Midland Metro to the airport and north Solihull?

The Midland Metro Alliance has unveiled plans to extend its tram line from the future terminus at Digbeth via Bordesley Green, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham Airport/NEC/Genting Arena to the HS2 interchange at Arden Cross in north Solihull. It would also serve the planned new stadium for Birmingham City Football Club, due to open in 2030. It is being put to the government as a driver of regeneration, create jobs and with the potential to unlock massive private investment. West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, who is leading the lobbying, said ‘We hope ministers recognise that this not just a tram line, but will connect communities to each other and create huge investment opportunities. This is a massive opportunity for our region and the city of Birmingham and my role is to use my powers and commitment to ensure this happens quickly’. The £1.3bn plan has the support of the Labour leader of Birmingham City Council and the Conservative leader of Solihull Council. MP Liam Byrne praised the proposal in Parliament on 1 May. The plan has been titled ‘Invest a Little, Unlock a Lot’. 

 

A tramway link from Birmingham to the airport formed part of the original proposal when the system was first planned 40 years ago, but used a different route and fell out of favour due to resistance from residents worried about noise and demolition of residential properties.