Major plans for hotel and stand at Edgbaston Stadium recommended for approval
Proposals for a new hotel and stand at one of Birmingham’s biggest sporting venues have taken an important step forward.
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The plans, if approved this week, would see the current Priory and Raglan Stands at Edgbaston Stadium replaced with a new 3,191-seat facility and a 146-bed hotel.
The hotel would have views over the outfield as well as a coffee shop and restaurant/bar, which would be open to the public on non-matchdays.
The proposals were previously described as part of a larger redevelopment of the stadium, which aimed to create a destination combining “elite sport, conferencing and events” with community use.
A council officer’s report said the proposals included “enhanced hospitality facilities” in the concourse of the stand, a multi-faith space and a groundsman’s pitch-side area.
It said the development would “deliver enhancements to one of the major sporting venues within the city”.
It added the new hotel and stand would provide “an improved spectator experience while securing economic, social and environmental benefits for the area”.
“The scheme would have no undue impact on character, amenity or highways considerations,” it added.
The report recommended the proposals for approval, subject to conditions, ahead of a planning committee meeting on Thursday, February 13.
Last year, Edgbaston Stadium received a major funding boost from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in its bid to develop an on-site hotel and new spectator stand.
Stuart Cain, Edgbaston chief executive, said at the time: “Getting the funding in place is crucial.
“We’re grateful to WMCA for making this contribution and backing our ambition to continue bringing major 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 brings new jobs to this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities through the hotel and an expanded conferencing and events business that sits alongside world class sport.”
Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The upgrade plans for Edgbaston Stadium will take a globally-recognised cricket stage and provide it with the world class facilities it needs to continue thriving in the future.”
The proposed hotel would have 146 bedrooms, which would comprise of the following:
36 per cent standard guest room (plaza view);
46 per cent superior guest room (pitch view);
12 per cent premium guest room – convertible (pitch view)
6 per cent accessible guest room (plaza view).
