major significance by better connecting Wolverhampton to the UK’s high-speed rail (HS2) network, in turn helping create jobs, opportunities and growth in the city.”