Support for this position was also forthcoming from Jon Rouse, chief executive of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, and Birmingham council economic development director Paul Spooner. Both renewed calls for the station, which is owned by Railtrack, to be redeveloped.
Rouse voiced his opinions at the launch of Birmingham's £400m Arena Central scheme at the MIPIM property fair. Arena Central borders New Street, and Rouse said remodelling of the station was needed desperately.
A report carried out for the SRA last June by engineering consultant Halcrow concluded that £500m of work was required to make the station capable of dealing with increased use. Proposed schemes included building platforms on two levels, as the Arena Central scheme restricts the available space.
However, any work is expected to take at least five years. Morton was also expected to discuss plans for delivering the West Coast Main Line upgrade. He warned last week that any large-scale rail, track and station projects in the government's £60bn improvement plan could take 10 years to get started.
The New Street development could coincide with the reopening of the nearby Moor Street train station following its refurbishment.
The Arena Central scheme, which includes a 50-storey tower, will be masterplanned by architect HOK International, engineers Arup and Hoare Lea & Partners and cost consultant AYH. The first phase, in which Crosby Homes is to build 300 apartments, is already under way.
The scheme follows the £800m redevelopment of the nearby Bull Ring and the proposed redevelopment of the Eastside area.
Railtrack was unavailable for comment.
