The Birmingham city centre extension of Midland Metro may still be at least 18 months away from opening but that doesn\u2019t mean that Centro are prepared to rest on their laurels\u00a0 as they are now inviting the public to comment on a further extension in Birmingham which would see the line run through Paradise Circus to Centenary Square.<\/p>\n
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These new plans would see trams run from the new stop at New Street Station (on Stephenson Street) along Pinfold Street, Victoria Square, Paradise Street and Broad Street and then terminating at Centenary Square. There would be two new stops constructed at Town Hall and Centenary Square.<\/p>\n
The proposals have been drawn up between Centro and Birmingham City Council and would build on the work taking place to provide further connections to key venues like the ICC, Symphony Hall and Birmingham Museum and Art Galleries.<\/p>\n
A public consultation has now been launched and will run until the end of September. This will include three exhibitions taking place in Victoria Square.<\/p>\n
Cllr Roger Horton, Centro\u2019s lead member for rail, said: \u201cWork is already underway to connect the Midland Metro to both New Street and Snow Hill stations and we want to build on that and further improve the network in Birmingham city centre. These plans would play a significant role in supporting some of the major redevelopment work taking place in the city which will bring about an extra \u00a32 billion for the economy and create up to 40,000 jobs. This extension would provide passengers with a stop right at the heart of some of Birmingham\u2019s key destinations like the new library, the NIA and the ICC. We want to hear the thoughts of passengers and businesses and would urge them to take the time to take part in the consultation and give us their views.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Centro already have permission to integrate Midland Metro with the Paradise Circus redevelopment they are now seeking to amend this slightly by eliminating the need to build a bridge over the Suffolk Street Queensway tunnels. It is aimed that a supplementary Transport and Works Act Order will be applied for by the end of this year and all being well construction would start in 2015 ahead of an opening in 2017.<\/p>\n
* You can take part in the Public Consultation at http:\/\/www.centro.org.uk\/metro\/CentenaryExtension\/CentenarySquareExtension.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Birmingham city centre extension of Midland Metro may still be at least 18 months away from opening but that doesn\u2019t mean that Centro are prepared to rest on their laurels\u00a0 as they are now inviting the public to comment … Continue reading