£280M STATION PLAN
MAJOR VISION FOR NEC RAIL HUB REVEALED
NEW designs for the £286 million revamp of Birmingham International station have been revealed.
The images show how the station could look as transport chiefs bid to tap into the potential economic benefits of a nearby HS2 station due to be built in Solihull by 2026.
They have been released as the project secured £9.27 million in new funding this week from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The vision for the station is to transform it into a transport exchange, bringing together existing rail, future high speed rail, air, trams, buses, rapid transit, private vehicles, taxis, bicycles and an automated people mover to create seamless connections with Birmingham Airport and the HS2 Interchange station.
The Urban Growth Company (UGC), which was set up by Solihull Borough Council to maximise the benefits of the arrival of HS2, secured this latest batch of funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s devolution deal.
It allows the UGC to appoint consultants to progress the technical design of the station and contractors to design and build it.
The UGC will now continue working with regional and central government to secure further funding to deliver the project by the end of 2025.
The revamp of Birmingham International station forms part of a wider vision for land near the airport, NEC and M42.
Called The Hub, it is estimated it could create up to 77,500 new jobs, 8.3 million sq ft of commercial accommodation, 4,000 new homes and £4 billion economic boost.
Nick Brown, chairman of the Urban Growth Company, said: “This project is strategically important because of its role in unlocking major growth and development as well as improving accessibility and connectivity.
“It also means that Birmingham International station, which is set to become one of the busiest in the UK, will become an iconic gateway to the region with greater capacity and a much-improved passenger experience.”
Anne Brereton, director of managed growth at Solihull Borough Council, added: “The creation of this transport exchange will improve connectivity between some of the key employment zones across the West Midlands, providing better access to jobs and services.
“It’s also a sustainable plan because of its focus on improving public transport, rather than relying on private vehicles.”
Kathryn James, managing director of conventions and exhibitions at the NEC Group, said: “The connectivity of our site is a major draw for the seven million visitors and guests attending the NEC, the Genting Arena and Birmingham Resorts World each year.
“We’re hugely supportive of a revitalised Birmingham International station as our region experiences record levels of growth.
“NEC Group is playing a key part here.”