GENSOCIAL
A construction contractor has been appointed to carry out a £56 million redevelopment of a railway station in Birmingham.
VolkerFitzpatrick will lead the major renovation of the station at the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston which received planning permission in June.
The project will include a new bridge over the canal connecting the station with the campus, wider platforms, lifts, ticket office and a retail unit while the existing station will be retained as a passenger exit.
It is being carried out to accommodate a major surge in passenger numbers which are projected to hit by seven million per year by 2043.
When it opened in 1978, University station was designed to serve just 400,000 passengers a year.
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VolkerFitzpatrick will deliver the detailed design and build on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority with work due to start next year and be completed ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The university will play host to the squash and hockey events and also accommodate athletes and officials after the athletes’ village in Perry Barr was scrapped in August because of delays caused by covid-19.
VolkerFitzpatrick operations director Mike Evans said: “Over the last 40 years, this station has seen a dramatic increase in passenger numbers which is still expected to rise in the coming years.
“Our design aim is to ensure the new station can continue to manage an increase in current capacity but also create a vibrant, positive impression for those visiting Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and those using the station on a daily basis, helping to provide the local community with a faster, safer and more efficient mode of transport for the region.”
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street added: “This station is used by thousands of people every day and is a key gateway for the city and region.
“We are therefore looking forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick to turn our plans for University into a reality when construction begins next year.
“This is just one part of our wider investment in rail which includes the reopening of new lines in Birmingham and the Black Country, station upgrades and the introduction of new rolling stock on some of our busier lines.”
Trevor Payne, director of estates at University of Birmingham, said: “The new station is going to be a crucial part of our infrastructure for the next generation, providing us with a facility that is fit for the 21st century.
“We are looking forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick on this exciting project.”
