Innovation
Sustainability
PO TEN TIAL Realising Connecting Communities. Building the Future.
Safety
People
A Decade of Delivery
Excellence Delivered
Iain Anderson Contractor ALT Member
Jo Shore Client ALT Member
James Hill Designer ALT Member
None of this would be possible without the expertise and collaborative spirit of the MMA team. And we also owe a great deal of thanks to our external partners, whose proactive support has been vital to shared successes.
We’re proud to celebrate ten years of the Midland Metro Alliance and our shared role in transforming the West Midlands. Established in July 2016, the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) was created to deliver the West Midlands Combined Authority’s game-changing programme of transport improvements. The alliance’s mission has always been more than just laying tracks; we aim to act as a catalyst for social and economic regeneration across the entire region to ensure that the West Midlands is the best place to live, work and visit. This retrospective highlights the alliance’s progress in meeting those goals - both through the physical construction of the network and our commitment to providing lasting social value to the communities we serve. We hope you find this look back at our journey insightful, and that you are already enjoying the benefits of a growing, more connected West Midlands.
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Collaboration at its Core Celebrating our ten year anniversary, the Midland Metro Alliance was established to deliver a long- term tram expansion and renewal programme for the West Midlands - designed to be safer, more efficient and fully collaborative.
Existing Route Together, we are delivering one of the UK’s most significant light rail expansion programmes - strengthening connectivity, supporting sustainable growth and improving everyday journeys across Birmingham and the Black Country. Interchange location Metro stop Extensions under construction Extensions in development Created to drive regeneration, reduce risk and enable innovation, the Alliance brings together client, designers and delivery partners as one integrated team. Its members include the West Midlands Combined Authority, design specialists Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann, and rail construction experts Colas Rail as Principal Contractor, with sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group, supported by our collective trusted local supply chain.
Wolverhampton City Centre Metro Extension
Wolverhampton St George’s
Wolverhampton City Centre Extension
Wolverhampton Station
Bilston Road Track Renewal
Buy Before You Board (Network-wide)
Bilston Central
Wednesbury Depot Expansion
Wolverhampton City Centre Metro Extension
Delivering Across the Region
Wednesbury Great Western Street
Wolverhampton St George’s
Great Bridge
Wolverhampton Station
Current West Midlands Metro Line
Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension
Sedgley Road
Existing Route
Dudley Port
Interchange location
Extensions under construction Extensions in development
Overhead Line Enhancements
Birmingham Interchange for HS2
Birmingham New Road
Metro stop
West Bromwich Central
Dudley Town Centre
Bilston Central
The Hawthorns
Traction Power Upgrades
Flood Street
Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension
Wednesbury Great Western Street
Cinder Bank
East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension
Jewellery Quarter
Great Bridge
St Chads Current West Midlands Metro Line
Merry Hill
Waterfront
Meridan Street
Corporation Street renewal Dudley Port
Sedgley Road
Albert Street
High Street Deritend
Bull Street
Brierley Hill
Birmingham Interchange for HS2
Birmingham New Road
West Bromwich Central
New Canal Street for HS2
Edgbaston Village
Dudley Town Centre
Birmingham Westside Extension (City Centre to Edgbaston)
Birmingham Eastside Extension (Bull Street to Digbeth & HS2 Curzon Street)
Library
Birmingham Westside Metro Extension
Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension
Birmingham International
The Hawthorns
Five Ways
Flood Street
Grand Central
Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension
Cinder Bank
East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension
Jewellery Quarter
St Chads
Waterfront Leaving a legacy through a safe, sustainable and reliable system for the future, delivered collaboratively by a team with the right people in the right roles. Merry Hill Meridan Street Albert Street
High Street Deritend
Bull Street
Brierley Hill
New Canal Street for HS2
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Edgbaston Village
Library
Birmingham Westside Metro Extension
Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension
Birmingham International
A Foundation of Consistency
Standards that underpin delivery
Over the past decade, the Midland Metro Alliance has delivered through clear governance, shared responsibility and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Consistency has been embedded into planning, safety, delivery and stakeholder engagement across the West Midlands - Understanding the needs of the West Midlands and embedding positive outcomes related to these as part of our design and delivery approach. Where possible, our design teams have collaborated to develop and roll out standardised design outputs like our track form, to support efficient and effective delivery of the projects.
