Media centre

Thursday 30 Nov 2006

NEW STREET GATEWAY PASSES FIRST PLANNING HURDLE

Region & Route:

Network Rail’s plans to redevelop Birmingham New Street station passed another important hurdle today as Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee backed the scheme. Planners described the redevelopment proposals as “genuinely transformational” and “a robust solution for rail, the city and the region.”

The planning decision confirms that the New Street Gateway project is essential to meet regional transport needs of Birmingham and the West Midlands. It also acknowledged that the proposed development would embrace ‘best practice’ in promoting social and environmental sustainability. This would include the creation of an extra 3,000 permanent jobs, the use of locally sourced materials and labour, the promotion of green travel plans and recycling schemes. Martin Chambers, Network Rail’s Programme Director for Birmingham New Street, commented: “The planning committee has recognised that these outline plans offer an exciting opportunity for the city and region. We welcome the committee’s close scrutiny and remain committed to working with the planning authority and other local stakeholders to make sure that we deliver a world class passenger experience at New Street. We have all seen the level of support from the public, business and across the political divide over the past few weeks. We urge the Government to make an early funding decision to enable us to kick start this vital project as soon as possible.” The redevelopment of Birmingham New Street has the support of all key regional stakeholders. It is backed by Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands, Centro (West Midlands Passenger Executive) and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce as well as MPs, public and passengers across the West Midlands.