00:00Britain's second largest city is poised for a major transformation following the government's
00:06pledge to invest £2.4 billion in transport links across the region. At the heart of this funding
00:13package is a proposed extension to Birmingham's Metro tram system linking the city centre with the
00:21HS2 terminal at Curzon Street and continuing out to a new sports quarter. Now led by Birmingham
00:29City Football Club owners Nighthead Capital. The sports quarter is a multi-billion pound
00:35redevelopment plan anchored by a brand new stadium. Expected to seat 62,000 fans the new ground
00:43would become one of the largest in the country. The wider development includes community sports
00:48pitches, a club museum, public green space and a hotel complex bringing long-term regeneration
00:56benefits to East Birmingham. Now local authorities say the new tram line is essential for connecting
01:04the area to the wider region, ensuring smooth access for match day crowds and creating better
01:10links for nearby residents. Routes will also serve Digbeth, the Bullring and eventually Birmingham
01:17Airport. Supporters of the scheme believe it could unlock as much as £10 billion in future private
01:25investment. If completed as planned, the Metro extension could play a major role in shifting long-term
01:33investments and jobs towards some of the city's most disadvantaged areas, delivering what's been
01:39described as a generational economic opportunity.
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