Three new train stations to open in Birmingham

A CGI of what Kings Heath station will look like. Credit: West Midlands Railway

Commuting in and around Birmingham is about to get easier as plans for three new train stations are unveiled.

For the first time since the Second World War, the Camp Hill Line will be partially reopened with stations in Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell.

Under the plans, there will be two trains an hour into the city centre; a welcome alternative to queuing on the A435 Alcester Road. The journey will take approximately 15 minutes.

Passengers won't have to wait long for the new service either. It's hoped construction work will start in 2020 and be finished by the end of 2021 - just in time for the Commonwealth Games.

There are also plans for stations to be opened in the Black Country, including in Brierley Hill and Willenhall.

An artist's sketch of what Moseley station will look like. Credit: West Midlands Railway

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street will be joined by Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling for a tour of one of the station sites and the unveiling of the station designs.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: "I know exactly how important reopening this railway line is to people in the communities in Kings Heath, Moseley and Hazelwell and everybody who has a part to play in making this happen is working towards getting it reopen as quickly as possible.

"This report was a technical but important piece of work that needed to take place and shows we can make this happen. Now we have to get everybody to play their part to deliver it."

He added: "Congestion from this part of the city into the city centre is one of the huge drawbacks for what are otherwise thriving areas – undoing the closures seven decades ago will be a huge step tackling both congestion and the clean air challenge we all face."

Plans are being jointly developed by the West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), West Midlands Railway and Network Rail. They are working together on the track, signalling and service changes required.

In the longer term, more frequent services may be possible as part of the Midlands Rail Hub project which will provide the Camp Hill Chords to link the line to Moor Street Station and allow more trains into Birmingham City Centre.