The future of more than 160 transport projects across the West Midlands is set to become clearer in the coming months as the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) progresses with the Rosewell Review. This comprehensive review is assessing 168 schemes to determine the best way to allocate £2.4 billion in devolved transport funding.
The WMCA’s Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been updated on the status of these projects, with many still in early development. Interim Chief Executive Ed Cox revealed that 78 of the schemes remain at the conceptual stage, emphasizing that funding decisions will be made based on a transparent assessment of each project’s stage of development and economic benefits.
Committee Chair Tim Huxtable highlighted the eagerness of local councillors to learn when new projects will move forward, building on the legacy of existing schemes that are already under construction or nearing completion.
READ MORE: DWP Provides Up to £628 Monthly to Four Million People Without Work Requirements
READ MORE: Birmingham Braces for 12 Hours of Snow and Plummeting Temperatures
Mayor Richard Parker shared that several major initiatives, including the Metro extension to the £3 billion Sports Quarter and Birmingham City FC’s new stadium, along with investments in Witton and Aston Railway stations to support Aston Villa, have already been presented to the WMCA Board. He assured that the Rosewell Review is clarifying the status and timetables of these projects, with plans being developed in partnership with councils across the region.
Ed Cox explained that the Rosewell Review is transforming how major capital programmes are planned. Instead of allocating all funds immediately upon notification, the authority will now categorize projects based on their development phase, allowing for more strategic and flexible funding allocations. This approach avoids committing large sums to projects still in early stages, while enabling smaller revenue investments to progress development.
As projects pass through defined gateways based on transparent criteria, they will receive incremental funding, eventually reaching full capital commitment. This systematic process aims to improve project delivery timelines and resource allocation.
A detailed paper outlining this new funding process will be presented to the WMCA Board in February, with a clear, formalized pathway for project development expected by autumn. This framework promises to bring greater clarity and efficiency to the West Midlands’ transport infrastructure plans.