UNIVERSITY STATION

Vincent Drive, Edgbaston

Birmingham, B15 2TT

Artists Impression from Associated Architects.

 

Partner(s): West Midlands Combined Authority/ West Midlands Railway Executive/ University of Birmingham

Architect: Associated Architects

Contractor: Volkerfitzpatrick

Enquiries: TBD

 

In brief

Creation of a new £56 million University railway station.

With the station stretched to capacity as one of the busiest in the region and, with growth estimated to rise in the next twenty years, the decision was taken to replace the existing station to provide enhanced passenger facilities and improved connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

The station, which will keep its existing exit to provide a safe, fluid flow through the site, will facilitate wider platforms with longer canopies, heated waiting areas, improved amenities, retail, and changing areas.

A new passenger footbridge will also be constructed over the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, seamlessly linking with University of Birmingham campus to the station and beyond – offering fluid access for thousands of passengers per day.

With a new spacious forecourt in front of the station providing dedicated pick up/drop off points, an area for approx. 20 cycles will be positioned in the new area of public open space on the station approach.

The Office of Rail and Road has given permission for it to open on Sunday 28th January 2024.

Artists Impression from Associated Architects.

Artists Impression from Associated Architects.

 

History of University Station

University Station was opened in 1978 on the Cross City Line, by the then Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt. Hon. William Rodgers PC. MP. during May 1978. The Birmingham Civic Society awarded the Forward Prize 1978 to the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive for their outstanding service to the citizens of Birmingham in creating the Cross City Line.

Plaques at University Station (May 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

It is located a short distance away from the old Somerset Road Station (which closed in the 1930s) at the Westgate. It was built close to the site of Metchley Roman Fort.

University Station (January 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Cross City line was electrified in 1993, and the current Class 323 Electric Multiple Unit trains were introduced into service by British Railways.

After privatisation of the railway, Central Trains ran the station from 1997 to 2007, followed by London Midland from 2007 to 2017. The current franchise operator West Midlands Railway has been running the station since the end of 2017.

London Midland 323208 at University Station (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

CONSTRUCTION

May 2021 - 

Work has started in 2021 at University Station. It is visible from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, as well as from New Fosse Way and Vincent Drive at the University of Birmingham.

Redevelopment of University Station (May 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

AUGUST 2021 - 

Into mid to late summer, the structure is rising at Vincent Drive, and opposite at Westgate; while trains continue to use the 1978 station.

Redevelopment of University Station (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

December 2021 - 

A new footbridge was installed over the Cross City Line during the autumn of 2021. Work continues at the station between the Christmas and New Year period.

Redevelopment of University Station (December 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

May 2022 -

The new build isn't quite finished yet, but you can see it from the platforms of the old University Station.

Redevelopment of University Station (May 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

June 2022 -

With a month to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it doesn't look like the new University Station will be completed by then, and they will have to continue to use the old station.

Redevelopment of University Station (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

August 2022 -

A month after the Commonwealth Games came and went from the University of Birmingham, the station is still incomplete. It sounds like the station was really busy during the 11 days of the games. Views below taken from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Redevelopment of University Station (August 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

October 2022 -

The expanded platforms were opened before the Commonwealth Games. But the new station buildings are a long way from being complete or opened. The gap between the curved platform and the doors of the trains is a bit large, with the Class 323, hopefully this wont be an issue on the new Class 730's to be introduced from 2023.

University Station (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

February 2023 -

It now seems likely that the new University Station wont open until at least Autumn 2023?

University Station (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 seen in Regional Railways livery stops at the platform before heading onto Redditch.

University Station (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

June 2023 -

Finishing touches on the Vincent Drive side, but how many months left before the new building is opened to the public?

University Station (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

July 2023 -

A look at the new entrance bridge and steps from Westgate. The pavement normally open to pedestrians was closed, and probably wont reopen until all the construction here is completed.

University Station (July 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

August 2023 -

Some views from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to the rusted footbridge, yet to open. Also some more views from the X21 bus, they are now landscaping outside.

University Station (August 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

December 2023 -

Last update of 2023, and it doesn't look like the new buildings will be opening now until sometime in 2024?

University Station (December 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

January 2024 -

The ORR given permission for the new buildings to open, so one last visit to the station, and catch a train here before the buildings open to the public, by early February 2024.

 

University Station (January 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

POST OPENING

FEBRUARY 2024 -

The new station buildings was opened on Sunday 28th January 2024, with the main entrance on Vincent Drive, and a footbridge and ramp to the University campus over the canal. Looks like a few finishing touches need doing at areas that were still fenced off, otherwise it was looking good so far.

University Station (February 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown