Procurement bosses are planning an online briefing session for firms on 21 June to set out plans for the work programme, which is expected to involve around eight major infrastructure projects.

The proposed Midlands Rail Hub programme is being designed to improve rail connectivity and boost economic growth across the Midlands and towards the south west.

This will allow for up to 12 additional services per hour between central Birmingham and key regional cities and transport hubs.

At its core are plans to increase capacity at Birmingham Moor Street station, and construct a new railway to connect the Camp Hill line to the Chiltern main line.

Design and build jobs will include new platforms and sidings; two new chords into Birmingham Moor Street; widening of existing viaduct; power supply upgrades; new freight loops; new overhead line equipment and various signalling works.

The majority of the programme is still undergoing options selection and so the exact work scope and procurement strategy are yet to be finalised.