Engineering Stage 5 (ES5) and Enabling Works for upgrade to Witton and Aston Rail Stations

The upgrade of Witton and Aston stations was identified as a Mayoral priority in April 2025, with delivery of the interventions to be completed ahead of the UEFA Euro 2028, which nearby Villa Park Stadium is set to host four international football matches. We are now proposing to continue the development phase into Engineering Stage 5 with Network Rail and in parallel commence advanced enabling works activities ahead of a targeted completion ahead of UEFA Euro 2028. Design Development The project has proceeded through design stages ES3 and ES4 and now needs to progress to detailed design. This is Engineering Stage 5 (ES5) in Network Rail's PACE framework. Additional elements for the next design phase include Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) isolation works to minimise disruption to the network in advance of the enabling works and core construction work phases, preliminary / personnel costs, contingency, and property and planning costs associated with the Waterworks site. Enabling Works Need To achieve programme and completion in advance of UEFA Euro 2028, enabling works are required in parallel to ES5 (detailed design) development.