Midlands Rail Hub Selects Delivery Partners Ahead of £1.75bn Upgrade

The Midlands Rail Hub project has appointed four delivery partners as it moves forward with plans for a potential 1.75 billion GBP programme to improve rail infrastructure across Birmingham and the wider region.

The alliance comprises VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, AtkinsRéalis and Siemens Mobility, working alongside Network Rail to design and develop proposals.

The scheme is focused on Birmingham’s central stations – New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill – as well as wider regional connections. A key element will be linking the Chiltern main line into Moor Street with the Camp Hill lines serving the South and East Midlands.

In 2023, the Government allocated 123 million GBP to support design and development work, with further funding confirmed through a recent spending review. This will also enable the planning of smaller-scale improvements intended to bring earlier benefits for passengers.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

The Midlands Rail Hub will be transformational for economic growth, jobs and homes in the region, and it’s great to see this new alliance ready to deliver the vital improvements that will deliver for passengers and freight.

With £123 million already released to Network Rail, as part of its Plan for Change, the Government is forging ahead with its promise to create the modern transport system Britain needs and deserves.

The programme is expected to be developed in phases, with initial benefits anticipated in the early 2030s.