West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has promised “big improvements” to the region’s transport systems as a result of a £2.4 billion ‘war chest’.

The funding was confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Birmingham on Wednesday along with the first project to benefit from the funding – an extension of the tram network from Digbeth to Birmingham City FC’s new £3 billion Sports Quarter in Bordesley, says the Birmingham Mail.

The football club’s’ proposals include a new 60,000-seater stadium at the former Wheels site, consisting of a sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, community pitches as well as leisure, commercial and residential development.

Mr Parker said every part of the region will benefit from the five-year funding package which will deliver dozens of rail, bus, tram, road, cycling and walking projects.

The Mayor added he would now work with the region’s seven metropolitan councils to set out the priority transport projects in their areas. He said: “This is a huge investment in transport in our region – and it will make it easier and more affordable for everyone, from Coventry to the Black Country, to get to work, school, college, hospital or anywhere across the West Midlands.

“Millions of people rely on our transport network everyday and now, we are going to make sure it works for everyone. The East Birmingham to Solihull Metro extension is a priority, unlocking billions in investment with thousands of new jobs and homes. “But the transport funding the Chancellor has announced will go so much further and will bring big improvements across our region’s bus, road, rail and cycling networks.”

(Pic: Birmingham City FC)