A £10million grant will boost transport infrastructure in Solihull ahead of the arrival of High Speed Rail.
Solihull council announced the significant investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) last week.
The funding is part of the second phase of projects to be delivered under the UK Central Solihull growth and development programme.
It will be used to support a number of schemes including key route improvements and investments in sustainable travel.
This includes supporting the growth of new technologies including low carbon energy and electric and autonomous vehicles.
Central to these plans is improving the links between the town and the area known as the UK Central ‘Hub’.
This is home to the new HS2 Interchange station, which includes Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham Business Park and Jaguar Land Rover.
Plans also include new walking and cycling routes and, as we reported, the routes for a new high speed bus called Sprint.
The scheme will prompt improvements to the A34, A45 and surrounding motorways.
There is also a strong focus on investment in the town centre.
Following the recent investment improving access between the train station and the town centre, this funding will help develop plans for an integrated transport hub including an upgraded train station.
It will also enable the construction of new homes and new office spaces to accommodate new jobs in the town centre.
Councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “Investment in our key schemes across the borough will help make sure our infrastructure is ready for the growth created by HS2 and allow us to ensure we continue to have the right conditions for people to live, work and invest.”
Councillor Ian Courts, deputy leader and cabinet member for managed growth, added: “Through these schemes we will ensure local people and businesses benefit by delivering the right types of housing, supporting local supply chains, ensuring everything we do has a clear focus on sustainability and creating the places for the future, while retaining the essence of what makes Solihull such a great place to live.”
HS2 Ltd say the Interchange Station will be constructed by 2026 as part of plans for Phase One of the railway, from London to the West Midlands.
Initial work at the location starts is due to start this year and includes the diversion of overhead powerlines and underground utilities as well as local road improvements.
