Business case approved for city tram extension

The next phase will see the Midland Metro line extended to reach the east of the Birmingham

A business case for the next phase of extension work to Birmingham's tram system has been approved after councillors heard the line would "unlock" the redevelopment at Birmingham City's new football stadium.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) bosses said completing sections three and four, between Park Street and Meriden Street, was "crucial" for the Midland Metro line to reach the east of the city and Blues' £3bn Sports Quarter development.

The work is part of the Birmingham Eastside Extension project and will also provide a transport link to HS2 at Curzon Street and support regeneration in Digbeth.

The first phase was completed in August.

Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton said the importance of the new route went beyond the benefits to Digbeth and was about how the extension could help to "unlock the full potential" of east Birmingham.

"The Metro extension has to be a key part of how we drive that change," Cotton added.

'Connecting to opportunity'

The WMCA board approved £107m of funding for the second phase of the project, of which West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he had fast-tracked more than £62m to enable the phase to start this year.

"This line is about more than transport, it's about connecting people in Birmingham and the Black Country to opportunity.

"It's already drawing in major investment and helping to breathe new life into this part of the city centre," he added.

However, Parker said the extension had "taken too long".

"The sooner we deliver it, the sooner we bring in the jobs, homes and regeneration promised by the Sports Quarter."

Blues' proposals include a new 60,000-seater stadium, sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, community pitches as well as leisure, commercial and residential development.

Work at the section three site, from Park Street to New Canal Street (Curzon Street Station), cannot begin until 2026 when HS2 hands over the area to Midland Metro.

However, transport bosses hope to start the main construction work on section four, New Canal Street to Meriden Street, later this year, with preparatory works already under way.