Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove, has met representatives from Midlands Connect at Barnt Green station to discuss how their plans for the Midlands Rail Hub could benefit his constituency.
Midlands Rail Hub is an ambitious £1.5bn scheme that is designed to transform rail travel across the whole of the Midlands, as well as improve access from the West Midlands to the South West, Wales, and the East Midlands.
Last year, an Outline Business Case for the Midlands Rail Hub was submitted by Midlands Connect to the government, requesting funding to develop a Full Business Case so that building works could start by 2025.
Achieving these enhancements will require a package of improvements between Kings Norton and Barnt Green. These include extending and upgrading the current freight loop lines, filling in gaps in the existing electrification, and improving the junction at Barnt Green. Major new infrastructure would also be required in and around Birmingham City Centre. An enhancement to services in the area is already taking place with the reopening of the Camp Hill line which will see three new stations opened.
When he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Javid granted £20m to Midlands Connect to fund the Outline Business Case. He commented: “I was delighted to meet with representatives from Midlands Connect to discuss their Midlands Rail Hub project.
“As Chancellor in 2019, I committed the Conservative Party to supporting this scheme and I look forward to seeing the fantastic benefits that it will bring to Bromsgrove District upon completion”
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, added: “The fully delivery of Midlands Rail Hub will provide the region with more than 14 million more seats on the rail network each year and provide faster, more frequent or new rail links to key locations including Bromsgrove and Barnt Green, so it is fantastic that we have the support of the local MP.”
Perhaps he should allow the West Midlands Railway Class 730/0 3-Car trains to enter service on the Cross-City Line and the London Northwestern Railway Class 730/1/2 5-Car.
Perhaps Mr Javid could enquire about the all too frequent cancellations of trains on the quaint single track line between Redditch Alvechurch and Barnt Green. Is this arm of the network to be mothballed? Trains are now frequently turned around to head back to Birmingham and beyond without bothering to continue onto Redditch (although timetabled to do so.) I notice lots of mentions for Bromsgrove in this article, because Bromsgrove has lots of flat non green belt potential building land . Follow the money.
I thought West Midlands already was a “hub.”
Oxford to Cambridge link completion would have been a very good link.
Oxford to Bedford alone will be seen as a waste of money. It must be finished to make it worthwhile. It is a key to improved communication for goods and passengers between the East of England and the Midlands.