Platforms which have long stood derelict could be brought back into use as early deliverables, thanks to Midlands Rail Hub.
Under the plans, backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her recent spending review, a series of engineering interventions will be made throughout the Midlands to transform rail transport.
At Kings Norton, the currently derelict island platform would be re-instated and a new passenger bridge linking back to the existing ticket hall, will be built as one of the first phases of the project.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, met with Midlands Connect, Network Rail, Northfield MP, Laurence Turner, and Selly Oak MP, Al Carns, to discuss plans for the station upgrade and service improvements.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “More trains and better connections across the West Midlands and beyond will drive more jobs, more homes, and greener growth. That’s the future prosperity our region demands.”
Under the plans, the Cross City line will see two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green will see one extra train, in each direction, per hour and 2.7 million new seats for passengers, whilst Bromsgrove will see 4.7 million new seats.
Midlands Rail Hub would also deliver a jobs boost as over the course of the project, more than 12,750 roles are expected to result from the programme.
Midlands Connect Chief Executive, Maria Machancoses, said: “Midlands Rail Hub will allow train travel to be a first choice for many more people, and Kings Norton is at the heart of the project.
“This station upgrade will allow more frequent trains, restoring the Cross City services and delivering a more reliable network for passengers.
“Government’s recent funding announcement is major step forward in our plans for Kings Norton, and the wider region. It is a commitment to transform rail travel for everyone.”
Northfield MP, Laurence Turner, said: “An upgrade to Kings Norton station is at the heart of the Midlands Rail Hub project. We need these works to return to Cross-City trains an hour at Longbridge and Northfield as well as Kings Norton.
“I’ve raised this project repeatedly in Parliament and I’m delighted that the Government are backing the campaign.
“This investment will bring jobs and higher wages into the area and lead to less congested roads – this is really good news for south Birmingham’s economy.”
Selly Oak MP, Al Carns, said: “I’m delighted that the Chancellor has backed investment in the Midlands Rail Hub in the recent Spending Review. This is fantastic news for South Birmingham.
“These plans are a brilliant opportunity to boost connectivity on one of our key local railway lines. The proposed new timetable will undoubtedly improve public transport in the communities served by the Cross City line.
“Better transport links means more opportunities to level up the economic and social life of our local communities. I am thrilled to see this investment in upgrading Kings Norton station and in our local commuter routes, and I know current and future users will benefit hugely from a better rail service on the line.”
Denise Wetton, director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “Midlands Rail Hub means better journeys for passengers today, and a future-proofed railway for tomorrow. “It will open the railway to new communities, and boost access to opportunities across the West Midlands. The government’s commitment is a huge boost and we are now working to confirm what work can be done and when.”
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