Get Snow Hill Platform 4 up and running before HS2 and to allow extra trains from Birmingham’s business district directly to London

Published: Friday 11 November 2022

The focus will be on reinstating platform 4 at Snow Hill before HS2 is completed in Birmingham. This will allow for additional trains directly from Birmingham’s business district into London.

Research recently conducted by Mott MacDonald for Midlands Connect shows that footfall at Snow Hill station would increase by 127,000 per annum if platform 4 is reinstated, including more than 14,000 new trips a year.

Midlands Connect’s Senior Rail Programme Manager, Andy Clark, commented on the visit:

“It’s great that Tan is coming to Birmingham to show his support for our schemes. The reinstating of Platform 4 could benefit so many workers in Birmingham and London; so, it’s essential we get it up and running.”

Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough, and Shadow Rail Minister, said:

“It's fantastic to be here in Birmingham to discuss the Midlands Rail Hub and the reopening of Platform 4 at Snow Hill with Midlands Connect and colleagues.

“The plans they have for rail are important to connect local communities, ensuring rail is convenient and accessible for all.”

Mr Dhesi will be taking part in a roundtable meeting with stakeholders about the Midlands Rail Hub. Reopening platform 4 of Snow Hill is one ‘quick win’ of the Midlands Rail Hub which could have a very short turnaround. Another intervention will be two new railway routes into Birmingham Moor Street.

Later this year, Midlands Connect will be launching the Outline Business Case for the Midlands Rail Hub. This will delineate how the MRH can be built — what the expected delivery times, costs, and benefits will be. If work on the MRH starts in 2025, the scheme could be completed by 2030.