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MILLION hours worked safely 4
in social value for the West Midlands Over £400m
of track delivered 36.6 KM
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A FOUNDATION OF CONSISTENCY
Safety, Our #1 Priority Putting safety first - for our people, the passengers and the public
Safety at the Midland Metro Alliance is a core value guiding every decision. Delivering complex light rail infrastructure in busy urban environments demands rigorous planning and care to protect our workforce, passengers, road users and local communities. By embedding safety throughout planning, design, construction and operations, we reduce risk, enhance reliability and ensure projects are delivered responsibly across the West Midlands.
Empowering
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Safety Statistics
4 million hours worked safely
Up to 600 people working at any one time under a consistent safety framework 150,000+ positive safety interventions 175+ Close Call Champions trained
Our People
A strong safety culture relies on people as much as systems. Everyone working across the programme is empowered to take ownership, speak up and act when needed - creating a proactive, accountable and collaborative environment.
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A FOUNDATION OF CONSISTENCY
Leaving a Legacy Putting people first - every step of the journey
Meaningful engagement guides how the Midland Metro Alliance works, ensuring communities, businesses and stakeholders remain informed and actively involved throughout delivery.
This approach builds trust, ensures effective dialogue and that the benefits of Metro investment are understood by stakeholders and shared across the West Midlands.
Our Approach
Open, transparent communication at every stage Multi-channel engagement across consultation, digital and in-person platforms Responsive, two-way dialogue with communities and stakeholders Coordinated messaging with Transport for West Midlands and local authorities Proactive engagement with residents, businesses, schools and elected representatives
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Engagement in Action
2,150 hours volunteering Circa
66,000+ engagement interactions
400+ community and stakeholder meetings delivered
4,000+ enquiries received and resolved
This sustained engagement builds trusted relationships, reduces disruption, improves public understanding and supports safer, smoother delivery - particularly in areas undergoing regeneration and significant change.
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Delivering Through Capability
Infrastructure that strengthens places and communities
Through ten years of sustained investment and partnership, the Midland Metro Alliance has built the capability to deliver complex light rail programmes across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and the Black Country - coordinating multiple live projects while maintaining safety, performance and community confidence. Capability is defined not only by infrastructure delivered, but by the wider value created: stronger connections, revitalised public spaces, skilled local employment and long-term regional growth.
This capability has enabled large-scale urban transformation while supporting economic and social regeneration across the West Midlands.
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17
substations delivered or refurbished 15
overhead line structures installed 572
bridges and major structures delivered
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DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Transformation Across the West Midlands
Since its formation ten years ago, the Midland Metro Alliance has strengthened the West Midlands Metro network through major extensions, renewals and ongoing development - supporting urban regeneration and long-term economic growth across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Delivered Birmingham Westside Extension
Extending Metro services through the heart of Birmingham nightlife’s district to Edgbaston. Wolverhampton City Centre Extension Creating a new Interchange with the new Bus Station and West Coast Mainline railway.
Buy Before You Board Introducing modernised ticketing across the network.
Bilston Road Track Renewal Maintaining long-term asset performance and operational reliability.
Corporation Street Renewal Renewing critical infrastructure within Birmingham city centre.
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BEFORE
AFTER
New Modular Substations
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Programme at a Glance
New Tram Stops
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Advancing the Network Eastside Extension Connecting Bull Street to Digbeth and HS2 Curzon Street. Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Reintroducing light rail connectivity across the Black Country corridor. Traction Power Upgrades Strengthening power infrastructure to meet the demands of the enhanced network and service offering. Wednesbury Depot Expansion Increasing capacity for both stabling and improved maintenance facilities.
Highway Junctions Upgraded
55
Acres of Urban Corridor Enhanced
18.7
Preparing for the Future Sports Quarter/ East Birmingham to Solihull Development of options selection and preliminary designs to explore future expansion opportunities to further strengthen regional connectivity.
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Transforming the West Midlands
Infrastructure as a catalyst for urban and economic regeneration.
From expanded routes and revitalised public spaces to stronger communities and sustainable growth, the decade of the Midland Metro Alliance’s impact extends far beyond infrastructure.
Transforming the Network
Highway Junctions Redesigned
36.6km
55
of Track Delivered
Acres of Urban Corridor Enhanced
24 Tram Stops Installed
18.7
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Delivering Responsibly
4 million hours worked
7,579 tCO₂e saved (2022 to 2025)
Strengthening Communities
Circa
20K+ students engaged
80% invested in local SMEs
£400m social value generated
Transforming Travel
passenger satisfaction by Midland Metro Limited
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91 %
million annual passenger journeys
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Since its formation, the Midland Metro Alliance has delivered a sustained programme of expansion and renewal across Birmingham and the Black Country - shaping a modern light rail network that connects people, places and opportunity.
