Camp Hill line reopens after 80-year gap

Three South Birmingham railway stations have welcomed their first passengers, with Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road in Stirchley now connected to the city centre.

The three new stations opened their doors to the public for the first time on 7 April. Together with Willenhall and Darlaston in the Black Country, the stations make up a £185m package for West Midlands Railway.

Making up the Camp Hill Line, the three stations were delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick, and provide passengers in their respective areas with a direct rail link to the city centre for the first time in over 80 years.

The stations will be operated by WMR and connect passengers to Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton. Each features sheltered platforms, accessible lifts, passenger help points on each platform and secure cycle racks.

The stations at Pineapple Road and Moseley Village also have pick-up and drop-off areas.

It was during World War II that the Camp Hill Line was closed, due to coal shortages, and never reopened through the post-War era that saw many further stations cut.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for WMR, said: “With services as fast as ten minutes from Moseley to New Street, we know this will be a real gamechanger for local residents, whether they’re commuting, visiting family and friends, or travelling for leisure. We are delighted to welcome passengers on board from today.”

Sandeep Shingadia, executive director of Transport for West Midlands, said: “Restoring passenger services to the Camp Hill line isn’t just about shorter journey times. It’s about easing congestion on our roads, cutting carbon emissions and opening up new economic opportunities across the region.”

Services run every 30 minutes Monday-Saturday and hourly on Sundays.