Kings Norton station is set to play a central role in the biggest railway upgrade in the Midlands for a generation, after four companies were announced as preferred partners for the £1.75bn Midlands Rail Hub.

The project, described as transformational for rail travel across the region promises more services, better connections, and faster journeys through Birmingham.

One of the first priorities will be redeveloping Kings Norton station and the lines running through it, allowing extra Cross City Line services to be introduced and enabling new routes linked to the Midlands Rail Hub.

Network Rail confirmed that early works at Kings Norton, alongside plans to reopen platform 4 at Snow Hill station, are being prioritised to deliver benefits for passengers before the full scheme is completed.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “The Midlands Rail Hub will be transformational for economic growth, jobs and homes in the region, and it’s great to see this new alliance ready to deliver vital improvements.”

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central Route Director, added: “We are working to deliver early improvements and changes in Kings Norton and at Snow Hill to benefit passengers and communities as quickly as possible, while planning the bigger pieces of work which will unlock wider benefits.”

The wider scheme will reshape how Birmingham’s three main stations, New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill are served, and includes new rail chords at Bordesley to connect the Chiltern Main Line with the Camp Hill line.

Mal Drury-Rose, of the West Midlands Rail Executive, said the hub would unlock opportunities for new housing and economic growth across the region.

The preferred alliance bringing the project forward is made up of VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, AtkinsRéalis, Siemens Mobility and Network Rail. Early passenger benefits from the scheme are expected in the early 2030s.