visitor information
our location
The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC), home to the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), is situated at the site of the former Railway Station at Castle Hill in Dudley, West Midlands.
Dudley, the historic capital of the Black Country, is currently undergoing a £1 billion programme of investment and regeneration, which includes the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension and a new Healthcare University Centre.
The VLRNIC is aptly positioned alongside other conservation, education and innovation organisations in the Castle Hill area, including:
travel options
The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC), home to BCIMO, is easily accessible by road or rail from major cities such as nearby Birmingham.
BY CAR
For directions to the VLRNIC, please click either Google Maps or the what3words address ///shades.glue.tile
BY TAXI
Uber is fully operational in Dudley, however if you wish to use an alternative taxi service, we advise you to pre-book
View the Three Best Rated Taxis in Dudley
BY HEAVY RAIL
The closest railway stations are Tipton Railway Station (1.1 miles) and Dudley Port Railway Station (2.3 miles)
BY LIGHT RAIL
On completion of Phase 1 of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension in 2025, we’ll have a tram station, aptly named Castle Stop due to its proximity to the Dudley Zoo and Castle, on our doorstep.
parking & access
Your host will have provided you with the details of where to park and what to do on arrival, so please ensure you have this information to hand before you set off.
Car Park A
Car Park B
Car Park C
Service Entrance Car Park
entertainment & accommodation
The centre is within walking distance of Castlegate Park, comprising a selection of restaurants and hotels, a Showcase Cinema and Tenpin Bowling.
For visitors to our venue, we are delighted to offer a 10% discount on overnight accommodation and 25% discount on breakfast, at our partner hotel, the Village in Dudley, also a five-minute walk away at Castlegate.
To enjoy this discount, please book directly with the hotel and enter BCIMO in the ‘add code’ line*.
*Please note, all bookings are subject to availability, and you are subject to the hotel’s booking terms and conditions.
STAY INFORMED
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BCIMO is a not-for-profit Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and operator of the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC), a unique, world-class centre for rail innovation based in Dudley in the West Midlands.
Google Map Location: BCIMO
what3words Address: ///shades.glue.tile
Sat Nav: DY1 4AL
Postal Address: BCIMO, Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, Zoological Drive, Dudley. DY1 4AW
Email: info@bcimo.co.uk
Phone: 07769 586893
