30 August, 2006

Two 30-storey glass skyscrapers may form part of a £500m redevelopment of a Birmingham railway station.


Planners want the towers to be a gateway to Birmingham New Street Station with a public square also part of the plans that are being considered.
Network Rail, the city council and Advantage West Midlands said the structures will improve a rundown area of the city and create 3,000 jobs.
One tower is expected to be used for business, the other residential.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Our plans for New Street would act as a catalyst for economic growth and development, providing better access to existing job markets and training.
"They will also contribute significantly to the region's drive to secure investment through new business opportunities, enhancing the city's image as a great place to live and work."
Details of the multi-million pound project, called Birmingham Gateway, were released in February this year.
The project is mainly concerned with the appearance of the station, plus its shopping and facilities above the platforms.
Work will include a new enlarged airport-style concourse and a glass roof. It is expected to start in 2008 and last around four-and-a-half years.
A total of £350m will come from the public sector with the rest being raised from the commercial development of the south side of the station.
If approved, work on the towers will start in 2010.

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