PLANS TO transform Birmingham International into a ‘transport exchange’ has taken a major step forward as almost £9million in new funding was secured.
The UGC’s plan is to transform the existing station into a multi-modal transport exchange is set to bring together existing rail, future high speed rail, air, trams, buses, rapid transit, private vehicles, taxis, bicycles and other vehicles to Birmingham Airport and the HS2 Interchange Station by 2025.
The Urban Growth Company (UGC) – set up by Solihull Council to maximise the benefits of HS2’s arrival – secured the £9.27million from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) at its Investment Board meeting.
The money will allow the UGC to appoint consultants to progress the technical design of the station, and design and build contractors to undertake the physical delivery of the project.
Anne Brereton, director of managed growth at Solihull Council, said: “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.”
The plans form a major part of the ambitions for the UK Central Hub which is the area of land in Solihull near the M42 comprising Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Jaguar Land Rover, Birmingham Business Park and Arden Cross, which will be home to the HS2 Interchange Station from 2026.
The UGC has predicted that The Hub has the potential to create up to 77,500 new jobs, 775,000 sq m of commercial space, 4,000 new homes and £4.1bn GVA each year.
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 stations in the UK, will become an iconic gateway to the region with greater capacity and a much improved passenger experience.”
Kathryn James, Managing Director, Conventions and Exhibitions, 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.
The estimated cost of the entire Birmingham International Station project is £286m and the UGC will continue working with regional and central government to secure funding to deliver the project by December 2025.
