THE MIDLANDS Rail Hub is a step closer to reality after receiving confirmation of financial backing in the Chancellor’s recent spending review.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, delivering her Comprehensive Spending Review, announced she is funding the rail upgrade.
Speaking at the dispatch box this week, Rachel Reeves said: “I am providing funding for the Midlands Rail Hub, the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme for generations, strengthening connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands and into Wales too.”
Midlands Rail Hub is a £1.75bn blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the region.
The scheme will add up to 300 additional trains and 20 million extra seats on the rail network per day into or out of Birmingham and provide faster, more frequent or new rail links for over 50 locations including Bromsgrove, Worcester, Droitwich Spa, Malvern and Redditch.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Midlands Rail Hub is about more than trains – it’s about opportunity. This investment will unlock thousands of jobs, support new homes and connect our region to faster, greener growth.
“It’s a major step forward for national connectivity and local prosperity, and a clear signal that the Midlands is at the heart of Britain’s future.”
The Midlands Rail Hub project is co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport and West Midlands Rail Executive.
Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This marks a major milestone in this transformational, nationally significant project.
“The Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship scheme, and it is the result of years of collaboration and determination by cross-party leaders from all corners of the Midlands.
“It will deliver a step change for passengers, for communities and ultimately for Government’s central mission of economic growth.
“In this region, we need improved transport connections, and Midlands Rail Hub will help make that happen.
“The project will create new jobs, improve access to opportunities and boost growth.
“It will also provide tailored apprenticeship schemes, as well as boosting much-needed house building. We will continue to work with our mayors, leaders and MPs across the region to progress the work on Midlands Rail Hub.”
