The Westside Metro extension has marked a major milestone following the beginning of the installation of the Brindleyplace tram stop. The new stop will help connect workers and visitors to Brindleyplace, and put it on the public transport map of an ever-expanding tram network.
The Brindleyplace tram stop is now in the process of being installed, the first of three new tram stops for phase two of the Metro tram extension. Peter Cushing, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, welcomed Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Charles Toogood of Brindleyplace on a site visit where they also saw the final ten metres of track on Broad Street being welding into place.
Speaking at the site of the tram stop, which will serve the city’s night-time entertainment district, Andy Street, said: “That we are celebrating yet another milestone for this important project, even as we navigate through these difficult times, is a brilliant achievement. The installation beginning on the first tram stop along Broad Street is a clear sign that we are entering the final stage of construction, bringing us closer to unlocking the significant economic benefits the extension will bring to every part of our region. This extension is a key part of our plan to recharge the region’s economy as we recover from the impact of Covid-19, and it is exciting to think people will be using this stop as early as next year.”
When the route opens in late 2021, three new tram stops will connect passengers to Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley Road. It will follow from the current Library terminus, which opened for passengers in December 2019.
Raj Rajput, Managing Director, Asset Management at Hines, said: “The Birmingham Westside Metro extension has a crucial role in connecting Brindleyplace to the people and places of the West Midlands and the installation of the new tram stop beginning at Brindleyplace is a key milestone. This new stop on Broad Street will help connect our workers and visitors to the rest of the city and the region, with access to New Street railway station and Grand Central in just a few minutes. It also helps put Brindleyplace on the public transport map of an ever-expanding tram network.”
Construction on the project has continued throughout the Covid-19 crisis after further government guidance was implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public and the team.
For any further information about the work, including any traffic or pedestrian changes, please visit: www.metroalliance.co.uk
