Five new railway stations across the West Midlands are preparing to open to passengers, marking the completion of a £185 million infrastructure programme designed to reconnect communities to the rail network for the first time in generations. Supported by substantial UK Government investment, the project will give residents faster, greener travel alternatives while easing road congestion and revitalising local economies.
Historic Stations Reopening After Decades
Two new Black Country stations — Willenhall and Darlaston — will officially open on Thursday 19 March, restoring passenger services not seen since 1965.
Three new stations on Birmingham’s Camp Hill Line — Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road — will open on Tuesday 7 April, reconnecting communities cut off from rail services since the Second World War.
Final approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is expected imminently, keeping the programme firmly on schedule.
Modern, Accessible Transport Hubs
All five stations have been built to modern standards, featuring:
- Sheltered platforms
- Accessible lifts
- Ticket machines
- Secure cycle storage
Darlaston Station includes a 300‑space park‑and‑ride car park, while Willenhall offers an additional 33 parking spaces.
Strong Government and Regional Backing
The project has received £126 million in Government funding, with an additional £30 million secured by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker following the 2024 transport review to ensure the Camp Hill stations were delivered.
Mayor Parker said:
“When I took office, I promised we would get these stations finished and ready for the community, and now we are delivering on that promise.
“Closing those stations during the last century was a short-sighted mistake which has now been put right – no longer will residents have to watch every day as trains rush past without stopping.
“These vital new services will not only restore a historic link between the railways and our communities, they will create a new lifeline for local people – supporting our high streets, opening up new opportunities and connections, and driving economic growth.”
Delivered Through Regional Partnership
The scheme has been jointly led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, and local councils.
VolkerFitzpatrick delivered construction for the Camp Hill stations, while Kier completed Willenhall and Darlaston.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Thanks to Government investment, fast and frequent rail services will arrive at new stations across Birmingham and the Black Country next month for the first time in decades, reducing congestion and improving local transport connections.
“There is no limit on our ambitions for the West Midlands. That’s why we are funding new opportunities for jobs, travel, and housing, while returning rail services to public ownership to build a railway passengers can rely on.”
Local Leaders Welcome Economic Boost
Walsall Council Leader Mike Bird said:
“I’m delighted that we can now announce the opening dates for Willenhall and Darlaston railway stations, bringing passenger services back to these communities for the first time in over 50 years.
“These stations will offer quicker, greener, and more reliable links to the wider region, helping to reduce congestion and creating new opportunities for work, education, and leisure across Walsall. This is a major milestone for our communities and a real boost for the borough’s future.”
Cllr Majid Mahmood, Birmingham City Council, added:
“This is great news for the people of Birmingham and the wider region. This will really help further connect these communities with local neighbourhoods along the line and with the city, whether they’re using the train to commute or for leisure. Crucially, this line will also help to ease traffic congestion in the area, in turn reducing pollution and improving bus reliability.”
Improved Services for Thousands of Passengers
Jonny Wiseman, Customer Experience Director for West Midlands Railway, said:
“These fantastic new stations will create direct rail links to Birmingham city centre for these communities for the first time in decades, benefiting thousands of leisure and commuter travellers.
“With the introduction of these fast, regular services travel times into the city will be greatly reduced, making a huge difference to the Birmingham public transport network. We’re excited to begin welcoming new customers on board in the coming weeks.”
Network Rail Central Route Director Denise Wetton added:
“We are delighted to have supported with the return of these stations to the rail network, which marks an important moment for our local communities. The railway has a unique role in connecting communities to places and opportunities, supports regeneration, and drives economic growth.
“Delivered in partnership, this is another important step as part of a wider programme of transformative projects that are improving the railway across the West Midlands, creating a network that better supports passengers now and into the future.”
New Service Patterns
- Camp Hill Line stations (Moseley Village, Kings Heath, Pineapple Road): Half‑hourly services between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Norton.
- Willenhall and Darlaston: Added to the hourly Shrewsbury–Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton. WMRE and the Mayor continue discussions on securing further regular services.
Image credits: iStock
