Media centre

Friday 3 Mar 2006

PUBLIC URGED TO ‘CLICK START’ BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET CAMPAIGN

Region & Route:

Campaigning started today, in support of plans to redevelop Birmingham New Street Station. In an open letter, the region’s leaders backed the Birmingham Gateway campaign and pledged to ‘seize the moment’ by forging a partnership that will fight ‘for a world class station’. They issued a challenge to the people and businesses of Birmingham and the wider region to ‘click start’ the campaign by registering their support at www.renewstreet.co.uk The level of support for the campaign demonstrates that there is now an unprecedented level of unity behind the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street and a belief that the £500 million “Birmingham Gateway” scheme is the best solution for the railway station, for the city and for the region. Announcing the launch of the Birmingham Gateway Campaign, Cllr Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “This is a golden opportunity for the people of Birmingham to unite behind this exciting and ambitious project. Birmingham Gateway will give not only us, but everyone who visits our great city, a world class travelling experience.” Peter Strachan, Route Director, Network Rail added: “By signing up to our Campaign, the people and businesses of Birmingham can make a difference. We need the support of everyone if we are to realise our vision of a world class station capable of accommodating the growth of the railway for generations to come.” Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of WMPTA said: “Redeveloping New Street Station is critical for passengers, critical for business, and essential to the future of the West Midlands. It’s time to turn support into reality”. Nick Paul, Chairman AWM said: “The analysis shows that Birmingham Gateway would mean better access to jobs and training for local people, and an increase in the number of business travellers and visitors seeking to invest or spend in the region. To make Birmingham Gateway a reality we need the city and the region to get behind us by registering your support today.” Jerry Blackett, Policy Director, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, concluded: "It is so important that every business in Birmingham and the region register their support for this important investment. We need to send a very loud message to London that this is a top priority for the future of our economy."