Dudley is to become the home of light rail innovation in the UK after approval was granted for a £20 million research facility.
The Light Rail Innovation Centre, which will create 50 highly skilled jobs, will be used to ” develop and test the next generation of light rail systems “.
As well as developing prototype light rail systems, the site will also connect Dudley to the main line rail network for the first time in more than 50 years through a new Very Light Rail (VLR) line between Castle Hill and Dudley Port.
The centre will be built on the site of the former Dudley railway station and reopen part of the decommisioned line as a test track.
The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership has committed £4.5 million to the scheme. The remainder will be financed by Dudley council, Europe and private sector sources.
The innovation centre is being promoted by Dudley Council and the Warwick Manufacturing Group, part of Warwick University.
Work is expected to begin on the project next year.
The Very Light Rail system will be based on Pre-Metro Operations Ltd’s system between Stourbridge Town and Stourbridge Junction.
