Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham City Council have launched a bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for a new masterplan to transform Edgbaston Stadium into a mixed-use destination.
The masterplan includes support for the surrounding community and ties in with legacy plans for the recent Commonwealth Games, at which Edgbaston hosted cricket matches.
The renewed Edgbaston would combine elite sport, conferencing and events with community assets to improve health and social care, education and employment, and social cohesion in the area.
Proposals include a stadium-based multi-use community hub with the potential for an NHS walk-in centre, and a second community hub at the former police station site in Quinton.
The Edgbaston piazza would provide a venue for community markets, open-air screenings and more, as well as becoming a home for events such as Eid and Diwali celebrations.
Compass Group UK & Ireland will serve as a partner on the masterplan project and will invest in learning, development and apprenticeship centres that will help develop digital, catering and hospitality skills.
The masterplan and the associated redevelopment will also look to set a standard for sustainable travel and accessibility, with new dedicated cycling and walking routes linking communities to the stadium.
An on-site hotel is also being considered, linked to the redevelopment of the existing Raglan and Priory stands, which will serve the stadium’s growing conference and events business. The new stands will increase capacity, accessibility and the overall guest experience at the stadium.
Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our stadium and community masterplan and its associated funding bid. They will transform Edgbaston Stadium into a truly mixed-use community destination.
“Edgbaston is one of the world’s best-loved cricket grounds, having been the backdrop for great sporting drama for nearly 140 years. These proposals help realise the legacy of the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, creating a welcoming place for our whole community to enjoy.”
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “This masterplan presents a unique opportunity to bring the local community and a Birmingham icon together to improve health and employment outcomes for thousands of people and the City Council is determined to put the people of Edgbaston right at the heart of the levelling up agenda.
“This bid is one of five we have put forward. Each of them has an indisputable case for delivery. These proposals, once properly funded, will combine to have a transformative economic and social impact right across our city.”
Edgbaston will be a guest project delegation at TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit 2022 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester in November.
