Contract to redevelop Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium awarded to McLaughlin & Harvey

McLaughlin & Harvey has a strong track record in undertaking large prestigious projects across the UK and has previously successfully completed projects for major games events, including the London Olympics, and sporting developments for numerous football and rugby clubs.

The Alexander Stadium project, a scheme worth an overall £72million, received unanimous support from the Birmingham City Council Planning Committee in January 2020. It will see the venue’s permanent capacity increased from 12,700 to 18,000 – with the ability to temporarily increase up to a maximum of 40,000 for major events.

The regeneration of Perry Barr, which has the stadium at the centre, represents more than £500million of investment in the coming years, the wider plans for the area also include new housing, improved transport and related upgrades to infrastructure and public space.

The revamped stadium is set to host a range of tenants including the world-famous Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club and Birmingham City University.  Acting as the new home for the university’s sports and exercise students, it will bring an exciting new partnership and purpose to the stadium beyond athletics.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The regeneration of Perry Barr is one of the key priorities for the council, so the finalisation of a contract to rebuild the Alexander Stadium marks the passing of yet another significant milestone as we translate our plans into reality for the people of Birmingham.

“We have secured an experienced contractor with a strong track record of delivery on schemes like this and look forward to the progress they make in the weeks and months ahead.

“Just as important as this are the social value and environmental commitments we have secured from McLaughlin & Harvey, which will ensure this scheme is delivered in a sustainable way that not only provides a fantastic new facility for the city, but meaningful employment and training opportunities too.”

The wide range of pledges made by McLaughlin & Harvey include:

• 30 new jobs to be created, targeted from local wards;
• 85 per cent of spend with local SMEs;
• Commitment to become a Real Living Wage accredited organisation;
• Development of an on-site Visitor Centre for exhibiting construction progress and to deliver community events;
• Excess materials to be donated to local community organisations;
• School engagement programme to inspire children to STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers;
• Community fund to support local organisations;
• Carbon neutral construction environment through renewable energy, reduced emissions and ‘carbon offset’ funding for ecological initiatives.

Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are delighted to be entrusted to deliver this significant world-class sporting facility for Birmingham City Council.

“The redeveloped Alexander Stadium will showcase Birmingham on an international stage, providing exceptional facilities for its users, whilst supporting a legacy and next generation of athletes and students who will call Alexander Stadium their home. 

“This project will enable us to make a difference to the community through social value and our recent experience in major sports projects will ensure we provide Birmingham with a spectacular facility to be proud of.”

Construction is set to commence in the coming weeks, with completion in late 2021.

Background notes

Key features of the overall scheme for the revamped stadium include:

• A new western stand replacing the Main, Knowles and Nelson stands
• New tiered seating to the north and south
• A new 400m 6-lane warm up track and re-laying of a new IAAF Category 1 track (400m 9-lane competition standard track)
• Improved public realm and parking provision, with additional landscaping and signage
• Installation of new stadium lighting and practice throwing field
• A new access road from A453 Aldridge Road (to be used for event/maintenance use only)

Permission to demolish the three old west stands was approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning department in August 2019 and is now complete.