A Decade of Delivery Milestone by milestone.
2015–2016 FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED
Design reviews and development progressed for Centenary Square and Wolverhampton City Centre Extension programmes.
Major renewal works completed on Bilston Road. Targeted local recruitment contributes to a measurable reduction in unemployment in Wolverhampton.
The Midland Metro Alliance is formally established - uniting client, designers and delivery partners under a single collaborative model.
Construction continues on the Birmingham Westside Extension and Wednesbury to Brierley Hill route.
Transport and Works Act Order applications progress key future extensions, unlocking long-term network growth.
YEARS Experience, Built In.
Early planning begins for a long-term, integrated approach to delivering light rail infrastructure across the West Midlands.
Formal launch of the Alliance marks a new era in integrated public
EXPANSION BEGINS 2017–2018
transport delivery across the region.
Trams return to Birmingham city centre and New Street Station for the first time in over 50 years.
Heritage preservation works undertaken, including the careful relocation of landmark statues and donation of historic tram infrastructure.
MOMENTUM BUILDS 2019–2020
The Light Rail Construction
Apprenticeship is launched - the UK’s first Trailblazer scheme of its kind.
Westside Extension to Edgbaston opens to passengers.
Despite COVID-19, the Midland Metro Alliance progressed with an accelerated programme as key workers, including the introduction of the UK’s first battery-powered tram section.
Major engineering milestones achieved at Broad Street, Five Ways and Dudley town centre - supporting visible urban transformation.
Delivered alongside a six- week Sector Based Work Academy in partnership with local colleges and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Wolverhampton City Centre Extension completed.
Centenary Square extension completed.
Regeneration works begin in Dudley, revitalising key civic spaces.
Largest continuous trackslab concrete pour delivered (230m).
An early supplier networking event welcomes 85 regional organisations, strengthening the regional supply chain. of procurement spend delivered through local suppliers and SMEs in 2018. 80%
Eastside Extension works accelerate through Digbeth. Westside Extension achieves
CEEQUAL ‘Very Good’ sustainability rating.
Winner of 2 awards at the 2021 Global Light Rail Awards, winning Outstanding Engineering Achievement and Rising Star of the Year.
Birmingham Eastside Extension Drone Video
Parkhead Viaduct restoration nears completion - preserving a key heritage structure while enabling modern transport.
REGENERATION ACCELERATES 2023–2024
Wednesbury Depot expansion begins.
Final track welded into place in Digbeth.
Expanded tram network is pivotal to the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, providing a sustainable transport for the 1.5 million (fact provided by CoPilot) attendees.
Hanson’s Ale Bridge receives heritage recognition.
NETWORK REALISED 2021–2022
Carbon savings exceed 3,389 tCO₂e in 2023 alone, contributing to a total of 7,579 tCO₂e saved (2022–2025).
Bridge structures installed along the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill route.
Carbon reduction initiatives strengthened - exceeding annual carbon targets. The implementation of innovations including the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil as a diesel alternative, fibre- reinforced concrete slab track and solar powered welfare cabins amongst others.’
Metro investment aligns with the West Midlands’ wider £6.1bn green transport programme.
Moor Street Queensway Drone Footage
Lower Bull Street Timelapse
Corporation Street Timelapse
36.6km of track laid 51,566 tonnes of ballast installed 45 switches and crossings installed 2,883m of retaining wall constructed 15 substations delivered or refurbished
THE NEXT PHASE UNDERWAY 2025 AND BEYOND
First phase of Wednesbury to Brierley Hill enters into service while second phase of the extension progresses.
Eastside Extension prepare for passenger service at Millenium Point and begin phase two to connect Sports Quarter to network.
Building a Legacy Infrastructure delivered to power regional transformation.
572 overhead line structures installed 26,121m overhead line wires run 136,442m of cable installed 17 bridges and major structures delivered 75,700m 3 of paving laid 51 ticket machines installed
Depot expansion continues to support a growing fleet.
The programme continues - strengthening connectivity, supporting regeneration and unlocking long-term economic growth across the West Midlands.
Delivering infrastructure that shapes the future of the West Midlands.
DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Economic Impact Creating lasting benefits for communities and businesses Social value is central to the Midland Metro Alliance model - ensuring infrastructure delivery leaves a measurable legacy by strengthening communities, supporting local economies and improving wellbeing across the West Midlands.
Local Economic Impact • Prioritising local suppliers and SMEs, including over £30m spent with small businesses in 2025. • Creating opportunities for social enterprises through inclusive procurement and long-term partnerships.
