Plans to start construction of the £128m extension of the Midland Metro tram system in Birmingham have been given the green light by the government.
The tram line will link the city’s Snow Hill railway station to the newly-redeveloped New Street station in the city centre. It is estimated that the project will boost the local economy by £50m.
Commenting on the scheme, local transport minister Norman Baker said: “This scheme will bring trams back to the heart of Birmingham, which is great news for both the city itself and the wider West Midlands.”
The Department for Transport will provide £75.4m towards total cost of the project, which is being led by public transport authority Centro in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the Black Country district authorities.
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
