New competition held for New Street Station

Plans to redevelop Birmingham’s notorious tunnel-like New Street station at a cost of of £550m have been thrown back in the melting pot with the launch of another architectural competition.

The RIBA has launched a competition for a concept designer to produce an “overarching building vision” for the redevelopment of the 1960s station and surrounding area.

The new designs will supersede those drawn up by John McAslan & Partners in 2005 and by Alsop Architects in 2003.

McAlsan's proposal was rejected last August after the Department for Transport raised concerns over the cost.

The competition is being held on the behalf of Network Rail, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive and the regional development agency.

Mike Whitby, Birmingham Council leader, said: “We want to create an attractive and iconic landmark for local people and the 30 million plus visitor who come to Birmingham each year.”