A 25 per cent contribution from an international property company looks to have secured the financial future of plans to extend the Midland Metro tram system through the Black Country.

The extension from the existing Metro line at Wednesbury, through Dudley Town Centre then to Merry Hill and Brierley Hill was given Government go-ahead just before Christmas following a public inquiry last year.  With the substantial local contribution now in the bag, public transport promoter Centro expects to get a final and positive business case to the Government later this year.

Centro has just completed high level talks with the new owners of the Merry Hill development which is set to benefit from substantially improved public transport links.  As a result, the Australian-owned property giant Westfield will contribute around £35m towards the £139m project.

Westfield wants the Metro extension to be built at the earliest opportunity.  “We are very supportive and really want to make this happen,” commented development director Peter Miller.

Councillors on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, which sets policy for Centro, welcomed the agreement as an important step towards providing the area with a modern, integrated transport system.

“To receive such a significant contribution from the private sector shows how business recognises the benefits of high-quality public transport and its ability to boost the local economy,” said PTA Chairman Cllr Gary Clarke.

“The real winners will be the people of the Black Country who will be able to travel on the trams in a few years time,” he added.

The 11km Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro route will have 13 easy-access stops with four Park and Ride sites serving shopping and business areas in Great Bridge, Dudley Port (connecting with local train services), Dudley town centre, the Waterfront and Merry Hill before terminating near High Street, Brierley Hill.  Modern trams would cover the distance in just 23 minutes. It is hoped to have trams running by 2011.