Plans to transform the old Perry Barr railway station in Birmingham into a new landmark facility have been unveiled.

This project will see a new building constructed featuring new lighting, CCTV coverage, new accessible toilets, covered waiting areas, live travel information screens, lifts to the platforms and a drop-off area for taxis and disabled blue badge holders. There will also be improved pedestrian links to a redesigned bus interchange outside the One Stop Shopping Centre.

Development of the bus and rail interchange is due to take place as part of the wider £500 million regeneration of Perry Barr, which includes the Athletes Village, changes to the road network and introduction of Sprint rapid transit buses.

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These are all due to be completed in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games when around 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories will be located at the Village and thousands of spectators will flock to the Alexander Stadium to watch the athletics and the official opening and closing ceremonies for the Games.

The project is being led by the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Network Rail and West Midlands Trains.

Malcolm Holmes, executive director of the WMRE and director of rail for TfWM, said: "Perry Barr railway station is rightly seen by many as unattractive and unsafe and this redevelopment is long overdue.

"I would urge everyone who lives, works or travels through the area to look at our plans, attend our events, ask questions and send in their comments."

Phil Edwards, assistant director for transport and connectivity at Birmingham City Council, added: "The railway station and bus interchange are important parts of the Perry Barr redevelopment project, improving connectivity across Birmingham and serving a growing population, so it is important that as many people as possible have their say on these plans."

(CM/JG)