The Government has today confirmed billions of pounds of transport funding for the West Midlands – including backing for a tram line from the city centre to the proposed new Birmingham City FC Stadium and Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green.
The £2.4bn cash boost will support key transport projects for the region over the next five years, with up to £400m of that funding to be used for a new Metro tram line to the former Wheels site.
Birmingham City’s owners Knighthead say their £3bn plans for world-class sports and leisure facilities and a new Blues stadium at the site could create thousands of jobs. The announcement today by Chancellor Rachel Reeves comes after months of lobbying from West Midlands mayor Richard Parker and from Knighthead frontman Tom Wagner, who had earlier said it would be 'criminal' if public money was not used to fund the key transport infrastructure the project needs.
The planned line would run from the city centre to the Sports Quarter, then heading to Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham Airport, the NEC and the HS2 interchange at Arden Cross. The first phase could be ready in five years.
Several regions across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ have today been handed investment packages to boost public transport. Other West Midlands initiatives are yet to be confirmed.
Mayor Parker said: "This funding means we can now deliver a new Metro line to the Sports Quarter, connecting it to Birmingham city centre and unlocking one of the most significant private investments our region has ever seen.
"But this is just the beginning. This investment also unlocks a nationally significant infrastructure project that will transform East Birmingham and North Solihull into one of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's key growth corridors, driving thousands of new homes and jobs and bringing opportunity to communities that have been held back for too long."
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: "Today's announcement is a huge vote of confidence in the people and communities of this city from a Government that is backing growth, backing Birmingham and backing Brummies.
"This project is crucial to supporting the delivery of the council’s three priorities of housing, jobs and skills and transport. This will boost Birmingham's economy - and transform the lives and life chances of our citizens."
Today’s transport funding announcements comes ahead of the Spending Review next week, when the Chancellor will reveal the Government’s plans to fund local government and services.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the North and Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our Plan for Change.
"For too long, people in the North and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve. With £15.6bn of Government investment, we're giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off."
Raj Kandola, acting deputy chief executive at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This investment couldn't be more timely - it will unlock a host of socio-economic opportunities and drive growth across our region.
"The vision of Birmingham City's owners for the new Sports Quarter is ambitious and potentially game-changing for the city. Funding for the tram extension is a key step towards making these exciting plans a reality.
"We look forward to working with Birmingham City and key stakeholders including the mayor to help bring this vision to life.
"Connectivity is vital to unlocking growth and prosperity - in research conducted as part of the Business Commission West Midlands report, our members called for greater investment in transport infrastructure."
Will Ventham, head of the Birmingham office at property consultancy CBRE, added: "Welcome news today on the Government's £2.4bn cash injection to facilitate transport projects in the West Midlands, including the extension of the Metro line to Bordesley Green, home to Birmingham’s proposed Sports Quarter.
"The funds will help unlock Birmingham Sports Quarter and the investment into a new 60,000-seat stadium, sports campus, new academy and community pitches. More than 1,500 new homes are planned as part of the wider regeneration goals for the area.
"Crucially, the Metro extension is also the next milestone in delivering a truly integrated transport system for our city - with the ultimate goal of reaching Birmingham Airport and the HS2 Interchange at Arden Cross.
"The resulting growth corridor will provide a catalyst for new investment in East Birmingham and North Solihull."
