Two government ministers today took a behind-the-scenes tour of Birmingham New Street to see how work is progressing on the station’s redevelopment, which will create a world-class station for passengers and boost the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander and transport minister Norman Baker took time out from the Liberal Democrat party conference being held in Birmingham to tour Network Rail’s site.
Danny Alexander said: “The redevelopment of New Street station is a great example of this government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure to support economic growth.
“The project will have huge economic benefits for Birmingham by opening up a new quarter of the city centre to regeneration and directly creating hundreds of new jobs for local people.”
The ministers toured the first half of the new station concourse which will open to passengers at the end of 2012 and saw preparations being made to redevelop the south side of the station.
Norman Baker added: “Birmingham New Street is the busiest station outside London, so it’s great news for passengers that improvements are on the way.
“The redeveloped station will not only look fantastic, it will deliver more space, better facilities and better access for the thousands of people who use it every day.
“Improvements like this are prime examples of this government’s commitment to continued significant investment in rail and providing the infrastructure the economy needs.
“New Street will also be the heart of an integrated transport network for the West Midlands, with better pedestrian access and a direct interchange with the Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill.
Network Rail has committed to keeping the station open for passengers throughout the project.
The first half of the new concourse is being built next door to the existing station; when this opens at the end of next year, Network Rail will start work to redevelop the existing station, with the project due to complete in 2015.
