Midlands Connect recently met with rail industry leaders to discuss how the Midlands Rail Hub could transform transport in Warwickshire. The meeting brought together Midlands Connect, Warwickshire County Council, Network Rail, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, and the West Midlands Rail Executive.
One of the key benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub is the plan to run two extra trains per hour between Birmingham and Leicester. This will significantly reduce overcrowding for passengers at Coleshill Parkway, adding around 2 million extra seats each year. The improvements are set to make rail travel more attractive and open up greater opportunities for education, employment, and leisure for Warwickshire residents.
The project is also expected to deliver a major economic boost, creating over 13,000 supply chain jobs and more than 300 apprenticeships. Construction is scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2033, following government investment.
Paul Butters, Director of Communications at Midlands Connect, said:
"Being able to provide faster and more frequent services through Coleshill to Leicester and Birmingham can only benefit residents, businesses and commuters. All in all, this is a big boost for Warwickshire.
“As part of the project, we can also deliver 2 million extra seats a year on this corridor between Birmingham and Leicester, which will mean much more space for those boarding trains at Coleshill Parkway.”
Cllr Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning at Warwickshire County Council, said:
“I was excited to hear the plans to improve the rail network across the Midlands. It is vital that the County Council continues to work closely with Midlands Connect to help secure the funding needed to deliver the full programme of works so that residents and businesses in Warwickshire can benefit from the Midlands Rail Hub scheme, particularly between Birmingham, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton and Leicester.”
