BIRMINGHAM International station could be set to lose its name under new plans – it has been revealed.
A re-named and modernised station and an InterCity hub for the Black Country are among measures being proposed by the public body which will oversee rail transport in the West Midlands from next year.
West Midlands Rail (WMR) made the proposals as part of its response to the Government’s InterCity West Coast Franchise consultation.
Coun Mark Winnington, chair of WMR and cabinet member for economic growth for Staffordshire County Council, said the station needed to be renamed ‘Birmingham Airport & NEC’ to reflect its importance to the region.
He said: “Re-naming the station would increase its profile as an interchange for the airport and the National Exhibition Centre, which are two key assets of the regional economy.
“It is part of a package of our aspirations to improve late night and early morning services there.
“The station is of major strategic importance and needs to be modernised to meet the needs of all users and to be ready for the arrival of HS2.”
Coun Winnington said WMR also wanted better recognition of the importance of Sandwell & Dudley station as an InterCity hub for the Black Country.
