Plans for Birmingham City's 62,000-seater stadium revealed

2 hours ago 1

Caroline GallWest Midlands

Birmingham City An artist impression of the new stadium. There are several what look like chimneys around the circular ground with the club's blue insignia in each section.

Birmingham City has unveiled its new 62,000-capacity stadium, the centrepiece of a multi-billion pound redevelopment in the city.

The Birmingham City Powerhouse in Bordesley Green will be visible from 40 miles away and become a "beacon for excellence for Birmingham", Tom Wagner club chairman told guests at the launch on Thursday.

Twelve chimneys will surround the ground which will also host different sporting and entertainment events with a retractable roof and moveable pitch.

"The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands – a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth," Wagner said.

The distinctive chimneys reflect a brickworks that once sat on the site while providing structural support for the roof, with one tower containing a lift to a bar overlooking the city.

Birmingham City Inside the ground is a sea of blue where fans are seated in this artist impression. The pitch can be seen with players on it. Advertising screen surround the top ring around the ground which is partially covered with a white roof.

The "steep bowl" design aims to amplify the match-day experience for fans with markets, cafes, restaurants and play areas within the ground.

The Championship club, celebrating its 150th anniversary, said its ambition is for the new stadium to be completed for the start of the 2030/2031 football season.

Former player Jude Bellingham and Arthur Shelby from Peaky Blinders appeared in a film revealing the stadium at the unveiling at Blues fan Stephen Knight's Digbeth Loc film studios.

The stadium will "anchor" the new Sports Quarter which is being led by Wagner, co-founder of Knighthead Capital Management.

Birmingham City The south entrance to the stadium is shown as light and bright with a central archway and stairs serving more levels on the left and right side. People can be seen walking around on all levels with some in what looks like shops further to the left and right.

The club bought the 48-acre former Birmingham Wheels motorsport site in Bordesley in 2024 and said there will be provision for housing and hotels, recreational facilities and green space.

Birmingham Sports Quarter - what you need to know

In June, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £2.4bn investment in West Midlands transport links, with the Sports Quarter at the heart of the masterplan.

Wagner is expected to invest up to £3bn with thousands of jobs expected to be created through the project and further investment.

"This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home for the club that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level," Wagner said.

'A region on the rise'

Birmingham City A side view shows almost a dozen chimney towers around the ground which stands behind some housing and railway track to the left.

Wagner went on to say "the iconic design is a statement of intent for the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands, testament to a region that is on the rise."

Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio who is developing the stadium said they hoped to capture the spirit of Birmingham.

"Too often, stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area. This stadium grows from Birmingham itself – from its brickworks, its thousand trades, and the craft at its core.

"It's also a wholehearted place for the community. The stadium will truly come alive where it meets the ground; a place for play, gathering, and everyday life."