Bid launched to deliver new Edgbaston 'masterplan '
A bid has been launched for a new 'masterplan ' to transform Edgbaston Stadium and the surrounding area.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham City Council have formally launched a bid to the Government 's Levelling Up Fund for the Edgbaston Stadium and Community Masterplan.
Under the new masterplan, the revamped stadium would combine elite sport, conferencing and events with community assets in order to improve health and social care, education, employment and social cohesion in the area.
Proposals include a new stadium-based multi-use community hub with the potential for an NHS walk-in centre, as well as a second community hub at the former Police Station site in Quinton.
The Edgbaston piazza would provide a venue for community markets, open-air screenings and more, as well as becoming a natural home for other cultural events like Eid and Diwali celebrations.
Masterplan partners include Compass Group UK & Ireland, who will be investing in Learning, Development & Apprenticeship Centres to develop digital, catering, and hospitality skills.
New dedicated cycling and walking routes have also been proposed, llinking communities in Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook and Highgate to the stadium.
An on-site hotel is also being considered, linked to the redevelopment of the existing Raglan and Priory stands.
The new masterplan and Levelling-Up fund bid were launched by politicians from both main political parties with Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor, Andy Street, and Edgbaston MP, Preet Gill all pictured alongside Warwickshire County Cricket Club 's chief executive, Stuart Cain.
Mr Cain said: “Edgbaston is one of the world 's best-loved cricket grounds, having been the backdrop for great sporting drama for nearly 140 years.
“These proposals help realise the legacy of the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, creating a welcoming place for our whole community to enjoy. ”
Cllr Ward said: “These proposals, once properly funded, will combine to have a transformative economic and social impact right across our city."
Mr Steet said: “By bringing a major mixed-use redevelopment to this internationally recognised venue, we can deliver substantial benefits to our communities.
“It also dovetails nicely with the new stations on the nearby Camp Hill Line which are coming to fruition. ”
Preet Gill MP said: “These changes to the stadium and its surrounding area will make Edgbaston a vehicle for community cohesion, drawing the proudly diverse local communities together by offering something for everyone on both matchdays and non-matchdays. ”
Pictured (from left): Stuart Cain, Preet Gill MP and Cllr Ian Ward