Funding secured to support Edgbaston Stadium proposals

Edgbaston Stadium has secured funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support its plans to develop an on-site hotel and new spectator stand.A loan facility of up to £18m pounds has been approved by WMCA which will cover a significant part of the club’s plans to redevelop the Raglan and Priory stands alongside a new four-star hotel.It paves the way for Edgbaston to work with other partners to secure remaining funding with a view for construction to begin – subject to planning approval – in September 2025.Detailed consultation with stakeholders, including residents and Warwickshire Members, will take place over the next six months ahead of a proposed planning application being submitted in the autumn.Stuart Cain, Edgbaston chief executive, said: “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.”Once the remaining funding is secured, we will consult with the local community and members on our plans.”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.”Proposals for the hotel will include a rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes with small external terraces to watch matches.The redeveloped stand – which will have the same capacity as the old Raglan and Priory stands – will include a new concourse with enhanced food and drink options, plus improved facilities for disabled spectators.The project is the latest development in the Edgbaston Masterplan to transform the stadium into a multi-use sports, residential, commercial and community complex.It is expected the project will create more than 376 jobs during the construction period and another 100 post-completion, adding to the 1,000 jobs the stadium already supports.Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “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.”So, I’m pleased the WMCA has agreed to support the scheme. It builds on the wonderful legacy of the Commonwealth Games and will help maintain the West Midlands as a key destination for global sporting events in the decades ahead.”Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull council and portfolio holder for housing and land at the WMCA, added: “Edgbaston Cricket Ground is internationally renowned. It is one of England’s premium sporting arenas.”I am pleased we have been able to offer a substantial loan to support these plans to maximise land use around the ground. It will not only improve the spectator experience but also unlock investment into a new hotel bringing jobs and other commercial opportunities.”If granted, the project is expected to be finished by the spring of 2027 with the hotel opening in time for that year’s men’s Ashes Test Match against Australia.Edgbaston stadium has been home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club since 1885.