Midlands Rail Hub: Nearly three quarters think project fulfils Government objective of delivering growth

Nearly three quarters (72%) of people surveyed in Kings Norton believe Midlands Rail Hub will help fulfil the Government’s key mission of delivering growth.

The scheme, bringing up to 300 trains into and out of Birmingham could deliver a step-change in transport in the region.

Polling carried out in Redditch and Kings Norton by Censuswide for Midlands Connect, showed 58% of respondents agree the 5.8 million extra seats are required, and 46% believe the proposed upgrades at Kings Norton station are ‘necessary’. When asked, 50% of those taking part also welcomed the extra trains every hour and said they support the idea.

As part of the project, Kings Norton station will be upgraded, and the currently derelict island platform will be re-instated. The station’s accessibility will also be upgraded and a brand-new footbridge connecting all platforms will be installed.

As part of the Midlands Rail Hub the Cross City current service will be upgraded to a train every 10 minutes at Longbridge, Northfield, Bournville and Selly Oak, creating a ‘turn up and go’ London-style service with over 5 million seats available each year.

Two thirds (66%) also said that they would be more likely to use the train if the upgrades are delivered and 69% of women said they’d use the train more.

Laurence Turner MP, Birmingham Northfield, said:

“This Midlands Rail Hub upgrade is critically important for Longbridge, Northfield and Kings Norton.

“Local people agree that services are not frequent enough - now we need to upgrade the tracks and restore Kings Nortons disused platforms to make that happen.

“It is important that we get this investment to fulfil the Government’s plan to improve passenger’s experiences, create new jobs, and increase opportunities for young people.”

Midlands Connect CEO, Maria Machancoses, said:

“Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship scheme and these results demonstrate yet more evidence supporting it, and what it will deliver for passengers, for communities and will ultimately for the Government. Their central mission: economic growth and in this region, we need improved connections to make that happen. 

“The project will create new jobs and improve access to opportunities. It will also develop young people through tailored apprenticeship schemes, as well as boosting much-needed house building. 

"The improved rail connections set to be delivered through Midlands Rail Hub will allow train travel to be a first choice for millions of people, and Kings Norton and Redditch are at the heart of the project.”