May 2018

Following the green light towards the end of last year for the new 2026 Delivery Plan for Transport the West Midlands once again is thrust into the spotlight.

The document, prepared by Transport for West Midlands, sets out a blueprint for the region’s transport developments over the next decade and aims to ensure readiness for the arrival of High Speed 2 in 2026.

“Transport is key as we work to ensure the West Midlands punches its weight nationally and globally,” said the Combined Authority’s lead member for transport Roger Lawrence.

He added: “The Delivery Plan maps out the way forward for transport in this region in delivering future prosperity. Now that this blueprint has been approved we can get to work in putting it into action.”

The plan includes a mix of committed schemes, potential projects for which funding will be sought and a set of longer term proposed initiatives.

Projects to be built over the coming decade include £3.4Bn of Midland Metro tram extensions serving, among other places, a new High Speed 2 station at Birmingham Curzon Street as well as Solihull and Dudley & Sandwell.

Well known for our contribution to the transportation planning sector over the past 25 years JFM is in a strong position offering a host of opportunities across Planning, Modelling and Economics with a wide range of multidisciplinary consultancies as well as independent practices.

As investment in Birmingham continues – so it is now more than ever not only the best place to invest, but also to live.

Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands UK delegation will show the world that the region is open for business.

“We are confident about the future and are ready to build on the Midlands commercial and trading history.

“Where else can you find one of the fastest growing regions in the world, sitting at the heart of one of the world’s largest economies, with a bed of skills and infrastructure in which to grow your business.

“By working together, Midlands UK will promote the region to investors and trade partners – delivering more growth, exports, jobs, and a better quality of life for those living in the region.”

Once again the region has proved to be key to the health of the economy in terms of growth and future stability. For many years deprived of investment and somewhat overlooked, our diverse range of skillsets, unrivalled location and passion for our region has become a focal point.

Having worked in the region for many years I have experienced a huge surge in requirements for all levels of design and project management specialists amongst other requests for legal and financial specialists. We are continually being called upon to support established and fledging companies – who are benefitting from the investment our region so richly deserves.

Whilst not on an Industrial Revolution scale, this is a new era for our region and showcases our endless talent and puts us firmly back on the map.