Government funding has been provided for an ambitious project with the vision of improving transport links in the Midlands and other regions. It has been revealed that £23m has so far been provided for the Midlands Connect programme, which was officially launched in March last year.

The Government backing for the programme, which incorporates 23 local authorities, 20 universities and 11 cities across the Midlands, is seen as a big boost. The strategy set out covers 20-30 years, covering rail and road improvements in both the West and East Midlands, and has several high profile projects to enhance connectivity between the areas within the next ten years including:

  • Six new rail links to ensure improved connectivity between the Midlands and Thames Valley, whilst improving links between the West and East.
  • Ten additional train routes to and through Birmingham.
  • A new Midlands Rail hub in Birmingham.
  • Improvements to the M6 – including focus on the current M6 Toll.

Cllr Mohammed Hanif, part of the Transport Delivery Committee at West Midlands Combined Authority said: ”I think, as long as the investment is there, there’s a huge future for the Midlands in this project. I know there aren’t too many specifics so far, but as far as we’re concerned in Dudley some of the plans for the M6 corridor would be fantastic. I really want to see the money spent responsible, with a focus on what’s best for the region. It’s an exciting project.”

Midlands Connect Director Maria Machancoses, who is a confirmed speaker for our HS2 Economic Growth Conference later this year, said: ”The rail programme is in a really good place with £8m of the £23m being put towards that. It’s not enough of course, but we will continue to make the case for more from the Government. This whole project is really about empowering the Midlands, and that’s what this funding will help with. It’s development funding to help take concepts and ideas into real business.”

Midlands Connect, over the next year, will continue to gather the evidence and lay the groundwork for further funding of both the rail and road network, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring strong connectivity to deliver economic growth to the wider Midlands region. By the time the project is complete 85,000 extra people per day should be able to use the rail networking, bringing in an estimated £143m per year to the area.

Maria Machancoses is set to join our West Midlands Hubs panel at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference – make sure you’re part of the discussion!