The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has approved the business case for the next Birmingham Eastside Metro extension phase, securing £107 million in funding. This decision enables further construction of the tram line between Park Street and Meriden Street—sections three and four of the overall project.
The extension is strategically aligned with the £3 billion Sports Quarter redevelopment, including Birmingham City Football Club’s planned 60,000-seat stadium, training campus, and mixed-use commercial and residential developments. The route will also connect directly to HS2 at Curzon Street and aims to stimulate regeneration efforts in Digbeth and the broader east Birmingham area.
The project is split into two construction phases. Section four (New Canal Street to Meriden Street) is expected to begin later this year, with preparatory works already underway. However, construction on section three (Park Street to New Canal Street) cannot commence until 2026, once HS2 hands over the site.
Over £62 million of the funding has been fast-tracked to kickstart the build, which regional officials consider critical to unlocking private investment and improved public transport access for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
The first phase of the Eastside extension was completed in August 2023.
