Stakeholders commission new study for strategic transport hub
REGIONAL stakeholders are collaborating on new proposals to create an integrated public transport hub capable of providing visitors, business people and residents with seamless links between Birmingham Airport, the NEC and the proposed HS2 Interchange station.
To identify the best way of achieving the plan, Solihull Borough Council, in partnership with West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (ITA), the airport and the NEC, has commissioned consultants Mott MacDonald and Grimshaw Architects to complete the study.
The plans that emerge could see the first major pieces of infrastructure to come on the back of the proposed HS2 Interchange Station, set for a site close to Birmingham International.
The study will also factor in the impact of the Genting Arena and the new £150m Resorts World Birmingham complex.
Birmingham Airport now handles more than 10 million passengers a year, while 6 million people visit the NEC and Resorts World. It is predicted the new HS2 Interchange Station could have to deal with around 20,000 people daily.
In recognition of the importance of the area as a strategic transport hub within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the ITA and Solihull Council have been awarded a 50% funding contribution towards the €1.75m cost of the study.
Ironically in view of recent events, the funding has come from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, with the balance of funding secured from private and public sector partners.
The new public transport hub will also link with the HS2 Automated People Mover to transfer passengers onto the mainline rail network and tram services through North Solihull to Birmingham city centre.
Cllr Ted Richards, cabinet member for Transport at Solihull Council, said: “This is a crucial project that will promote transport connections between the new HS2 station and Birmingham Airport. It will be a truly significant piece of infrastructure that will transform the passenger and visitor experience.”
Ashely Taylor, Mott MacDonald’s Divisional Director leading the Birmingham office, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this landmark project for Solihull that will improve critical transport links in the region and help capture inward investment as a result of HS2.
“We are excited to help solve the complex technical challenges this project presents, while recognising the huge benefits it will bring for (people) in the region.”
Cllr Ian Courts, deputy leader and Solihull cabinet member for managed growth, said the hub would be a vital piece of infrastructure not just locally, but regionally, nationally and internationally.
“This infrastructure will help create a new and vibrant place that will link two major economic assets, Birmingham Airport and the NEC in the UK Central Hub. We are creating a truly unique place in the UK, building new homes, enabling new business that will provide jobs and places for visitors to enjoy and relax,” he said.
