Blues boost as funding granted for Metro line

NEW BIRMINGHAM CITY FC STADIUM AND SPORTS QUARTER NOW VIABLE

- JANE HAYNES Politics Editor

THE Government has handed West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker the mega-millions needed to fund a tram line from Birmingham to the planned new Birmingham City FC stadium and Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green.

The announcement of a £2.4 billion transport treasure chest for the region will be part-used to pay for the new Metro tram line to the former Wheels site.

Blues owners Knighthead intend to build world-class sports and leisure facilities and a new Blues ground on the abandoned land, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

Yesterday's announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves marks the successful conclusion of months of intense lobbying by Mayor Parker and Knighthead frontman Tom Wagner.

The American had warned it would be 'criminal' if public money was not used to fund the transport infrastructure he said was vital to unlock the £3 billion investment.

The much vaunted line will then go on to Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham Airport and the NEC.