Business case approved for West Midlands Metro extension

[AY1975]

According to this story from the BBC site, a business case for the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside extension has been approved:

Business case approved for Birmingham tram extension

The next phase will see the Midland Metro line extended to reach the east of the Birmingham.

www.bbc.co.uk

A business case for the next phase of extension work to Birmingham's tram system has been approved after councillors heard the line would "unlock" the redevelopment at Birmingham City's new football stadium.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) bosses said completing sections three and four, between Park Street and Meriden Street, was "crucial" for the Midland Metro line to reach the east of the city and Blues' £3bn Sports Quarter development.

The story from the BBC site is dated Friday 16th May, and on the same day the following story was posted on the British Trams Online site:

https://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=58308

£1 billion proposal revealed for more major Metro expansion​

Posted on Friday 16 May 2025 by Gareth Prior
Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands, and other local politicians and businesses have been involved in in-depth discussions with the government in recent months to try and secure funding for another major expansion of the West Midlands Metro network – which could see it go further into East Birmingham and further on to Solihull. The proposals would cost £1 billion but after these discussions the Mayor is hopeful that the plans will be supported.

Although both stories were posted on the same day, it is unclear whether the story from the British Trams Online site was posted before or after the business case was approved. There doesn't seem to be anything about it in the news section on the West Midlands Combined Authority site.