Network Rail has announced that the Grand Central and redeveloped Birmingham New Street station will be officially opened in September 2015.
The redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station forms a part of the £38bn investment to maintain and enhance Britain’s railway network over the next five years.
UK Rail Minister Claire Perry said: "The redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station will transform the daily journey of millions of people, and the project is also hugely important for Birmingham and the local economy upon which thousands of jobs depend."
Upon opening, Grand Central and the redeveloped station will provide customers and passengers with a new shopping and station experience, with easy access by rail or road from across the West Midlands and beyond.
The New Street station will provide easier access to platforms with new lifts and escalators, as well as new entrances connecting the station and the Metro extension from Snow Hill station.
The project is backed by Birmingham City Council, the UK Department for Transport, Network Rail and Centro.
Network Rail project director Chris Montgomery said: "The New Street redevelopment, complemented by Grand Central, will improve the city centre environment in Birmingham, creating new public space to stimulate regeneration and create up to one thousand new jobs for local people."
In addition, Grand Central will have a 60,000ft² retail space, as well as 60 shops, restaurants and cafes.
Image: Birmingham New Street station. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.
