Edgbaston set to hit a six as £42m transformation plans approved
Birmingham City Council planning officers have approved the £42m redevelopment plans for Edgbaston Stadium.
CGI image of how the new stand will look
The move is set to create 376 construction jobs and 100 permanent roles, adding to the 1,000 people who already work at the stadium.
The current Priory and Raglan Stands will be replaced with a 3,191-seat stand, alongside a new concourse featuring food and drink options and upgraded facilities for disabled spectators.
Plans also include a 146-room Radisson RED hotel, offering pitch-facing rooms, 18 of which will be convertible into hospitality spaces and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Birmingham. The hotel’s coffee shop will be open to the public.
Backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) with a loan of up to £18m, the redevelopment is set to be completed in time for the 2027 Men’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
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.
CGI Image of the 146-room Radisson RED hotel
“Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But we must develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creating 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.”
With an expected 59,000 guests staying annually, the redevelopment is expected to further cement Edgbaston Stadium’s position as a premier venue for international sport, conferencing, and community activities, ultimately benefiting local health, education, and social cohesion.
The stadium’s growing popularity was evident in July 2023, when it hosted 135,000 fans over six days of Ashes cricket, including sell-out days for the Men’s Ashes. Looking ahead, Edgbaston will continue to host major international events, including the Ashes in 2027.
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 several 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.”
