Demolition paves for new Birmingham railway station
A former bathroom showroom building has been knocked down as construction continues on Stirchley’s new Pineapple Road Railway Station.
The station is one of three currently under construction on the Camp Hill Line – the other two are at Moseley Village and Kings Heath – restoring passenger rail services to this part of south Birmingham for the first time in more than 80 years.
The building was previously a ticket office before the station, which was called Hazelwell at the time, closed in 1941. It was until recently used as a bathroom showroom and shop.
It is being pulled down to allow for the construction of a station forecourt, cycle rack, car drop off area and most crucially to allow step-free access to the new platforms. Of the original station the historic footbridge is being retained.
The project is led by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) in partnership with Birmingham City Council and rail partners.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “We’re now starting to see these new stations take shape. This building demolition is yet another sign of progress as the Camp Hill line opens to passengers once again.
“Local people and businesses quite rightly want to see the Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road stations up and running as soon as possible. That’s why we’re pressing ahead despite all of the challenges facing the construction sector globally – focused on all the benefits to come as these stations will ease traffic congestion, reduce car reliance and improve quality of life for residents in the months and years ahead.”
The WMCA is providing £36m towards the cost, with £20m from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the remaining £5m from Birmingham City Council’s clean air zone fund. Rail industry partners include Network Rail, operator West Midlands Railway and SLC-AECOM. VolkerFitzpatrick is building the stations under contract from TfWM.
