West Midlands to Build New £20M Bus Depot in Birmingham

A new bus station is set to be built in Birmingham as part of major plans by the West Midlands Combined Authority(WMCA) to take back control of the region’s bus network.

Members of WMCA’s Investment Board are expected to approve the business case for the East Birmingham Depot on Lea Ford Road, Kitts Green. The total cost is projected at £19.93 million, with Birmingham City Council contributing at least £14.93 million.

The new facility is part of WMCA’s wider strategy to purchase depots across the West Midlands, supporting a move to a franchise model aimed at improving competition, service quality, and fare control. The existing depot serving this area has already been sold for redevelopment by National Express.

Other depots listed for purchase:

• Perry Barr depot, Aston Lane

• Cox Street depot, Ford Street, Coventry

• Wolverhampton depot, Park Lane

• Pensnett depot, Second Avenue

• West Bromwich depot, Oak Lane

• Acocks Green depot, Fox Hollies Road

• Birmingham Central depot, Liverpool Street

• Yardley Wood depot, Yardley Wood Road

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said:

“This investment in Kitts Green is an important part of my plan to take control of the bus network. Bringing bus depots into public ownership breaks down barriers to entry and invites new operators into the market, which will increase competition and mean lower costs. For people who use the buses, this ensures every penny of their fare is reinvested into what matters: better services and lower fares.”

The Investment Board will meet on Monday, 23 February to make a decision on the depot.