QUINTON will get improved transport links as part of a massive Government cash boost announced today.

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is to receive £357.3m from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) to help provide up to 19,000 jobs as part of its Growth Deal.

In total, 34 projects have been approved with £63.4m available for the financial year 2015-16 to get schemes started quickly.

The £12.2million Hagley Road Sprint project will a state-of-the-art bus route installed from Quinton to Birmingham.

A spokesman for GBSLEP said: "This project will deliver a Bus Rapid Transit scheme operating from Birmingham City Centre towards the west of the city along the Hagley Road to Quinton.

"This will provide a major upgrade to public transport in this corridor and link key economic sites with key residential areas and ultimately to HS2."

He added: "The funding is available in 2015/16."

The Growth Deal is a new way of working between the LEP and Central Government to ensure that the area is able to exploit the benefits of HS2 and improive investment, jobs and skills.

Andy Street, GBSLEP chairman, said: “This Growth Deal is a clear vote of confidence in the economic renaissance of Greater Birmingham and a sign that Government has faith in our ability to deliver.

“We have been able to secure funding for much needed projects, a carefully chosen mix of shovel-ready schemes we can kick on with almost immediately and support for longer-term projects.

“Perhaps more importantly we have won support for our long-term vision to secure the position of our city region as the pre-eminent economy outside London.

Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is great news for Birmingham and Quinton.

“The announcements in this Growth Deal will help kick-start a range of major projects that will support the delivery of an improved transport system for the city, particularly with some further Metro extensions, and the creation of new jobs for local people."