University railway station
We're working with AECOM in a joint venture as ‘Rail Delivery Partner’ on the West Midlands Rail Programme (WMRP).
Project Overview
The University Station rebuild is part of the West Midlands Rail Programme (WMRP), which is a £200m investment in seven new and upgraded stations and network improvements across the West Midlands.
The £65m new station will make a huge difference to passengers. It will improve access to some of Birmingham’s world-leading institutions, including University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The project includes a new direct access link to the university campus, with a footbridge over the Birmingham to Worcester canal.
University station was built in 1978 and was designed to accommodate half a million passengers a year. Between 2018 and 2019 there were 3.97 million passenger journeys through the station. This is predicted to rise to 7.2 million per year by 2069 because of planned developments in the area.
The station is often crowded, especially at peak times. The platforms are narrow, with limited shelter for bad weather. High passenger numbers contribute to delays. The new station will have improved facilities that will increase capacity and reduce congestion. New public realm that reflects the Roman heritage of the site will provide more space for passengers.
The new station improves access to some of Birmingham’s world-leading institutions, including:
- the University of Birmingham
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
The existing station remained operational during construction.
Project Delivery
SLC-AECOM Joint Venture was appointed on behalf of the West Midlands Rail Programme (WMRP) to provide design, project and commercial management services. The Principal Contractor is VolkerFitzpatrick.
The station opened on 28 January 2024.
Stakeholders
The project is led by the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and is part of a scheme by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Other stakeholders include: West Midlands Trains (operators of West Midlands Railway), Network Rail, University of Birmingham, Department for Transport, Birmingham City Council, Midlands Engine, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Canal and River Trust, CrossCountry and VolkerFitzpatrick.
