The Midlands Rail Hub, Midlands Connect’s flagship scheme set to benefit seven million people across the region, has been given the crucial green light following a major Government commitment to investment.
This transformative rail improvement project is hailed as a blueprint for faster, better, and more frequent connections throughout the Midlands. The plans include the construction of two new ‘chords’ and over ten engineering interventions across the region, which will collectively allow for more than 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 additional trains every day.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves initially highlighted the scheme in her Comprehensive Spending Review in June. Today’s announcement goes beyond this, providing the vital capital investment required to transform the vision into a reality.
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will led to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result. We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment, and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme. Midlands Rail Hub is a once-in-a-generation chance to change our collective future for the better.”
The scale of this announcement represents a huge step forward in delivering the overall ambition of the Midlands Rail Hub: to significantly boost frequency and capacity to as many places as possible across the region.
It is seen as a strong vote of confidence in a project that is expected to create nearly 13,000 construction jobs and serve up to 50 stations and destinations across the Midlands and beyond.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of its co-sponsor partners – Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and West Midlands Rail Executive – the project will now progress to the completion of its Full Business Case in 2028, with parts of the scheme expected to enter into service in the early 2030s.
