Network Rail has confirmed the four companies that which will design and develop upgrades to railways in the Midlands.
Midlands Rail Hub, which could cost around 拢1.75bn if delivered in full, is a series of planned projects to improve journeys, promote economic growth and serve new housing development.
The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, comprising VolkerRail, Laing O'Rourke, AtkinsR茅alis and Siemens Mobility, will work alongside Network Rail to design and develop Midlands Rail Hub and support the build phase.
This will include connecting the Chiltern main line, which runs into Moor Street, with the Camp Hill lines which run towards the South West and East Midlands, via two new chords in Bordesley, near Birmingham city centre.
Alongside this, work is also being prioritised to progress smaller changes to the existing railway which will provide passengers and communities with quicker benefits, including new journey options and more trains.
This includes reopening platform 4 at Snow Hill station, so additional Chiltern Railways services can run directly between Birmingham's business district and London Marylebone, and redeveloping Kings Norton station and the lines through it so extra Cross City trains can be added and new Midlands Rail Hub-enabled services can call there.
Network Rail Central route director Denise Wetton said: "Confirming the Midlands Rail Hub alliance partners means this vital regional and national project can really start to move forward and we are focusing hard to start work on this transformative project as quickly as possible."聽聽聽聽
Laing O鈥橰ourke commercial director John O鈥機onnor said: 鈥淭he transformation of the rail network across Birmingham is another step closer. The planned improvements will better connect communities and boost the region鈥檚 economy, with the alliance partners working with local communities to create sustainable employment and supply chain opportunities right from the outset.
鈥淭he alliance is a proven partnership that works. Laing O鈥橰ourke has worked collaboratively alongside our alliance partners VolkerRail, AtkinsR茅alis and Network Rail for a decade, most recently in the successful delivery of East West Rail Phase 2. We look forward to bringing our extensive rail experience to the project, and to working closely with Siemens Mobility - designing and developing plans that will drive progress on the Midlands Rail Hub project.鈥�
VolkerRail managing director Stuart Birch said: "Securing the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance is a testament to the strength of our people, our collaborative culture, and the reputation we have built through decades of successful alliancing. Together with our partners, we will deliver a programme that improves connectivity, supports economic growth, and leaves a positive legacy for the communities we serve.鈥�
West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) director Mal Drury-Rose added: 鈥淎fter years of supporting this project, we are thrilled that it will come to fruition, delivering huge benefits for passengers in the West Midlands.
鈥淲e are committed to ensuring that it's more than just a rail scheme 鈥� that it maximises the benefits of HS2 coming to the region, creating a major new transport interchange at Moor Street and Curzon Street stations, and delivers on our wider ambitions for social mobility, transport integration, regeneration and economic growth."
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