Moor Street’s ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation plans unveiled

New images of plans to transform of Birmingham Moor Street station have been revealed by West Midlands Rail Executive.

New platforms to cope with an expected rise in passenger numbers feature in the concepts for the redevelopment, alongside links to New Street station and HS2 services at the proposed Curzon Street terminus.

The plans also include options to more than double the size of the concourse from 910 sq m to 2,000 sq m and introduce two new platforms.

New platforms will, alongside other network infrastructure improvements, allow extra services to stop at Birmingham Moor Street from across the region, under Midlands Connect’s Midlands Rail Hub proposals to increase rail capacity to and from the East Midlands, Hereford, Worcester and the South West.

Passenger numbers at Moor Street are expected to grow from seven million to 12 million a year by 2043, with further increases expected as a result of the Midlands Rail Hub and the arrival of HS2 in 2026.

The plans include an iconic new transfer deck with access to every platform and links to a new footbridge taking passengers directly to HS2 services from Curzon Street via a new public square.

There are also several options to improve pedestrian access between Moor Street and New Street, including a direct route via St Martin’s Queensway; new steps and a ramp at Swan Passage, adjacent to the new Primark development; and a new ramped route from Rotunda Square to New Street Station.

A second entrance to the south of the station is proposed to improve passenger flow, avoid overcrowding and create better access to the revitalised Digbeth area and proposed £1.5bn Smithfield development.

These initial concepts – developed by West Midlands Rail Executive in collaboration with Transport for West Midlands, Midlands Connect, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Railway and Birmingham City Council – is the first stage of a long-term plan to transform Moor Street.

The artists’ impressions were designed by architecture firms Grimshaw and Glenn Howells Architects, who also worked together on designs for HS2’s Curzon Street Station.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We have big plans for transport in the West Midlands and the expansion of Moor Street is a crucial part of that. Our game-changing plans for HS2 and new metro and rail lines are already driving investment, new jobs and apprenticeships as well as bringing communities closer to those work, training and education opportunities.

“This whole area of Birmingham will be revitalised over the next few years as the world’s largest Primark opens, Curzon Street HS2 station is built, and Moor Street is transformed. This vision for Moor Street will not only provide a better experience for commuters but with two extra platforms, it will set the foundation for the future expansion of rail services.”

Cllr Roger Lawrence, chair of West Midlands Rail Executive, said: “With a second entrance, more space and improved links to New Street Station and the new HS2 Curzon Street station, this vision will offer passengers a much more enjoyable and pleasant experience when visiting Moor Street. The extra platforms will also ensure that Moor Street is ready for extra services following the proposed development of the Camp Hill Chords, as part of the Midlands Rail Hub.”