Key players working to make Blues project a reality

Knighthead has invested £100 million in purchasing the former Wheels site in East Birmingham which represents part of its wider £3 billion Sports Quarter vision for the area.

A dedicated strategic board, co-chaired by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton, has been set up to drive the project forward.

And the creation of a potential Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which would have powers to buy and develop land to make sure huge regeneration schemes come forward could be on the cards.

Knighthead’s plans include a new 60,000-seater stadium, sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, community pitches as well as leisure, commercial and residential development – creating around 8,500 jobs.

Blues chairman Tom Wagner also revealed a vision for a £20 million tunnel to transport the public from New Street station to the Sports Quarter.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Richard Parker said: “Unlocking the full potential of this investment is a priority, and we’re working in close partnership with Birmingham City Council’s leadership to create the right conditions for private sector, and Government, confidence.

“That includes improving infrastructure, streamlining planning, and ensuring that we have the right skills pipeline in place to support the jobs this will create.

“We’ve set up a strategic board, co-chaired by myself and Councillor John Cotton, to drive this forward and make sure we’re aligning the opportunity with the needs of the city and the wider region.

“John has shown real leadership in helping to navigate Birmingham through a difficult period, and our strong partnership – and friendship – is key to delivering this project in its entirety.

“At the heart of this is the vision and ambition of Tom Wagner and Knighthead.

“They have shown a genuine commitment to Birmingham – not just to Birmingham City Football Club but to the city and the wider West Midlands.

“Their investment and belief in what we can achieve together is a game-changer, and we’re doing everything we can to deliver this.”

He added: “This investment has the potential to be transformational. It’s not just about a stadium or a single development – it’s about creating a thriving sports, entertainment, and business quarter that generates jobs, attracts visitors, and provides new opportunities for local people.

“It’ll help drive regeneration, improve public transport, and bring significant benefits to the regional economy, including hospitality, retail, construction and professional services.

“My job is to work with our partners to make sure that Birmingham’s communities benefit directly – that means ensuring local businesses are part of the supply chain and that local people have access to new jobs and the training opportunities.

“Knighthead’s vision is big and it’s bold – and it’s exactly the kind of ambition Birmingham deserves.

“Their willingness to invest at this scale is a testament to their belief in the region’s potential.

“This is an exciting moment and we’re making sure that we seize this opportunity to deliver lasting change.”

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has suggested the redevelopment of Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground could see the formation of an MDC and this is something that could emerge in Birmingham.

Mr Parker said: “I think our offer is much more developed to be honest with you, Tom has worked with Birmingham City Council to move at pace already.

“A Mayoral Development Corporation is absolutely on the table, and we’re looking at whether it would be the right vehicle to support the Sports Quarter project.

“MDCs can help unlock large-scale regeneration by bringing together planning powers, investment, and infrastructure in a coordinated way, so it’s something we’re actively considering.

“But to be clear, we’ll do what is right for this specific project to ensure it’s delivered.

“It goes without saying that this project requires ambitious and strategic thinking alongside Birmingham City Council.

“Knighthead have demonstrated real confidence in Birmingham, and it’s up to us to meet that confidence with the right tools to unlock investment.

“John Cotton, Sharon Thompson and I are aligned in our goal of making sure this project delivers long-term benefits for the region, and I’m committed to working in partnership with Birmingham City Council, as well as the Government, to ensure we have the right structures in place.

“This is a huge opportunity for Birmingham, and we have to get it right. I’m determined to make sure we do.”

In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Wagner called on the Government to move fast and speed up the planning process as well as stressing the importance of transport links for major developments.

Mr Parker said: “I completely agree with Tom – we need to move at pace to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve made that promise to Tom and I’m making it to Blues fans and local people. That’s why I’m working closely with Knighthead and Birmingham City Council to ensure a joined-up approach to planning and infrastructure.

“We’re already in discussions about how we can streamline planning but also ensure robust scrutiny and a top quality development.

“Yes, transport is absolutely critical to the success of this project, and we’re already talking about options.

“We’re looking at improving public transport links, including potential improvements to bus and rail services to better connect the site to the rest of the city and the wider West Midlands.

“Tom himself has spoken about the importance of HS2 to this project, it’s absolutely key and we must use the opportunity we have with a 48 minute train to London.

“No other region will have HS2. So linking the Sports Quarter to the new station at Curzon Street is important.

“But we’re also ensuring that there are good walking and cycling routes to and from the development – one example of that is the route along the canal.

“With that we must grow an economy of businesses along that route. And, of course, we need to consider how this all fits into the broader transport strategy for the region, making sure it supports growth.

“Tom has made it very clear that this development is about much more than football – it’s about creating a world-class destination, and that means getting the infrastructure right.”