Midlands Connect’s flagship scheme, a transformational rail improvement which will benefit 7 million people across the region, has been given the green light.
Midlands Rail Hub is a blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands.
Two new ‘chords’ and 10+ engineering interventions throughout the region will allow more than 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 extra trains every day.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the scheme in her Comprehensive Spending Review in June. Today’s announcement goes beyond this, providing the capital investment needed to make it a reality.
Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will led to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment, and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme.
“Midlands Rail Hub is a once in a generation chance to change our collective future for the better.”
The scale of this announcement is a huge step forward in delivering the overall ambition of Midlands Rail Hub – to boost frequency and capacity to as many places as possible across the region.
It is a vote of confidence in a project which is expected to create nearly 13,000 construction jobs and serve up to 50 stations and destinations across the Midlands and beyond.
Thanks to the work of the co-sponsor partners involved – Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive, it will progress to Full Business Case completion in 2028, with parts of the scheme entering into service in the early 2030s.
