‘Game-changing’ Midlands Rail Hub scheme secures Government funding

A transformational rail scheme which promises to provide faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands has been given the green light by Government.

The Government has pledged to invest in the Midlands Rail Hub scheme, which transport body Midlands Connect says will benefit seven-million people across the region.

The scheme has two new ‘chords’ and more than 10 engineering interventions throughout the region will allow at least 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 extra trains every day.

Under the plans, Birmingham Moor Street will see 14.2 million extra seats and Birmingham New Street will gain an extra 5.4 million seats.

The Cross City line will gain two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. 

The West Chord will consist of improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from the southwest and Wales, and making sure services are improved on the Hereford and Worcester corridors. 

Meanwhile, the East Chord will create an access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.

Engineering upgrades will include works to platforms at Moor Street, Snow Hill, improvements around Kings Norton to Barnt Green, Water Orton remodelling and Bordesley viaduct widening.

Midlands Connect say the project will also create nearly 13,000 construction jobs and serve up to 50 stations and destinations across the Midlands and beyond.

Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect said: "This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will led to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result.

"We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment, and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme.

"Midlands Rail Hub is a once in a generation chance to change our collective future for the better."

The Midlands Rail Hub is co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive, it will progress to Full Business Case completion in 2028, with parts of the scheme entering into service in the early 2030s.

In April this year, CEOs of the Midlands’ four Chambers of Commerce wrote to Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary of the Treasury, urging the Government’s commitment to the Midlands Rail Hub.

Raj Kandola, acting deputy chief executive at Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see that the Government has committed to the delivery of the Midlands Rail Hub – a game-changing project that could unlock huge socio-economic benefits across the West Midlands and beyond. 

“As the largest business membership body in the region we have been long standing champions of the Midlands Rail Hub as we can see the decisive step change it could bring to rail transport in our region – once delivered, the project will not only create thousands of jobs but also hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities.  

“By adding millions of extra seats across the rail network, this will help to shorten journey times, reduce congestion and ultimately drive productivity gains in a part of the country that lags behind its regional counterparts. 

“We look forward to working with local and national stakeholders as the Rail Hub moves to its next phase of development and ensure the voice of local business remains at the heart of the project.”