Andrew Mitchell discusses redevelopment at Birmingham New Street.

Andrew Mitchell MP met Public Affairs Manager for Network Rail, Chris Mair, and Head of Design for the New Street Gateway project, Carol Stitchman, to be taken on a tour of New Street Station and discuss the new Gateway Project.

The Birmingham Gateway proect, which was approved in 2003, is a redevelopment scheme to regenerate Birmingham New Street Station and the shopping centre above it, so that it can accommodate increased passenger numbers.

Andrew Mitchell MP was briefed on what the proposed redevelopment would do to change the look of the station and the benefits it would bring to rail service users. Redevelopment work will begin in 2008 and it is estimated that the whole redevelopment scheme will cost £350 million.

Andrew Mitchell MP said, “This has been a very good opportunity to discuss in greater detail the benefits that will be brought to the station when the Government finally gives approval for the new scheme, as well as seeing firsthand the work that goes on behind the scenes to try to ensure local trains run as efficiently and as safely as possible.”