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Cricket stadium set to get new hotel and stand

Alexander Brock
Local Democracy Reporting Service
KKA Architecture A computer-generated image showing what the proposed new development would look like. A long building on several storeys, with lights on inside and silhouettes of people at the windows, overlooks a stand for spectators in front of the pitch.KKA Architecture
A new stand and hotel are the focal point of the plans

Plans to build a new hotel and stand at one of Birmingham's biggest sporting venues could be approved this week.

The proposals would see the current Priory and Raglan Stands at Edgbaston Stadium replaced with a new 3,191-seat facility and a 146-bed hotel.

The hotel would have views over the outfield as well as a coffee shop and restaurant/bar, which would be open to the public on non-matchdays.

The proposals were previously included as part of a larger redevelopment of the stadium, which aimed to create a destination combining "elite sport, conferencing and events" with community use.

A council officer's report said the proposals included "enhanced hospitality facilities" in the concourse of the stand, a multi-faith space and a pitchside area for ground staff.

It said the development would "deliver enhancements to one of the major sporting venues within the city".

PA Media A wide shot of Edgbaston Stadium's pitch on a bright sunny day, with players involved in a match, watched from the stands by a large crowd.PA Media
While professional cricket remains at the heart of operations, the development will create new jobs and wider community opportunities, says CEO Stuart Cain

It added it would provide "an improved spectator experience while securing economic, social and environmental benefits for the area".

"The scheme would have no undue impact on character, amenity or highways considerations," it added.

The report recommended the proposals for approval, subject to conditions, ahead of a planning committee meeting on Thursday.

Last year, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) granted Edgbaston Stadium an £18m loan to undertake the work.

Stuart Cain, chief executive of Edgbaston, said at the time: "Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking, but it's important we develop a stadium that brings new jobs to this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities through the hotel and an expanded conferencing and events business that sits alongside world class sport."

Andy Street, who was West Midlands mayor and chair of the WMCA when the funding was granted, said: "The upgrade plans for Edgbaston Stadium will take a globally-recognised cricket stage and provide it with the world class facilities it needs to continue thriving in the future."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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