EDGBASTON Stadium has been granted planning permission by Birmingham City Council for a major ground redevelopment project that will include a new on-site hotel.
Members of the Planning Committee unanimously approved the £42-million pound scheme today (Thursday, Feb 13) – work is expected to start in September and be completed in time for the men’s Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston in 2027.
The proposed 146-bed Radisson Red hotel will include a rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes with external terraces to watch the match action.
It is estimated that around 60,000 people will stay at the site each year.
And the redeveloped stand – which will have a slightly bigger capacity than the existing Raglan and Priory stands – will include a new concourse with enhanced food and drink options, plus improved facilities for disabled spectators.
Craig Flindall, Edgbaston Strategy Director, said: “We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport.
“Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities.
“We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”
Edgbaston Stadium currently contributes approximately £35 million to the local economy every year and projections from the new hotel development increase that to over £40 million.
It is expected the project will create more than 376 jobs during the construction period and another 100 post completion, adding to the 1,000 jobs the stadium already supports locally.
The decision follows detailed consultation with stakeholders, including residents and Warwickshire Members. No formal objections were received by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has supported the project with a loan of up to £18-million.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Edgbaston is a world-class venue and this redevelopment, backed by our investment, will ensure it continues to attract top-tier international cricket, thousands of visitors every year, and even more jobs for local people.
“Our region is home to a number of globally celebrated sports teams and venues. By supporting them to grow, we shore up our place on the international stage, bringing visitors, investment and jobs now and into the future.
“It’s what I want to see for the West Midlands – growth that ensures everyone can benefit.”
Adela Cristea, Vice President, Business Development UK, Ireland & Nordics at Radisson Hotel Group, added: “Radisson RED is the perfect fit for this world-renowned stadium and we’re so excited to bring this project to life.
“We look forward to working closely with the Edgbaston team on the design and details of the hotel to showcase the bold and vibrant Radisson RED brand, and we are extremely proud to be playing a part in supporting the wider community.”
The project is the latest development in the Edgbaston Masterplan to transform the stadium into a multi-use sports, residential, commercial, and community complex.
Edgbaston’s Masterplan has seen the opening of Corkfield’s apartment complex opposite the stadium and the launch of a hospitality centre of excellence that promises exciting career opportunities at the stadium.
Xcelerate with Edgbaston – operated by stadium catering partner Levy UK + Ireland – is situated behind the Wyatt Stand and offers apprenticeships, career development, and skills training for people wanting to work in the sector.
The Club’s works as part of the Masterplan also includes a new entrance piazza and car parking zones, totaling over 15,000 square metres.
