Images: Aston Villa
Premier League football club Aston Villa has today (Thursday) been granted permission by Birmingham City Council for the first phase of its redevelopment and expansion of Villa Park.
The project will increase the capacity of Villa Park to over 50,000, with the club hoping the expansion will allow the stadium to host major international tournaments and enable its return to the world stage.
The stadium is one of 14 venues included in the UK and Ireland’s bid to host UEFA Euro 2028 and Villa has today welcomed the decision by the council.
The first phase of the redevelopment at Villa Park will include a brand-new North Stand, as well as enhancements to the existing Trinity Stand and the creation of Villa Live, a new 6,500-square-metre multi-purpose commercial destination to replace the existing shop, building and security lodge.
Additionally, over 7,000 square metres of new public realm surrounding the stadium’s Witton Lane entrance will be created to significantly improve accessibility, biodiversity, safety and the overall experience for fans, visitors and the local community.
In August, Villa released new renderings of the Villa Park redevelopment after plans were first revealed in March. The club launched a pre-application planning consultation in June, which gathered feedback from the local community, organisations and fans.
The first phase of the development, anticipated for between 2023 and 2025, will see approximately 7,400 seats added to the stadium’s current capacity of 42,785.
From 2025 onwards, Villa will identify further refurbishment works and capacity uplifts to Villa Park’s other two stands, while also focusing on how the club can be a “catalyst for regeneration and transformation” in the local community.
Improvement of the transport system around the B6 area will be a key component of the redevelopment plan. Villa is already working in partnership on this with the West Midlands Combined Authority and West Midlands Rail Executive.
Villa said the planning approval marks an “exciting and vital first step” in achieving its vision to transform Villa Park into a world-class venue that can serve as a “catalyst” for the continued redevelopment of the local area.
According to the club, the redevelopment of Villa Park will contribute an estimated £119.9m (€135.9m/$144.4m) to the West Midlands economy each year, creating hundreds of jobs during and post-construction, and attracting 1.65 million visitors to the local area annually.
Villa will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the elements of the project which the club does not control, such as transport system and infrastructure works, are prioritised to ensure the best outcome for fans and the local economy. The club said that progress in these sectors will be key to confirming a timeframe and the sequencing of Villa Park works.
In other news, Villa has signed William Hill as its official in-stadium betting partner.
The agreement covers the next two seasons and will enhance the matchday experience for fans, with William Hill offering betting facilities inside Villa Park. Villa fans will also receive access to exclusive offers and promotions, including match tickets and club merchandise.
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