Excitement for opening of new Birmingham railway stations after years of delays

Construction work on the Camp Hill line stations – Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road – has been completed and testing is being carried out on site.

And while an exact opening date has yet to be set, traders and residents in Moseley said they were looking forward to the new facility providing a major boost for the area.

Once open to the public, it will mean passenger services returning to the Camp Hill line for the first time since the early 1940s.

The stations were scheduled to be completed and open in 2024 but were hit with delays and soaring costs.

Two years ago, Moseley villagers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they were disappointed with the hold up and even raised doubts about whether the project would actually be completed at all.

But the mood is very different now as finishing touches are being applied to the station ahead of it opening.

Isaac Samuel, of Indigo Wholefoods in St Mary’s Row opposite the new station, said: “It’s very exciting.

“From here we’ve been able to watch it all the way along and everyone who comes in is very excited about it.

“Everyone wants to know what we’ve seen, do we think it’s happening, do we think it’s actually going to open?

“Now that it is going to open, we’re very hopeful it is really going to help Moseley.”

He added: “I’m not sure I can say (the delays) have had all that much of an effect really. Every time there has been an announcement of a delay, people are disappointed.

“But in many ways I think there is still just a lot of excitement, anticipation. It’s not that we lost it every time it was delayed. It was just more waiting.

“It’s hard to tell what impact it will have. Right here in the centre of Moseley there will be a lot more foot traffic and a lot more people using the train rather than the bus.

“As a business, we’re hoping lots more people walking past shops which they will pop into. ”

A trader, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s been a case of ‘believe it when I see it’ for me but it’s nice to see the station is now taking shape.

“I’ve been told they are doing tests there now too so that’s very good news.”

Public transport user Vicky Fisher said: “I did live in Moseley for 10 years. I’m looking forward of just hopping on to the train from Moseley or Kings Heath and going to town.

“I think it’s a good idea. Sometimes the buses can be really packed, especially on a Saturday.

“Is it a practical train station that’s going to help with money? In time I think it could do. Moseley is the nearest station to Edgbaston cricket ground so it could be busy.

“It will be good for events such as the Farmer’s Market which is happening this weekend and I think it can help local businesses and the area if it’s done right and advertised right.”