MPs have called upon Secretary of State Alistair Darling to unlock the funding needed to provide Birmingham with a much-needed redevelopment of New Street Station.

Richard Burden MP (Birmingham Northfield) stressed the importance of a new gateway station for the regeneration of Birmingham and the West Midlands.  His motion was tabled as the project partners, including public transport promoter Centro, announced the appointment of a lead consultant to take forward a £350m development.

He said the Government should welcome the £200m financial commitment by Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands as well as the investment to date from Centro, Network Rail and Government agencies.  The motion, signed by MPs from all three major parties and from across the West Midlands, calls upon the Secretary of State to encourage the Regulator to allow Network Rail to fund the balance.

Full text and details of motion