The Midlands Rail Hub has selected four delivery partners, advancing the potential £1.75 billion rail overhaul project that will transform journeys across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The preferred alliance comprises VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, AtkinsRéalis, Siemens Mobility, and Network Rail, who will design and develop plans to overhaul the region’s railway infrastructure, including how the city’s three main stations – New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill – are served by train services.
The project will connect the Chiltern main line, which runs into Moor Street, with the Camp Hill lines running towards the South West and East Midlands via two new chords in Bordesley. This will enable more train services on key routes through Birmingham and significantly improve connections for millions of daily railway users.
The government committed £123 million last year to design and develop major changes to the railway through Birmingham, with recent spending review commitments to progress the next stage. Work will prioritise smaller upgrades for quicker passenger benefits, including reopening platform 4 at Snow Hill station for additional Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone, and redeveloping Kings Norton station for extra Cross City trains.
Responding to the development, Blake Richmond, Chief Operating Officer at Resonate Group, commented: “The Midlands is an important hub for the UK as a leading region for industry, manufacturing, tech and financial services, requiring first-class transport infrastructure. The advancement of the Midlands Rail Hub will have a significant impact on millions of people and businesses, increasing the frequency of trains, reducing delays and greatly improving the accessibility of key locations.”
“Technology should play a central role in delivering the project successfully. With data-driven tech, rail operators can gain real-time control across routes to help signallers and planners respond to changes on the network quickly, help scenario plan by forecasting train movement, and improve disruption management.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “The Midlands Rail Hub will be transformational for economic growth, jobs and homes in the region, and it’s great to see this new alliance ready to deliver vital improvements that will deliver for passengers and freight. With £123 million already released to Network Rail, as part of its Plan for Change, this Government is forging ahead with its promise to create the modern transport system Britain needs and deserves.”
The alliance partners will plan development timescales for the Midlands Rail Hub, with early passenger benefits expected by the early 2030s. The project aims to unlock opportunities for new housing and economic investment, connecting up to 50 locations across the East and West Midlands.
