January 2021
Design updates
Since planning permission was granted for the Alexander Stadium Redevelopment in January 2020, several changes have needed to be made to the design. This includes changes to the Northern Plaza area and the Athletes’ Route.
Northern Plaza
A number of changes are required to the design of the Northern Plaza area. These changes are largely required to improve accessibility, and to ensure that this part of the scheme is suitable to host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The changes are:
- Addition of a temporary tarmac area to provide a flat surface for the temporary additional seating required for the Commonwealth Games. After the Commonwealth Games, the tarmac surface will be removed, and the area will return to grass with new pathways, trees and wildflower planting.
- Changes to site levels in the area to provide a larger flat surface to ensure there is adequate space for the temporary additional seating, and enough room behind the seating stand to allow safe access. The original proposal included a gentle slope between the Northern Plaza and Athletes’ Route, this area will now be made level, and the crib wall (a wall made of timber slats containing stone used to prevent the movement of soil) will be increased in height (by around 1.4 metres) and extended further to the west.
- Addition of a gently sloping pathway between the East Stand car park, and the Northern Plaza and East Stand levels. This will enhance access to the stadium, and is an improved scenario when compared to the original proposal which only included steps in this area.
- In order to avoid drainage tanks in this area, the location and number of new trees across the Northern Plaza has changed since the original proposal. As a result, there will be three fewer trees provided in the Northern Plaza area, but consideration will be given to alternate locations to plant these trees.
View further details of the updated design for the Northern Plaza
A ‘non-material amendment’ application will be submitted to Birmingham City Council in late January 2021 to seek formal approval of the updated design. Non-material amendment applications are used when minor changes are needed after planning permission has been granted.
The application 2021/00765/PA is available to view on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online website.
Some of the changes listed above have already been made on site as part of the ongoing construction works to prevent any delays to the programme. This includes addition of the temporary tarmac surface, changes to the site levels and increase in the height and length of the crib wall. The non-material amendment application process is an opportunity for Birmingham City Council to consider the changes, to ensure that they are appropriate. If approved by Birmingham City Council, the gently sloping pathway and surrounding trees will be added before the Commonwealth Games. The remaining proposed trees in the Northern Plaza area will be planted after the Commonwealth Games.
Athletes’ Route
Separately, a reserved matters planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council to seek approval of an updated proposal for the southern section of the Athletes’ Route. For further details about the updated proposal, visit our timeline archive webpage.
The contents of the application is available to view on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online website.
If you would like any further details, help in understanding any of the design changes, or a copy of the available information in an alternate format (in another language, braille or larger print), contact Jade Tilley by email: Jade.Tilley@arup.com or phone: 0121 213 3168.
