The Government has confirmed investment of almost £400m in Birmingham’s New Street station in a bid to make journeys easier for millions of passengers, the Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, has announced .

The Government has provided all the funding grants sought by Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands and Network Rail.

These parties will now work together to deliver the promised transformation of New Street, which will aim to reduce the congested conditions faced by the 17m passengers who use the station each year.

This investment will also help accommodate the increase in passenger levels, forecast to increase by around 30% in the next 10 years.

The scheme will double the size of the station concourse and all platforms will be served by escalators, which increase from five to 31, making it more accessible for disabled people, passengers with heavy luggage and parents. There will also three new entrances to the station from the city centre and new public square.

Speaking at Birmingham New Street today (Tuesday), Mrs Kelly said: ‘Birmingham is a key gateway to towns and cities across Britain and this investment will make New Street a more enjoyable experience for the 17m passengers who use it each year.

‘This scheme has been in development for some time and has improved immeasurably so that it can now meet the needs of passengers and deliver a much needed boost to capacity. The Government is making a major investment in Birmingham New Street and it is now up to Birmingham City Council and its partners to transform this station into one of the best in our country.’