Plans for cricket ground redevelopment approved

A £42m redevelopment of one of Birmingham's biggest sporting venues has been given the go-ahead.

The Priory and Raglan stands at Edgbaston Stadium will be replaced with a new 3,191-seat facility. A 146-bed hotel will also be opened on the site.

Birmingham City Council's planning committee unanimously approved the plans on Thursday.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club, which plays its home games at the stadium, said work was expected to start in September and be complete in time for the men's Ashes Test against Australia in 2027.

The club said it expected 60,000 people to stay at the hotel each year, adding £5m to the £35m the stadium is currently estimated to contribute to the local economy.

The new stand will include improved facilities for disabled spectators.

Edgbaston's strategy director Craig Flindall said: "Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. 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."

The project is being partially funded with an £18m loan from West Midlands Combined Authority.

The region's mayor Richard Parker said the redevelopment would ensure the future of world class cricket in the region.

"Our region is home to a number of globally celebrated sports teams and venues," he said.

"By supporting them to grow, we shore up our place on the international stage, bringing visitors, investment and jobs now and into the future."

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