A new railway station at the University of Birmingham has been given the go ahead by city planners.
The station is undergoing a major overhaul to help it cope with a projected spike in annual users which transport chiefs say could hit seven million by 2043.
It was originally designed to handle 400,000 passengers a year.
Among the work to take place is a new station building and footbridge, improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, upgraded amenities and improved platforms and waiting rooms.
A large public space on the approach to the station is also included in the designs.
The project was given consent at the latest meeting of Birmingham City Council's planning committee.
The existing station building will be retained as part of the plans, to be used as an exit, while the application also includes no passenger parking.
Speaking after the council's decision, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "For the many thousands of people who regularly use the station this redevelopment cannot come soon enough.
"We have worked closely with our project partners to develop plans of which we are all proud and it is fantastic the city's planning committee has backed our vision.
"The new station will act as a fitting and welcoming gateway to the world-class University of Birmingham campus and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
"It is yet another example of the unprecedented investment in our transport system which will support our economic recovery as we bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic."
