PLANS for a tram-style ‘people mover’ to connect the new HS2 Interchange Station, the NEC and Birmingham Airport are set to go on show to the public.
HS2 today (July 16) announced the first of a series of events to exhibit emerging designs and explain the people mover’s role.
HS2 bosses say it will provide a fast and frequent transport connection between the station to the airport in just six minutes over 2.3 kilometres.
When fully operational, the people mover would carry up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction, they say.
HS2 has been working with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) in Solihull to include extra design elements which will support wider growth plans at the UK Central Hub.
The hub is intended to include new homes and infrastructure around the HS2 Interchange, Jaguar Land Rover’s Lode Lane factory, Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park and the Arden Cross site.
The people mover route will include Resorts World, the Arden Cross site and the redeveloped Birmingham International Station.
The approximately 20 metre long people mover vehicles will depart from each stop approximately every three minutes, bosses say.
The line would be 12 metres off the ground at its highest point, and the three stops are planned to be fully accessible.
Bosses say it will be designed using colour to provide clear wayfinding for passengers, while information screens and audio announcements will provide live journey updates.
The Urban Growth Company is supported by Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Managing director Jonathan Bretherton said: “The APM will be a vital and exciting link, connecting HS2 and the Arden Cross site to the NEC and Birmingham Airport, making the whole area easily navigable for those choosing to live, work or play here.
“HS2 is currently working to finalise the scheme design of the people mover and will hold a further series of events in partnership with the UGC for people to see the designs in the Autumn before submitting an application to Solihull council seeking approval of matters related to design of the people mover as required within the HS2 Act.”
The upcoming events are:
July 16, 11am to 3pm at Melbicks Garden Centre
July 18, 4pm to 7pm at Birmingham International Station (Air Rail Link concourse area)
July 19, 11am to 4pm at National Conference Centre