Moor Street station is set to undergo a major transformation which will see two new platforms built to cope with the expected increase of five million passengers per year by 2043.

Transport chiefs have today revealed early design ideas for the city centre station which will retain its historic grade II-listed entrance from 1914 while a second access point will serve Digbeth and the new Smithfield development.

The proposals also include the option to more than double the size of the concourse to 21,525 sq ft, a transfer deck with access to every platform and links to a new footbridge taking passengers directly to the HS2 station via a public square.

There are also several options to improve pedestrian access between Moor Street and New Street, including a direct route via St Martin's Queensway, and steps and a ramp at Swan Passage adjacent to the new Primark.

Passengers could see a new-look main entrance at Moor Street station
Passengers could see a new-look main entrance at Moor Street station

There could also be a new ramped route from Rotunda Square to New Street station.

The aim is to create seamless access between the new HS2 terminal in Curzon Street, Moor Street and New Street as part of the so-called 'One Station' strategy.

The new platforms will, alongside other network infrastructure improvements, allow extra services to stop at Moor Street from across the region under the 'Midlands Rail Hub' proposals to increase rail capacity to and from the East Midlands, Hereford, Worcester and the South West.

The newly planned service serving Moseley and Kings Heath could also eventually go into Moor Street.

Transport chiefs are planning to add two new platforms to Moor Street
Transport chiefs are planning to add two new platforms to Moor Street

These initial designs have been developed by West Midlands Rail Executive in collaboration with Transport for West Midlands, Midlands Connect, Network Rail, HS2, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Railway and Birmingham City Council.

They were created by Birmingham practice Glenn Howells Architects and Grimshaw, the London-based firm behind the Eden Project.

The two companies have previously collaborated on the designs for the new HS2 station in Birmingham which were first unveiled last October.

Passenger numbers at Moor Street are expected to grow from seven million to 12 million a year by 2043, with further increases expected as a result of the Midlands Rail Hub and the arrival of HS2 in 2026.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "We have big plans for transport in the West Midlands and the expansion of Moor Street is a crucial part of that.

"Our game-changing plans for HS2 and new metro and rail lines are already driving investment, new jobs and apprenticeships as well as bringing communities closer to those work, training and education opportunities.

A transfer deck connecting all platforms is proposed
A transfer deck connecting all platforms is proposed

"This whole area of Birmingham will be revitalised over the next few years as the world's largest Primark opens, Curzon Street HS2 station is built and Moor Street is transformed.

"This vision for Moor Street will not only provide a better experience for commuters but, with two extra platforms, it will set the foundation for the future expansion of rail services."

Further feasibility studies will now to take place to progress the preferred design concept to a greater level of technical analysis which can feed into a future business case for the redevelopment of the station.