Midland Metro expansion work begins in Birmingham

Work has started on the multi-million pound extension of the Midland Metro through Birmingham.

Transport Minister Norman Baker broke ground at the junction of Corporation Street and Bull Street yesterday as work began to move the spider's web of water pipes and power cables running beneath the city streets.

The scheme, which is part of a wider £127 million project, will see trams return to the streets of Birmingham for the first time in more than half a century.

The work, by transport authority Centro, is the first phase in the construction of the Midland Metro extension which will run from Snow Hill Station to New Street Station, creating more than 1,500 new jobs and boosting the region's economy by more than £50m a year.

Mr Baker said: "This scheme is great news for Birmingham and the West Midlands and will provide a new, greener transport choice for those wanting to reach the city's shopping streets as well as the emerging business district in Snow Hill."

"This is an example of the kind of infrastructure project we need to help boost growth around the UK."