Decision details

The board considered a report from Metro Finance & Commercial Director on the progress in delivering the Birmingham Eastside extension and seeking funding in order to achieve the opening of this extension by the end of 2025.

The Birmingham Eastside extension would connect with Midland Metro Line 1 at Bull Street and run along Albert Street to HS2 Curzon Street station and then down New Canal Street/Meriden Street to High Street Deritend, Digbeth. The route would provide 1.7km of new twin track tramway, four additional stops and would integrate with HS2 Curzon Street station and Digbeth coach station. The board was informed that the Transport & Works Act Order permitting the construction works to go ahead was granted by the Department for Transport on 16 January.

Resolved:

(1)       The progress being made on delivering the Birmingham Eastside Extension be noted.

(2)       The increase in the estimated outturn cost for the project, as set out in the report, which delivered a Benefit Cost Ratio of 3:1, calculated in accordance with WebTAG, be noted.

(3)       The Final Business Case for the Birmingham Eastside Extension scheme be recommended for approval by the WMCA Board.

(4)       The commitment of funding be approved, in particular:

(a)       The commitment from the WMCA Investment Programme (HS2 Connectivity), as set out in the report, for HS2 utility diversions (previously approved in October 2017); and

(b)       The WMCA Board be recommended to confirm approval for Prudential Borrowing, as set out in the report, to be financed from Metro revenues for the Birmingham Eastside extension.

(5)       Authority be delegated to the Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands and the Director of Finance, as set out in the report.