Construction firm appointed to build new £56m station
West Midlands Combined Authority has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build the new £56m University Station.
The scheme will see a totally new station building, along with 2,700 sq ft of commercial space and a footbridge over the canal which will link the university campus and the station.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This station is used by thousands of people every day and is a key gateway for the city and region. We are therefore looking forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick to turn our plans for University into a reality when construction begins next year.
“This is just one part of our wider investment in rail which includes the reopening of new lines in Birmingham and the Black Country, station upgrades and the introduction of new rolling stock on some of our busier lines.”
Director of estates for University of Birmingham, Trevor Payne said: “The new University station is going to be a crucial part of our infrastructure for the next generation, providing us with a facility that is fit for the 21st Century. We are looking forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick on this exciting project.”
Mike Evans, VolkerFitzpatrick operations director, said: “Over the last forty years this station has seen a dramatic increase in passenger numbers, which is still expected to rise in the coming years. Our design aim is to ensure the new station can continue to manage an increase in current capacity, but also create a vibrant, positive impression for those visiting Birmingham for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and those using the station on a daily basis, helping to provide the local community with a faster, safer and more efficient mode of transport for the region.”
University Station opened in 1978 and was built to handle 400,000 passengers a year. It is now creaking under the weight of almost 3.5 million train users a year. This figure is set to increase further to 7 million by 2043.
WMCA wants the station to be open by the end of 2021 – in time for the Commonwealth Games the following year.
