HS2 have submitted a Schedule 17 application to Solihull Council regarding an option to realign a short section of the Automated People Mover (APM), which will take people from Interchange Station, over the M42 and into the NEC, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport.

HS2 gained Schedule 17 approval for the base scheme for the APM in August 2020. Since then, HS2 has worked closely with the Urban Growth Company (UGC) to include extra design elements which will support wider growth plans at the UK Central Hub. This includes an option to modify the alignment of the APM as part of a potential major transformation of Birmingham International Station to create a new, integrated multi-modal transport exchange.  The realignment would also support the UGC’s plans to deliver new commercial development and public realm opportunities on adjacent land.

The option involves a slight change to the route of the APM, as it passes Birmingham International Station and connects into Birmingham Airport. The plans will also integrate the APM stop with a revitalised public realm at Birmingham International Station, including additional planting, a green climbing wall and space for artwork to enhance the passenger experience.

Once the application has been through the planning process, and HS2 has appointed a contractor to construct the APM, HS2 and the UGC will then decide on which APM option will be constructed.