APM For HS2’s Interchange Station And Birmingham Airport

On 2 February 2022, new plans for the Automated People Mover (APM) linking HS2 Interchange Station with the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport, have been submitted to Solihull Council.

HS2 gained Schedule 17 approval for the APM in August 2020. Since then, HS2 has worked closely with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) in Solihull to include extra design elements which will support wider growth plans at the UK Central Hub. This includes an option to modify the alignment of the APM as part of a potential major transformation of Birmingham International Station to create a new, integrated multi-modal transport exchange. The realignment would also support the UGC’s plans to deliver new commercial development and public realm opportunities on adjacent land.

The option involves a slight change to the route of the APM, as it passes Birmingham International Station and connects into Birmingham Airport. The plans will also integrate the APM stop with a revitalised public realm at Birmingham International Station, including additional planting and space for artwork to improve the passenger experience. A proposed green wall with climbing plants will also enhance biodiversity, provide seasonal colour and contribute to better air quality.

As with the original alignment a pedestrian footbridge would connect the APM stop with Birmingham International Station, allowing seamless connections between HS2 Interchange Station, Birmingham International Station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Birmingham Airport.

The APM will provide an efficient, accessible, reliable and environmentally friendly mode of transport, carrying up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction on a six-minute journey along the 2.3 km route. The services every three minutes will travel along a viaduct for the entire route, over major obstacles such as M42, Pendigo Lake at the NEC and the West Coast Main Line.

Once the proposal has been through the planning process, a decision will be taken at a later date by HS2, the UGC and the contractor appointed to build the APM as to which route will be constructed.

Interchange Station will be one of the best connected stations on the new high speed network in the Midlands. It is set to pave the way for huge growth plans at the Arden Cross site, which will be home to the station and is set to become a new mixed-use destination, supporting 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000 m² of commercial space. These will form part of the UGC’s vision for the UK Central Hub which will create an environment to support 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and 650,000 m² of commercial space.