A contractor has been named to transform a major railway station in Birmingham.
West Midlands Combined Authority has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to undertake the detailed design and build of the new £56m University Station.
University Station in Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, has been earmarked for the scheme after being deemed "no longer considered fit for purpose".
The new railway station building will feature wider platforms, lifts, a ticket office, provision for a retail unit, canopy coverage along the platforms and a direct link with the University of Birmingham campus via a new pedestrian canal bridge.
The existing station building will be retained as a passenger exit from the station.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: "This station is used by thousands of people every day and is a key gateway for the city and region.
"We are therefore looking forward to working with VolkerFitzpatrick to turn our plans for University into a reality when construction begins next year.
"This is just one part of our wider investment in rail which includes the reopening of new lines in Birmingham and the Black Country, station upgrades and the introduction of new rolling stock on some of our busier lines."
Director of estates for University of Birmingham Trevor Payne added: "The new University station is going to be a crucial part of our infrastructure for the next generation, providing us with a facility that is fit for the 21st entury.
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