Work begins to transform railway stations
Works to rebuild both the University and Perry Barr railway stations in Birmingham are under way ahead of next summer 's Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Construction teams are already on site at University, which will provide a gateway for the millions of people a year who visit the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Preparation work has also begun at Perry Barr, where the station building and row of shops are set to be demolished later this spring.
The work will involve the temporary closure of the station for 12 months from 10 May, with alternative travel options in place. Click here for more details.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “I am delighted that despite the pandemic we 're pressing on with our ambitious station programme, and will have both Perry Barr and University ready to welcome the world next summer for the Commonwealth Games.
“Not only will these stations provide upgraded facilities and much-needed extra capacity for millions of Brummie commuters for years to come, but their construction also helps to create and secure local jobs at what is an incredibly difficult time for people 's livelihoods. ”
Transport for West Midlands, part of the WMCA, is leading the projects with partners including Birmingham City Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.
Trevor Payne, director of estates at the University of Birmingham said: “As an official partner of Birmingham 2022 and a competition venue for both the hockey and squash, we are tremendously excited for the Commonwealth Games and the new University station.
“Being able to provide a 21st Century station to competitors, organisers and many thousands of spectators is critical, as is providing excellent lasting facilities for staff, students and the local community. ”
Dave Penney, Network Rail 's central route director, said: “These new stations will provide a much-improved gateway to some of Birmingham 's leading sport, health and educational destinations. They 're part of wider railway improvements to give passengers from across the West Midlands and beyond the best possible travel experience. ”
Works on University station are being carried out by Volker Fitzpatrick under contract from TfWM. The Perry Barr rebuild will be undertaken by Galliford Try under contract from TfWM.