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New Street £550m revamp go ahead New Street £550m revamp go ahead
(40 minutes later)
Birmingham's rundown New Street Station is to get a £550m revamp after the government announced it would provide the bulk of the funding.Birmingham's rundown New Street Station is to get a £550m revamp after the government announced it would provide the bulk of the funding.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is due to announce almost £400m of government money will be poured into the project.Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is due to announce almost £400m of government money will be poured into the project.
The redevelopment will aim to ease congestion for 17 million passengers who use the station each year.The redevelopment will aim to ease congestion for 17 million passengers who use the station each year.
Network Rail and Birmingham City Council plan to start work on the project in 2009.Network Rail and Birmingham City Council plan to start work on the project in 2009.
Ms Kelly said: "Birmingham is a key gateway to towns and cities across Britain and this investment will make New Street a more enjoyable experience for its passengers.
This underpins and will drive the economic regeneration of Birmingham and the city region Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby
"This scheme has been in development for some time and has improved immeasurably so that it can now meet the needs of passengers and deliver a much needed boost to capacity.
"The Government is making a major investment in Birmingham New Street and it is now up to Birmingham City Council and its partners to transform this station into one of the best in our country."
The announcement follows prolonged arguments between the city council and the government over who should pay for the station redevelopment.
Council Leader Mike Whitby said: "With the support of business, local politicians, and most importantly, the general public, the government has responded to our call for a better station for Birmingham.
"This is not an overnight job. However, from 2011 passengers and the general public will enjoy the first benefits of this transformation."
He added: "This underpins and will drive the economic regeneration of Birmingham and the city region, enhancing the UK's reputation for first class public transport."