£50M approved to speed up Birmingham transport upgrades

On 17 February the West Midlands Combined Authority board approved £50M of early funding to speed up design, planning and business case developments for major transport projects linked to the Sports Quarter in east Birmingham and the expansion of Villa Park football ground. This includes preparatory activity for the new Metro tramway extension serving the future Birmingham City Powerhouse Stadium. The Metro extension is regarded as the cornerstone of the regeneration plans for the Sports Quarter, helping unlock investment, new housing and thousands of employment opportunities. The £50M is in advance of the region’s £2.4bn Transport for City Regions funding confirmed by the government to cover the period 2027-2032. This future investment will support a range of new road, rail, tram and bus schemers across the West Midlands. 

 

The approved funding will also enable detailed planning and design work for improvements at Witton and Aston railway stations, which provide key access to the Aston Villa ground at Villa park. The upgrades will support the club’s £150M redevelopment, as well as preparations for the Euro 2028 football tournament. part of the funding package will support further development of Very Light rail technology in Coventry, including upgrades to vehicles and slab track system that reduce delivery costs and time.