Proposal for council to back next phase of Edgbaston Stadium masterplan set for discussion

The strategic importance of the venue means that further upgrades are needed to maintain its status, so Cabinet Members are being asked to consider the principle of a £32million loan for the rebuilding of the oldest two stands (the Raglan and Priory Stands) and the addition of new facilities (including a hotel) and related amenities.

Hosting Test Matches, county cricket, The Hundred and T20 Finals Day, a report to Cabinet outlines how in 2019 the stadium attracted 400,000 visitors and contributed £68million to the city’s economy.

Looking ahead, this is expected to increase, with this summer’s Ashes series and the ongoing success of The Hundred competition, with opportunities arising through the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

At Cabinet next week, councillors will be asked to note the proposal for a loan or investment facility of up to £32million, subject to the completion of a satisfactory “Green Book” Appraisal, the granting of planning approval and agreement of satisfactory terms, including the provision of suitable security, with the cricket club.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "Major sporting events provide a huge boost to the Birmingham economy, as we have seen from the likes of the Commonwealth Games, World Indoor Athletics Championships and the annual programme of fixtures hosted at venues across the city such as Edgbaston Stadium.

“Edgbaston is now widely considered to be the country's best cricket venue outside of London, but competition for big matches and major events is fierce and we must stay ahead of the competition.

“That's why further development is essential to grow the economic impact and sporting reputation of the city and strengthen the financial base of the Cricket Club – we are looking at the provision of a loan as one way in which this could be achieved.”

Background notes

The main elements of the proposed scheme (which will be subject to a formal planning permission and further consultation with club members and local residents), worth a total value of £42million, are:

• Replacement stands including 3,500 general admission seats (an increase of c.300 general admission seats on the current capacity), with new toilets and matchday food and drink provision.
• A new integrated hotel including 145 rooms spread over 4 floors.
• A new video screen/scoreboard in between the West Stand and the new stand.

Phase 1 of the Masterplan replaced the Pavillion, Ryder, Deakins and Ansell Stands with a new Pavillion, members’ area, executive club and boxes, event and conferencing facilities together with a large exhibition centre and state-of-the-art media facilities. Completed in 2011, this increased the capacity of the Stadium to 25,000. Phase 1 was facilitated, in part, by a loan of £20m from the City Council.

Phase 2 incorporates 375 new build to rent apartments on the junction of Edgbaston Road and Pershore Road and the creation of a new piazza between the apartments and the stadium with the potential to host a wide range of external events, including cultural festivals, outdoor cinemas, markets and fun fairs. Phase 2 is on site at the current time and is on time and on budget for completion in October 2023.