Edgbaston Cricket Ground gets green light for £42m expansion, set to be ready before Ashes 2027

Edgbaston Cricket Ground has received planning approval for a £42 million redevelopment project, which includes a brand-new stand and a 146-bed hotel. Birmingham City Council has sanctioned the project, with construction set to begin in September 2025 and be completed in time for the high-profile men's Ashes Test in 2027. The plan is to enhance the spectator experience, increase employment, and transform the stadium into a year-round multi-use destination.

Edgbaston has long been a premier venue for international cricket. As part of the Edgbaston Masterplan, which visualizes the stadium as a sports, residential, commercial, and community hub, this redevelopment is the latest in a series of upgrades. The project follows the successful opening of Corkfield’s apartment complex and a hospitality center of excellence.

The redevelopment will replace the existing Priory and Raglan Stands with a new 3,191-seat stand. A new concourse will provide an improved selection of food and drink options, as well as upgraded facilities for disabled spectators, ensuring a more inclusive matchday experience.

We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans: Craig Flindall

A highlight of the project is the construction of a Radisson Red hotel, featuring 146 rooms, some of which will offer pitch views and balconies. Additionally, certain rooms will have the flexibility to convert into hospitality boxes with external terraces, providing premium viewing experiences. The hotel is expected to welcome around 60,000 guests annually, strengthening the local economy. Edgbaston’s strategy director, Craig Flindall, mentioned about the vision of the redevelopment.

“We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased 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 operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities," Craig Flindall, Edgbaston strategy director, said as quoted by Construction Management UK.

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The project is expected to generate over 376 jobs during its construction phase, contributing significantly to the region’s employment market. The West Midlands Combined Authority has backed the redevelopment with an £18 million loan.

Several leading firms are involved in the project, including Liverpool-based architect KKA, project managers Arcadis, structural engineer Robert Bird, executive project manager Quadro Management, planning consultant Turley, and M&E engineer Griffith Evans.