What the proposed hotel and stand at Edgbaston Stadium could look like. Taken from Design and Access Statement prepared by KKA Architecture on behalf of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Major Edgbaston Stadium proposals lodged for new hotel and spectator stand

by · Birmingham Live

Major proposals have been lodged for a new hotel and stand at one of Birmingham’s biggest sporting venues. The plans would see the current Priory and Raglan Stands at Edgbaston Stadium replaced with a new 3,191 seat facility and a 146-bed hotel with views over the pitch.

The hotel would also have a coffee shop as well as a restaurant/bar which would be open to the public on non-matchdays. Those behind the project said the proposals were part of a larger redevelopment for the stadium, which aims to create a destination that combines “elite sport, conferencing and events” with community uses.

A design document, included within a planning application submitted to the city council, provided a further glimpse of what changes the proposals could bring if they were given the green light. “The associated spectator areas such as the multifaith space and hospitality boxes are to be included in the new design as well,” it said.

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“The hospitality boxes in particular will be integrated into the new hotel as part of a unique offering to the Edgbaston site. There is also requirement to upgrade and improve said spectator areas to improve WC and concessions provisions for a heightened guest experience.”

On the proposed four-star hotel, the document said it would provide a “one-of-a-kind pitch-side spectator and hospitality facilities” as well as a roof terrace that provided views of the Birmingham skyline. “In providing a new hotel for spectators and visitors to the area, the proposal hopes to bring new jobs and opportunities to the area,” it said.

A planning statement, submitted on behalf of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, adds the plans could provide “enhanced landscaping and access routes” to improve the arrival experience of visitors to the stadium. “Provision of new trees will enhance the setting on the stadium into the surrounding ‘leafy’ Edgbaston suburb and its neighbour – Cannon Hill Park,” it continued.

The statement said the hotel’s reception would be provided on the ground floor with amenity, including a gym, for guests. On match-days, access to the hotel’s restaurant/bar would be restricted to those who have a ticket/hospitality access, it added.

What the proposed hotel could look like from Edgbaston Road. Taken from Design and Access Statement prepared by KKA Architecture on behalf of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

The proposed hotel would also comprise of the following rooms:

  • 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)

Earlier this 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.”

Edgbaston chief executive Stuart Cain and chief operating officer Craig Flindall (left and right) with former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street (Image: West Midlands Combined Authority)

Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, added in March: “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. That’s important because Edgbaston attracts tens of thousands of fans to our region from around the world, boosting our economy and especially our hospitality sector.

“The improvements to the stadium will elevate their experience while directly creating hundreds more jobs for local people". Warwickshire CCC and the project design team said they held a number of engagement events prior to the application being lodged and reached out to neighbouring residents, local ward councillors, businesses and more.