Edgbaston Stadium has received planning approval from Birmingham City Council for a significant redevelopment project, featuring enhanced facilities for disabled spectators and the addition of a new on-site hotel.
The Planning Committee unanimously approved the £42 million project earlier this week, with work set to begin in September and completion scheduled ahead of the men’s Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston in 2027.
The proposed 146-bed Radisson Red hotel will feature a rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and flexible rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes with external terraces for watching the match action.
The hotel is expected to welcome approximately 60,000 guests annually.
The redeveloped stand, with a slightly larger capacity than the current Raglan and Priory stands, will feature a new concourse offering upgraded food and drink options, as well as 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 around £35 million to the local economy annually, with projections for the new hotel development expected to boost this figure to over £40 million.
The project is expected to generate over 376 jobs during the construction phase, with an additional 100 jobs created after completion, bringing the total number of local jobs supported by the stadium to 1,100.
The decision comes after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including residents and Warwickshire Members. Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee received no formal objections.
The project has received support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which has provided 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 part of the ongoing Edgbaston Masterplan, aimed at transforming the stadium into a multi-use complex that will blend sports, residential, commercial, and community spaces.
As part of Edgbaston’s Masterplan, the Corkfield apartment complex has opened across from the stadium, and a hospitality centre of excellence has been launched, offering exciting career opportunities at the venue.
Xcelerate with Edgbaston, operated by stadium catering partner Levy UK + Ireland, is located behind the Wyatt Stand. It provides apprenticeships, career development, and skills training for individuals aspiring to work in the hospitality sector.
As part of the Masterplan, the Club’s developments also include a new entrance piazza and car parking areas, covering a total of more than 15,000 square metres.
