Region to net £2.4bn transport boost - including vital funds for Sports Quarter tram line
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham today welcomed a game-changing investment in Birmingham’s tram network that will provide much-needed connectivity to Birmingham City Football Club’s new Sports Quarter.
The West Midlands is expected to receive £2.4bn in funding for key transport projects.
Part of this will be used to build a vital metro link from Birmingham city centre to the planned £3bn Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to make the announcement later today when she unveils billions of pounds of investment in transport infrastructure across mayoral authorities in England.
Birmingham City FC’s owners Knighthead Capital have ambitious plans to build a world-class Sports Quarter and leisure facilities – including a state-of-the-art stadium – on the former Birmingham Wheels site.
Blues and Knighthead chairman Tom Wagner and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker have been lobbying for the tram extension to guarantee the project.
Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This investment couldn’t be more timely – it will unlock a host of socio-economic opportunities and drive growth across our region.
“The vision of Birmingham City’s owners for the new Sports Quarter is ambitious and potentially game-changing for the city.
“Funding for the tram extension is a key step towards making these exciting plans a reality.
“We look forward to working with Birmingham City and key stakeholders including the mayor to help bring this vision to life.
“Connectivity is vital to unlocking growth and prosperity – in research conducted as part of the Business Commission West Midlands report, our members called for greater investment in transport infrastructure.”
Mayor Richard Parker said: “This funding means we can now deliver a new metro line to the Sports Quarter, connecting it to Birmingham city centre and unlocking one of the most significant private investments our region has ever seen.”
