Transport body Midlands Connect has submitted a £2bn proposal to the government outlining a package of railway improvements to improve connectivity between the East and West Midlands.

The Midlands Rail Hub plan encompasses building 15 infrastructures to increase capacity and improve railway connectivity in the region. Additionally, the plan is expected to deliver significant benefits to the Midlands economy.

If approved, the proposals will be implemented in phases between 2024 and 2033. Midlands Connect submitted the plans in collaboration with Network Rail.

The plans are supported by 47 partner organisations, including West Midlands Combined Authority, HS2, local authorities, LEPs, chambers of commerce and Birmingham and East Midlands airports.

Midlands Connect chair John Peace said: “The Midlands Rail Hub is a cost-effective, evidence-led plan to upgrade our Victorian infrastructure to meet the demands of the future.

“These proposals capture the enormous economic potential of the Midlands, with 320,000 new jobs estimated by 2030, mainly in professional services firms who depend on good rail connectivity to attract skilled workers.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“This investment must happen alongside delivering HS2 in its entirety, from the West Midlands to the East Midlands and on to the north of England.”

The upgrades would help to accommodate 24 additional passenger trains an hour to and from Birmingham Moor Street, reducing pressure from Birmingham New Street.

It includes schemes to resume direct services between Coventry, Leicester & Nottingham, as well as two additional trains per hour in both directions between Birmingham-Leicester and Birmingham-Derby.

Additionally, it will create 36 freight paths a day, diverting 4,320 lorries’ worth of goods from road to rail. It also includes plans to increase access to HS2.

Along with submitting the plan, Midlands Connect sought an additional £25m funding to advance to the ‘Outline Business Case’ stage of development.