Mayor joins tram test drive on first stage of Metro extension to new BCFC stadium

Mayor Richard Parker and Birmingham City FC chief executive Jeremy Dale were given a glimpse of the future when they test drove the first stage of a tram extension that will ferry thousands of Blues fans to their new stadium.

The test run, on new tracks between Bull Street and Millennium Point, comes just a week after the club revealed designs for the new 62,000-seater Powerhouse Stadium.

The tracks are the first part of a new route that will eventually link the city centre to the forthcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station, Digbeth and the planned £3 billion Sports Quarter regeneration site and new stadium.

Mayor Richard Parker and Jeremy Dale

The Mayor said: “Extending this line is key to unlocking the £3bn Sports Quarter investment and providing thousands of new homes and jobs for the local community.

“Birmingham City FC’s owners have shown immense confidence in our region, with their stunning stadium plans and commitment to regenerate the surrounding area.

“That is why I invited Jeremy along for this test run. This is the start of an exciting and inspiring journey that we will make together, which will transform this part of Birmingham.”

Jeremy Dale, chief executive of Birmingham City FC, said: “The Metro extension will provide a crucial function in connecting the Sports Quarter with the wider city centre. 

“We want to ensure that 62,000 supporters can access the stadium on a matchday and efficient transport links will play a key role in achieving that. 

“Being part of the test run and travelling to the first two stops on the journey out to East Birmingham is an exciting first step.”

The West Midlands Growth Plan, launched by the Mayor earlier this year, prioritises investment in new public transport infrastructure to not only improve people's journeys but also drive business expansion and new housing.

Fresh powers handed to the region by government, including the creation of a new Mayoral Development Corporation covering the Sports Quarter area, will allow the Mayor to cut red tape and accelerate regeneration.

Rigorous testing and commissioning of the Eastside extension is happening on the length of track and its two stops at Albert Street and Millennium Point.