A consultation on a major railway project that could deliver millions of extra seats on trains into and out of Birmingham has been launched. The eight-week consultation invites public views on significant upgrades to the railway between Bordesley and Birmingham Moor Street, part of the £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub project.
Project Aims and Benefits
The ambitious scheme aims to provide faster, better, and more frequent journeys for passengers, while boosting economic growth, enabling regeneration, supporting new homes, and improving access to HS2 at Curzon Street. Under the plans, Birmingham Moor Street would see 14.2 million extra seats annually, and Birmingham New Street would gain an additional 5.4 million seats.
There will be three extra trains per hour to towns and cities southwest of Birmingham, reinstatement of two trains on the Cross City Line, and four additional trains toward the East Midlands.
Infrastructure Improvements
The project includes building two new sections known as 'chords' and over ten further engineering interventions across the region. The West Chord involves improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from the South-West and Wales, enhancing services on the Hereford and Worcester corridors. The East Chord will create access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
Engineering upgrades include works to platforms at Moor Street and Snow Hill, improvements around Kings Norton to Barnt Green, Water Orton remodelling, and Bordesley viaduct widening.
Expert Opinions
Mark Cuzner, Midlands Rail Hub Alliance director, said: "These proposals represent a key element of the wider vision for the Midlands Rail Hub and its transformational potential to enable growth, improved connectivity, and opportunities for millions of people. The consultation we are launching today is an opportunity for the residents, businesses and communities of Birmingham to gain early insights into the proposals, speak to the team who are driving this forward and, most importantly, to provide their views and feedback to shape our detailed plans."
Denise Wetton, Network Rail's Central route director, said: "Midlands Rail Hub is a transformational project which would change the landscape of the railway in Birmingham and provide huge benefits across the city, region, and Britain. Not only will it improve journeys, but it will also connect people with new opportunities, create new jobs and access to careers, and be a catalyst for much-needed house building in the region. This consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, find out more, and contribute to future plans and I am excited to see the outcome and how it influences what happens next."
Consultation Details
The consultation runs until Friday 28 August and includes three in-person drop-in sessions and one webinar. Sessions are scheduled for Saturday 11 July 2026, 11am–4pm at The Old Library at Zellig, Gibb Street, Digbeth; Monday 13 July 2026, 4pm–8pm at The Saffron Centre, 256 Moseley Road; Wednesday 15 July 2026, 12pm–1pm online via Microsoft Teams (register at engagement@mrhalliance.co.uk); and Friday 17 July 2026, 12pm–6.30pm at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 6 Centenary Square.
More information on the project, its consenting routes, and how to provide feedback is available at www.mrhalliance.co.uk.