Community Wellbeing Delivering volunteering programmes and charity partnerships that strengthen community resilience, including: Restoring towpaths with the Canal and River Trust. Fundraising and volunteering support for The Haven Wolverhampton. Volunteering and partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice. Delivering property improvements for St Basils.
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Social Value in Action Circa £400m in social value generated
80% spend on local suppliers
20,000 students engaged
12,000 work experience hours delivered
Active Travel & Inclusion Enhancing public spaces through landscaping and safer pedestrian routes. Promoting active travel with integrated walking and cycling infrastructure. Engaging with under-represented groups to help shape inclusive transport solutions. Linking public transport modes in key interchange locations such as Dudley Town Centre.
260 schools and colleges engaged
3,000+ unemployed residents supported
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DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Respecting the Past. Building the Future. Delivering transport with cultural integrity The Midland Metro Alliance is delivering modern light rail infrastructure while preserving heritage, strengthening community identity and ensuring iconic structures remain part of a connected future.
Design with Identity Heritage-led design shaped Hanson’s Ale Bridge, reconstructed in its iconic green and gold colour scheme to honour the original landmark while delivering a modern structure.
Honouring Heavy Metal Legends To commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary Birmingham-based band, Black Sabbath, customised hoardings were installed at Broad Street to honour members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
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Restoring Icons Parkhead Viaduct has been carefully restored and adapted for Metro services - strengthened to meet modern engineering standards while retaining its original character and materials.
Archaeology Construction works uncovered historic cobbled roads and other significant archaeological findings in Digbeth and Park Street, including the exhumation of 472 bodies, all professionally recorded, preserved and managed with care and respect.
Preserving Statues and Public Art Major Birmingham artworks were carefully protected during Metro works, including the removal, storage and reinstatement of the Boulton, Watt and Murdoch statue - now returned to a revitalised civic space outside Symphony Hall.’
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DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Inspiring the Next Generation Building skills for a stronger future
Creating Pathways into Light Rail
The Midland Metro Alliance develops the long-term skills required to support sustained light rail delivery across the West Midlands - investing in education, training and inclusive pathways that create meaningful careers and strengthen the regional workforce.
The Midland Metro Alliance led the UK’s first Light Rail Construction Trailblazer Apprenticeship - establishing a nationally recognised route into tramway construction and renewals. The programme tackles industry skills shortages while opening accessible pathways into employment. Apprenticeships are delivered across engineering, digital and business disciplines - building a future-ready workforce.
Inspiring and Supporting Talent Working with schools, colleges and regional partners, the Alliance delivers structured engagement, work experience and careers initiatives that connect education with real infrastructure delivery.
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Skills in Action Facts
1,426
UK-first Light Rail Trailblazer Apprenticeship delivered
awards presented at our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision competition
12,000+ 260+
schools and colleges engaged
hours of work experience delivered
unemployed residents supported through information, advice and guidance 3,000+
students reached 20,000+
40+
apprentices supported
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DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Enhancing the Existing
Line 1 OLE Maintenance and Enhancement
The Midland Metro Alliance delivered a comprehensive programme of maintenance and enhancements works to improve the reliability and resilience of Line 1. Integrated programme combining proactive surveys, cyclic maintenance and targeted infrastructure upgrades. Replacement and upgrade of critical OLE components. Resulted in fewer OLE failures, improved passenger experience and reduced environmental impact through hybrid plant use.
Line 1 Traction Upgrades The Midland Metro Alliance are delivering traction and power upgrades across Line One between Birmingham and Wolverhampton to facilitate the increase in journey frequency. Two new containerised substations delivered and seven substations upgraded. 1.2 km of new power cable, OLE modifications and upgraded SCADA and CCTV systems. Modular substation units and planned outage strategies maintained continuous traction power. Implementation of parallel feeds improved resilience, reduced disruption risk and lowered long-term maintenance needs.
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Buy Before You Board The Alliance delivered the civils and LV power infrastructure for the TfWM Buy Before You Board programme, enabling the installation of new ticket vending machines and validators to modernise ticket purchasing and support the growing West Midlands Metro network. Network-wide installation of 39 ticket vending machines, 102 ticket validators and 2,480 m of power and data cabling. Night-time delivery to minimise disruption to passengers. Enhanced passenger experience while reducing operational costs.
Wednesbury Operations & Maintenance Depot
The Alliance is delivering the expansion and modernisation of the Wednesbury Operations and Maintenance Depot to support a larger tram fleet and more staff and future West Midlands Metro growth. The upgrade includes new stabling lines, enhanced maintenance and wash facilities, OLE and a new Operations and Control Centre. Complex, multi-stage programme maintaining full 24/7 depot operations throughout construction. Project boosts local employment, reduces carbon through hybrid plant and increases long-term operational capacity. Including construction of a new purpose-built operational control centre, from which the tram network will be managed.
