Works commence on the Platforms 2 to 11 contract this month and will run through to September 2013.

Both Birse Rail and Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering will carry out the works in connection with lifts, escalators and platform finishes on platforms 2 to 11 in the sub surface station area.

In addition, it also includes the extension of the East Concourse which will increase the area available for train operating companies and retail accommodation and allow access to the station façade above for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

The £600m Birmingham Gateway project will see the 1960s built station transformed into a stunning 21st century transport hub for Birmingham and the West Midlands, bringing major economic benefits to the region as well as an improved station experience for rail passengers.

The Birmingham Gateway project is backed by Birmingham City Council, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Advantage West Midlands and Centro. The project will be delivered by Network Rail alongside its delivery partner Mace.”

It is the second contract to be awarded to Balfour Beatty on the Gateway project, the first being the Moor Street Link scheme which involves the design and construction of an elevated walkway to provide a new pedestrian route between Birmingham New Street and Moor Street stations.