 A FINAL push by senior politicians working together will secure the long-awaited dream future for Birmingham's New Street Station. That was the pledge from West Midlands Minister Liam Byrne and city council leader Mike Whitby today following the announcement of £128 million of Government cash towards the station's rebuild. The money, which will be used to improve rail capacity, is still only a fraction of the £550 million of public and private investment needed for the entire Gateway redevelopment - which includes a shopping centre and two tower blocks. The Government is currently holding out on further funding because it still has concerns over what it feels is a chaotic application by the city council and Network Rail which leaves many questions unanswered. Now politicians have vowed to "bash heads together" and finally deliver a 21st Century rail station for Birmingham. Mr Byrne and Coun Whitby pledged to meet with Government ministers, civil servants and partners in early August to overcome the stumbling blocks And they both told the Birmingham Mail that they were confident of securing the remaining £220 million of government money in the autumn. The handout was described as a "downpayment" by West Midlands Minister Liam Byrne, but he insisted there were still outstanding matters that needed to be resolved. The Government has concerns over the Gateway scheme because: No alternative plans were considered to ensure value for money; There was a failure to provide information on how figures were calculated; and The £200 million private investment is thought too low compared to the £350 million public money required.
 Mr Byrne said: "It's very clear that a downpayment has been delivered. "Birmingham is the country's crossroads and deserves a world class station. It is now £128 million closer to that goal. "This was always going to be a game of two halves. The first half has now happened. "There will be a new New Street. We have to make sure that happens as soon as possible. That is why closing the deal on the second stage is so important." Mr Byrne said it was right, given the amount of taxpayer's money involved, that all necessary questions were answered and has arranged a meeting as soon as Coun Whitby returns from holiday to discuss the outstanding matters. "We have to get the key people together to ensure the remaining questions outstanding are answered and answered quickly, so as soon as possible after the summer we can get the deal done," he said. Coun Whitby said: "I am confident of an announcement in the autumn which will deliver a first class station for Birmingham. "I shall continue to maintain pressure on the Government to deliver what they have promised us. "What we need now is for everyone involved in the project, the public sector, private industry, politicians, the media and the people of Birmingham to all show that New Street has got to happen.
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