New plans for Automated People Mover linking HS2 Interchange Station and the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport have been submitted

The plans for the Automated People Mover (APM) were submitted to Solihull Council on Wednesday the 2nd of February 2022.

HS2 secured Schedule 17 approval for the APM during August 2020 but since that time and working closely with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) in Solihull to incorporate extra design features which will help wider growth plans for the UK Central Hub.

These features include an option to modify the alignment of the APM in anticipation of a possible major transformation of Birmingham International Station, which would provide a new, integrated multi-modal transport exchange. The realignment would also support plans by the UGC to put in place a new commercial development with public realm opportunities for the land adjacent.

The option would involve a small change for the route of the APM as it passes Birmingham International Station and connecting to Birmingham Airport.

The plans amalgamate the APM stop with an improved public realm at Birmingham International Station which would see extra planting and space for artwork to bring better passenger experience. A green wall with climbing plants has also been put forward and would enhance biodiversity whilst providing seasonal colour and improving air quality.

As per the original alignment, a pedestrian footbrage will still connect the APM stop with Birmingham International Station and will provide seamless connections between HS2 Interchange Station, Birmingham International Station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Birmingham Airport.

The APM will bring efficient, accessible, reliable and an eco friendly transport option which can carry up to 2,100 passengers each how in both directions for the 6 minute journey covering 2.3km. The services will run every three minutes and will travel along a viaduct for its entire route, travelling over huge obsticales such as the M42, Pendigo Lake at the NEC and the West Coast Main Line.

Niki French, HS2’s Deputy Project Client for Interchange Station said:

“The APM will connect high-speed rail passengers to the classic rail network, supporting the shift from car use to public, mass transit transport, which is so important in achieving the UK’s target of net zero carbon.”

“We have been working in partnership with the UGC, Solihull Council and the HS2 Independent Design Review Panel to develop an alternative proposal for the HS2 APM stop that can integrate in an accessible and sustainable way with the aspirational plans for future redevelopment of the Birmingham International Rail Station and its surroundings. This new alignment has enabled us to enhance the design of the APM stop and the public realm around it, to improve the passenger experience.”

Lisa Chaney, Programme Manager at the Urban Growth Company, said:

“This realignment is subtle but critical because it allows for the future development of an adjacent area of land which is currently used for surface car parking. There is also the potential to deliver a new public plaza which will create an exciting sense of place and arrival. We’ve worked closely with HS2 to develop this proposal and it’s been a really good example of innovation through collaborative working and making sure that this national infrastructure delivers regional benefits.”

Once the propoasal has gone through the planning process, a decision will be made at a later date as to which route will be built by HS2, the UGC and the contractor appointed to build the APM.

Interchange Station will provide some of the best connected stations on the new high-speed network for the Midlands and will pave the way for large scale growth plans for the Arden Cross site which will house the station, forming a new mixed-use destination providing 30,000 jobs and as many as 3,000 new homes alongside 70,000m² of commercial space.

Part of the UGC’s vision for the UK Central Hub will see the creation of an environment which will support 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and 650,000m² of commercial space, capable of generating £6.2bn GVA each year and providing 1.3 million people within a 45 minute commute on public transport from the station.