GOVERNMENT chiefs visited Birmingham to hear how the city and surrounding area is tackling transport issues.
The committee said it had chosen to visit the second city because of its extensive transport network and systems such as the M6 Toll motorway, ‘spaghetti junction’, New Street Station revamp and expansion plans for both the Midland Metro and Birmingham Airport.
The city council has also entered into a long-term, £2.7bn highways maintenance PFI with Amey.
Among the speakers at the event were Birmingham City Council, Centro, Freightliner and London Midland trains.
Yesterday’s visit came just days after the ‘Vision for Movement’ was officially launched – a masterplan for transforming transport around Birmingham which is part of the Big City Plan.
The committee is inquiring into whether the most important schemes are being identified and prioritised by the Government, in order to support the economy, both nationally and in the regions.
The committee was also keen to hear how major transport schemes will be promoted in the absence of regional plans or bodies such as regional development agencies like Advantage West Midlands.
Network Rail has unveiled plans for over 75,000 sq ft of new retail space in four stations – including 16,000 sq ft at New Street station.
The ‘Gateway Plus’ redevelopment of the station is due for completion by 2015. The other stations included in the scheme are Manchester Piccadilly and Waterloo and King’s Cross in London.
