￡31 million expansion plan set for Birmingham Metro
2013-09-06 15:39:26
Summary：The region’s public transport bosses have published details of a ￡31 million extension of the Midland Metro through Birmingham city centre.
The Midland Metro
The region’s public transport bosses have published details of a ￡31 million extension of the Midland Metro through Birmingham city centre.
Running from New Street station, to Centenary Square, public transport co-ordinator Centro said the scheme was crucial to regeneration plans.
Work is already taking place on the first phase of city centre extensions which is set to link up Snow Hill and New Street stations.
Centro is asking travellers and businesses to have their say on the plans which are beign unveiled at a series of public events.
Coun Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for rail, said: “Work is already underway to connect the Midland Metro to both New Street and Snow Hill stations and we want to build on that and further improve the network in Birmingham city centre.
“These plans would play a significant role in supporting some of the major redevelopment work taking place in the city, which will bring about an extra ￡2 billion for the economy and could create up to 40,000 jobs.
“This extension would provide passengers with a stop right at the heart of some of Birmingham’s key destinations like the new library, the NIA and the ICC.
“We want to hear the thoughts of passengers and businesses and would urge them to take the time to take part in the consultation and give us their views.”
The proposals, drawn up in partnership with Birmingham City Council, would build on the work taking place to provide further connections to key venues like the ICC, Symphony Hall and Birmingham Museum and Art Galleries.
Trams would run from the new stop on Stephenson Street outside New Street Station, before travelling along Pinfold Street, Victoria Square, Paradise Street and Broad Street before terminating at Centenary Square.
New stops would be created at the Town Hall and Centenary Square.
A public consultation on the proposed extension, including three exhibitions in Victoria Square, is being staged between now and the end of September.
Centro has already received approval to integrate the system with the Paradise Circus redevelopment but are proposing to slightly amend the route to eliminate the need to build a bridge over the Suffolk Street Queensway tunnels.
Centro aims to submit before the end of this year an application to the Government for a supplementary Transport and Works Act Order which would grant the legal powers needed to build and operate the extension.
If granted, work could start could start in 2015 and be open for public use in 2017.
Exhibitions will be held on:
Thursday September 5, Victoria Square, 8am-3pm;
Wednesday September 11, Victoria Square, 11am-6pm
Tuesday September 24, Victoria Square, 11am-6pm.