Building work completed on five new railway stations

Mayor Richard Parker has announced the completion of construction on five new stations in Birmingham and the Black Country which will reconnect communities to the railway network for the first time in decades

The stations, three on the Camp Hill Line in south Birmingham and two between Walsall and Wolverhampton, are now built and ready for operator West Midlands Railway to begin testing and preparations for passenger services early in 2026.

To mark the end of construction the Mayor unveiled a station name sign at the new Willenhall station.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) have worked with partners to fund and build the stations, which will offer new opportunities for residents and support investment in homes and businesses along the routes.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I promised these five new stations would be finished by the end of the year - and we’ve delivered.

"For some communities, this is the first time in more than 80 years they’ve had their own train service. That changes everyday life. Getting to work, college or seeing family becomes simpler and quicker.

"It also means more people coming into town centres. More footfall for shops and cafés. More confidence for local businesses to invest and grow.

"This is what delivery looks like - backing places that have waited far too long for decent connections.”

The three new stations at Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road, will reinstate passenger rail services to the Camp Hill Line for the first time since the Second World War.

Services calling at the stations will run every half-hour between Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton.

Willenhall and Darlaston stations will restore passenger rail services to this part of Walsall for the first time since the 1960s.

Initially, trains will provide direct connections between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, with alternative options, including a direct service into Walsall town centre, being discussed with the Department for Transport and Walsall Council.

With building work complete the stations are now being readied for entry into service, with complex industry commissioning and safety activities soon to begin.

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director, said: “These fantastic new railway stations will bring vital connectivity to communities in the West Midlands which have been without a rail service for many decades.

“With building work on the sites complete we are now able to commence driver training ahead of passenger services beginning.”

The stations have been delivered in partnership with the Department for Transport, West Midlands Railway and Network Rail, as well as Walsall and Birmingham City councils.

Cllr Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “Having been involved in the new stations since day one, it’s great to see the building work complete and I look forward to seeing them open in the New Year.

“These new stations are essential in connecting local people with the wider region, creating more opportunities to travel for work and leisure. This has been a cross-party campaign to deliver railway stations in Willenhall and Darlaston for many years, so it’s great to celebrate this milestone at last.”

Denise Wetton, Network Rail's central route director, said: "These five new stations are great additions to the West Midlands rail network, better connecting people and communities to new journeys and opportunities. 

"We are working closely with all our partners to make them a reality and can't wait for trains to start running, carrying new passengers to new destinations across the region."

The Black Country stations have been built by Kier under contract from TfWM. The Camp Hill Line stations have been developed by VolkerFitzpatrick.

Fencing and neighbouring compounds remain in place and there is no public access to the stations until the testing and commissioning process is complete.