Plans for new hotel and spectator stand at iconic Birmingham venue approved
Proposals for a new hotel and stand at one of Birmingham’s most iconic sporting venues have been given the green light – despite its design splitting opinion.
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The plans will 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 is set to boast 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.
But the design proved divisive at a planning committee meeting today, with Councillor Martin Brooks describing it as “not particularly good”.
“I’m not going to vote against this but I don’t think it’s the kind of development that we should have the right to expect from a landmark site,” he said.
Councillor David Barker echoed similar worries, adding: “I do worry this is not the best design.
“I’m a bit concerned more broadly that we’re not pushing as a council for better designs from developers.”
Responding to such comments, planning chair Lee Marsham said: “As with all things with design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
“Edgbaston Stadium is one of the crown jewels of the city and I think this development will further the success of the local club, the England cricket team and Birmingham itself.”
Nick Jackson, area planning manager, added they did not have an objection from a city design manager.
A council officer’s report, published ahead of today’s meeting, 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 also stated that the development would “deliver enhancements to one of the major sporting venues within the city”.
The report went on to say that 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 planning committee ultimately agreed to approve the proposals at today’s meeting.
Craig Flindall, Edgbaston Strategy Director, said they were grateful to the city council for sharing their vision “to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport”.
“Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking,” he said.
“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.”
The proposed hotel would have 146 bedrooms, which would comprise of 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) and 6 per cent accessible guest room (plaza view).