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CONFIDENCE IN PROGRESS
Sustainability Showcased Delivering sustainable transport with lasting regional benefit Sustainability is embedded within the Midland Metro Alliance model - influencing design decisions, material choices and construction methods to reduce carbon, protect place and support long-term regional resilience. Every extension is CEEQUAL certified, demonstrating that environmental performance is not an obligation, but a defining standard of delivery.
Reducing Carbon and Resource Use Our approach prioritises carbon reduction, material efficiency and whole-life value: Historic asset reuse - Refurbishment of Parkhead Viaduct avoided approximately 1,500 tCO₂e while preserving a key heritage structure. Lower-carbon materials - Fibre-reinforced concrete slab track reduces embodied CO₂ by 46%. Glass Reinforced Plastic achieves a 72% reduction compared with conventional concrete. Circular economy in practice - Materials Management Plans enable reuse of demolition and excavated materials, reducing demand for virgin resources and minimising waste. Cleaner Site Operations Environmental performance extends into day-to-day construction activity: Renewable fuels - Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has been used on Birmingham Eastside Extension sites since 2022, delivering approximately 85% lower carbon emissions than diesel. Low-impact welfare - Eco-cabins and solar-powered welfare units reduce fuel use where mains power is unavailable.
72% CO₂ reduction using GRP materials for the Birmingham Eastside Extension Tram Stop
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Sustainability in Action
A maximum 45/45 on WBHE Consider Constructors Scheme assessment
85% lower carbon emissions using HVO fuel
46% embodied carbon reduction (slab track)
7,579 tCO₂e saved (2022–2025)
~1,500 tCO₂e saved through innovative design to retain Parkhead Viaduct structure
Protecting Place, Landscape and Biodiversity Sustainable delivery also means respecting the character and ecology of the region: Catenary-free, battery-powered trams reduce visual impact and operational emissions. Tree and shrub planting enhances streetscapes, supports biodiversity and creates new habitats. Addition of new bat boxes, rehomed badger sets to facilitate construction works.
CEEQUAL & BREEAM
All Projects registered achieved “Very Good” and “Excellent” ratings
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DELIVERING THROUGH CAPABILITY
Industry Recognition Recognised for excellence in engineering, sustainability and regeneration
Across the last decade, the Midland Metro Alliance delivers infrastructure that not only transforms connectivity, but sets elevated standards for collaboration, innovation and responsible delivery.
Recognition across engineering, sustainability and heritage reflects the strength of partnership behind the programme and the lasting value delivered for the West Midlands.
Environmental and Sustainability
Major Programme and Engineering Awards
CEEQUAL ‘Very Good’ rating Westside Extension Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension
British Construction Industry Awards Partnership Initiative of the Year Construction Excellence Awards (West Midlands) Integration & Collaborative Working Award Construction Excellence Awards (West Midlands) Innovation Award Global Light Rail Awards Outstanding Engineering Achievement Global Light Rail Awards Highly Commended, Project of the Year
ICE West Midlands Large Project Award
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Scan here for full awards list
Rose Rees awarded an MBE for services to Diversity and Inclusion in the Rail Industry - recognising the wider cultural and societal contribution of the Alliance.
Heritage and Infrastructure
Social Value and Education Awards
ICE West Midlands Heritage Award (Hanson’s Ale Bridge)
Talent Match Awards West Midlands Employer of the Year ICE West Midlands Education and Inspiration Award Light Rail Apprenticeship ICE West Midlands Education and Inspiration Award Sector Based Skills Academies Construction Excellent Awards West Midlands People Development Award
ICE West Midlands High Commendation (Parkhead Viaduct Restoration)
New Civil Engineer Rail Bridge Project of the Year (Parkhead Viaduct Restoration)
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...
The Next Chapter Celebrating Ten Years of the Midland Metro Alliance
In 2016, the Midland Metro Alliance was created to deliver a bold vision for light rail across the West Midlands.
That vision is now visible across the region - in extended routes, revitalised urban spaces, stronger communities and a growing network connecting people to opportunity.
But our work continues.
The partnerships strengthened and standards established over the past decade provide the confidence to shape what comes next - continued expansion, sustained investment and an enduring commitment to supporting urban and economic regeneration across the West Midlands. The journey continues.
A Decade of Delivery
www.metroalliance.co.uk
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