Darlaston and Willenhall railway stations to open for the first time since 1965 - here's a look at the events leading up to their reopening
Plans to reopen railway stations in Darlaston and Willenhall stretch back almost ten years - now an opening date has been announced. Here's a look back at the key stages of the project
The announcement that five new railway stations in Birmingham and the Black Country end a frustrating saga of delays and disappointment.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) revealed the three new stations at Kings Heath, Moseley and Pineapple Road on the Camp Hill Line will open on Tuesday, April 7.
Two new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston will open several weeks earlier on Thursday, March 19.
Bosses hailed the major milestone for the £185 million project which will see rail services back in those areas for the first time in decades.
Timeline for railway stations to reopen in Wilenhall and Darlaston
Willenhall and Darlaston last saw passenger trains stopping off in the towns in 1965.
In 2017, it was announced both the new stations would reopen with a planned opening date for 2024.
In 2018, the first tranche of funding for the Willenhall and Darlaston Railway Stations was announced.
In 2020, planning applications were submitted for both stations in March and formally approved in October
In 2021, construction work started on the two new stations
In 2024, TfWM announced the projects would be delayed, along with a number of other transport schemes in the region, due to budget pressures.
In 2025, construction work was completed on the two facilities to pave the way for testing
In 2026, A March opening date for Willenhall and Darlaston was announced.
Timeline for railway stations to reopen in Pineapple Road, Kings Heath and Moseley Village
The Camp Hill line stations closed to passengers during the Second World War in 1941.
In 2019, £15 million Government funding was awarded for the project to reopen the three stations with a plan to start construction in 2020 and open in time for the Commonwealth Games.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck and put paid to the original proposed time scales.
In 2021, funding for the whole project was announced with a proposed new opening date of 2023.
In 2022, construction work got under way but delays forced the completion target back a year to 2024.
In 2024, TfWM said soaring cost pressures resulted in further delays to the Camp Hill line scheme along with other major transport projects in the region.
In 2025, construction work at Kings Heath, Moseley and Pineapple Road was completed.
In 2026, following testing work a date for the first passenger services to run at the station was announced.
Read more: Opening dates announced for two new Black Country railway stations in Willenhall and Darlaston
Read more: Train timetable for new railway stations at Willenhall and Darlaston revealed
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said all five stations would be a lifeline for local people in those areas.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Thanks to Government investment, fast and frequent rail services will arrive at new stations across Birmingham and the Black Country next month for the first time in decades, reducing congestion and improving local transport connections.
“There is no limit on our ambitions for the West Midlands. That’s why we are funding new opportunities for jobs, travel, and housing, while returning rail services to public ownership to build a railway passengers can rely on.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “These fantastic new stations will create direct rail links to Birmingham city centre for these communities for the first time in decades, benefiting thousands of leisure and commuter travellers.
“With the introduction of these fast, regular services travel times into the city will be greatly reduced, making a huge difference to the Birmingham public transport network.
“We’re excited to begin welcoming new customers on board in the coming weeks.”
Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central route director, said: “We are delighted to have supported with the return of these stations to the rail network, which marks an important moment for our local communities.
“The railway has a unique role in connecting communities to places and opportunities, supports regeneration, and drives economic growth.
“Delivered in partnership, this is another important step as part of a wider programme of transformative projects that are improving the railway across the West Midlands, creating a network that better supports passengers now and into the future.”
