Public views sought on Midland Metro extension

Transport Authority Centro has launched a consultation into the £31 million plans to extend the Midland Metro tram network into the centre of Birmingham.

Work is already underway on a 1.4 kilometre extension which will create stops at Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations, but the latest proposals would expand the network further through Paradise Circus development and on to Centenary Square.

Balfour Beatty is constructing the first phase of the extension, which is due to open in 2015, while Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF will supply new trams to the route.

Announcing the start of the consultation period, Councillor Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for rail, said: “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 £2 billion for the economy and create up to 40,000 jobs.”

If approved, the revised Paradise Circus – Centenary Square section route could be open by 2017.




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