VolkerFitzpatrick clears the way for step-free access at new Camp Hill Line station in Birmingham
Marking a key milestone for the local community in the construction of Birmingham’s Camp Hill Line, a bathroom showroom has been demolished to make way for the new step-free access to Pineapple Road railway station.
The station is one of three currently under construction on the Camp Hill Line – the other two are Moseley Village and Kings Heath – restoring passenger rail services in south Birmingham for the first time in more than 80 years. The station name Pineapple Road, was selected from three options following engagement with local residents last year.
The bathroom showroom used to be the ticket office for Hazelwell station, which closed in 1941. It is being demolished to allow the construction of a station forecourt, cycle rack, car drop off area and most crucially, to allow step-free access to the new platforms.
As part of a commitment to local heritage, the historic footbridge is being retained from the original station. The team will also preserve and restore a brick wall bordering the site, which is listed as part of a neighbouring 1890s arts and crafts style house. It will be cleaned of vegetation and dismantled brick by brick, to allow for foundation works on the new platform. The bricks will be cleaned of graffiti before the wall is rebuilt.
Steve Balliston, project director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We’re excited that the project on the Camp Hill Line is progressing and we have achieved the first milestone on this section of the project. The removal of the old bathroom showroom marks a significant step in the construction of the new Pineapple Road station. We’re working closely with stakeholders to keep the local community up to date.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “We’re starting to see these new stations take shape. This building demolition is yet another sign of progress as the Camp Hill line opens to passengers once again.”
Cllr Brigid Jones, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for inclusive communities, said: “Opening up new stations can play a key role in improving our environment by offering an alternative to the car and helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve the air we breathe.”
Cllr Mary Locke, who represents Stirchley and is vice-chair of the WMCA’s transport delivery committee, said: “Access to a fast and frequent rail service into Birmingham city centre will make such a difference to the people of Stirchley, which is why we are overjoyed to see the spades in the ground and progress on site after many years waiting for the station to reopen.This will make a huge difference to businesses and communities along the route.”
The project is led by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), in partnership with Birmingham City Council and rail.
The WMCA is providing £36 million towards the cost, with £20 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the remaining £5 million from Birmingham City Council’s clean air zone fund. Rail industry partners include Network Rail and operator West Midlands Railway. VolkerFitzpatrick is building the stations under contract from TfWM.
