The East Birmingham to Solihull Metro extension has reached a major milestone, with trams successfully reaching Millennium Point for the first time during overnight track testing.
The achievement marks a significant step forward in delivering the new light rail route, which will eventually connect East Birmingham with Solihull town centre via a modern and reliable tram service.
The test was conducted on the first leg of the extension out towards Birmingham City FC’s forthcoming 60,000-seater stadium, currently under development as part of the city’s wider regeneration plans.
This first phase of the Eastside Metro extension includes two stops, giving passengers easy access to key destinations including Moor Street Station, Millennium Point, the Clayton Hotel, and Birmingham City University’s campus, while construction continues on the remaining section to Digbeth Coach Station.
The successful overnight testing was attended by Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, who joined colleagues from Midlands Metro and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
Cllr Mahmood said:
“This is an exciting milestone in the expansion of the Metro to East Birmingham.
“I am determined to work hand-in-hand with the Mayor to deliver better transport links across our city, and the Metro is at the very heart of this. The £400m investment that the Mayor secured will unlock economic growth in East Birmingham, helping to connect our communities with jobs and opportunities for generations to come.”
The line also provides a direct tram link for the nearly 400,000 weekly bus passengers who use services at the Moor Street bus interchange, integrating tram, bus, rail, and cycle hire in one central location. This multimodal approach is a key feature of the region’s long-term transport strategy.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, has earmarked £400 million to build the tram extension to the new stadium and surrounding Sports Quarter regeneration scheme. The funding is also being used to plan and design the full extension through East Birmingham and Solihull, eventually reaching Birmingham Airport and the HS2 Interchange.
Mayor Parker said:
“Our plan to extend the Metro network to East Birmingham and Solihull is crucial to unlocking the £3 billion private sector investment in our new Sports Quarter, which in turn will create huge opportunities for communities that have been held back for too long.
“These successful tests show how close we are to opening up new reliable tram links to this part of Birmingham City Centre. Soon it will be easier for everyone to get around – whether they are commuting to work, heading to class or travelling further afield by connecting to rail and bus services.
“Expanding the tram network is a crucial enabler for my Growth Plan. It’s about more than just transport; it’s about connecting people to the businesses and education opportunities that will drive our region forward.”
The East Birmingham to Solihull Metro extension is one of the most ambitious light rail projects in the UK. It aims to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and public services by linking communities such as Bordesley Green, Heartlands Hospital, and Birmingham Business Park with the wider West Midlands Metro network.
Construction work has been ongoing for several years, backed by a mix of local, regional, and national investment. Once complete, the full route is expected to play a vital role in supporting sustainable travel and economic growth across the region.
Further testing and infrastructure works will continue over the coming months, with sections of the line expected to open in stages.
Find out more at: https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/successful-overnight-tram-tests-ahead-of-opening-of-metro-line-to-millennium-point/
