16.07.19
Plans for £20m ‘HS2 gateway’ in Sutton Coldfield to go to consultation
Proposals for a £20m transport hub in Sutton Coldfield are set to go to a consultation with the public, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have announced.
The plans, known as the Sutton Coldfield HS2 Gateway, were first proposed in 2017 and have since received the support of the national government.
Birmingham City Council leader, cllr Ian Ward, said: “This is a clear example of how with HS2 we can improve and transform parts of the West Midlands – bringing more people closer to the opportunities high speed rail provides.
“Moving the majority of buses from the Lower Parade will create a much better environment for shoppers and pave the way for future regeneration.”
Under the proposals, major rail-to-bus connectivity routes would be created and the entrance to Sutton’s train station would be redeveloped.
The project would be covered by Transport for West Midlands’ (TfWM) HS2 Connectivity Programme, which supports projects that put more people within 45 minutes reach of the proposed HS2 rail station at Curzon Street in Birmingham.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This is a major investment in Sutton Coldfield, which will not only make the town more welcoming for visitors but will allow local people to get off the bus and hop straight on a train to London.
“These proposed improved transport links will help bring much-needed investment and regeneration into the town centre, and so I would encourage everyone in the town to attend at least one of the four drop-in sessions.”