Birmingham Tunnel Plan Sparks Debate New Street Station Link Proposed

Tom Wagner, chairman of Birmingham City FC, wants a tunnel. The tunnel would link New Street station to the new stadium in Bordesley Green, East Birmingham. This is part of a £3 billion sports hub plan. Some think it’s pointless because of costs, as there is already a train station nearby.

Wagner owns the club with Tom Brady. He talked about the tunnel at a summit and wants local people to support it, not viewing it as a crazy idea. He said subways are complex and costly, suggesting tunneling under existing rail lines. Electric buses would run underground and could move many people per hour. The estimated cost is roughly £20 million.

Wagner envisions the tunnel at 1.5 miles long to help people going to the stadium. It could expand into a bigger system as Network Rail owns much of the land. He believes the tunnel could help a deprived area and connect to the HS2 rail link.

However, some people online are skeptical. One person suggested using nearby railway lines instead. They doubt permission would be granted to build under tracks, and another agreed the plan will cost more than expected. Someone questioned Birmingham’s suitability for a subway, while another thought it was a bad time for such a project. This person believes the club should pay if it goes wrong, with another calling it an imaginary plan.

Others have compared it to other teams’ stations. One person suggested a skyway instead, and another a cheaper walkway with security. Someone else believes the tunnel would cost way more and doubted stadium capacity needs.