Birmingham City Council has unveiled its draft Local Plan, detailing how the Birmingham Sports Quarter scheme can revitalise the deprived Bordesley Park neighbourhood over the next two decades. The plan, which outlines economic growth, housing, and investment strategies, places the Sports Quarter at the heart of the Bordesley Park Growth Zone.
Scope and Vision of the Sports Quarter
The Sports Quarter will redevelop the 48-acre Wheels Park site in east Birmingham, anchored by a new stadium called The Powerhouse. Blues chairman Tom Wagner previously described the stadium as a 'globally-recognised colosseum' capable of hosting concerts and major events. Beyond the stadium, the vision includes new transport links, a training facility, a women's stadium, an arena, and residential development.
According to the draft Local Plan, 'Bordesley Park will be re-invigorated into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive mixed-use neighbourhood, centred on a nationally significant, sports and leisure destination.' The plan emphasises that the Sports Quarter provides a unique opportunity to establish Birmingham as a globally recognised destination for sports, leisure, entertainment, and major events.
Principles for Development
The council has set out key principles for the Sports Quarter and St Andrew's Park, including delivering a new stadium alongside national and international leisure attractions, providing additional sports facilities, and accommodating a mix of uses such as residential, commercial, education, hotel, and retail. A minimum of 1,000 new homes will be delivered, informed by local housing requirements. The development will also contribute substantial net additional jobs, skills, and training opportunities on-site.
'Together, these uses will attract investment, create jobs, skills and training opportunities and act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across East Birmingham,' the draft Local Plan states. The council added that the Sports Quarter will be conceived as a 'year-round destination,' thriving on both event and non-event days with new homes, jobs, community facilities, high-quality public realm, enhanced connectivity, and environmental improvements.
Transport and Connectivity Improvements
Transport improvements are a key component, with the council proposing rapid transit routes along the A45 (Sprint) and the Eastern Metro Extension, as well as potential enhancements to existing railway services and a relocated station at Adderley Park. 'The Sports Quarter will be a key catalyst for the delivery of such major transport improvements, supporting the business case for investment in public transport improvements and promoting active travel modes,' the plan notes.
The regeneration aims to address longstanding challenges of deprivation, limited employment, poor health outcomes, and high levels of economic inactivity in East Birmingham. The council recognised Birmingham City FC's importance as a community institution and contributor to the regional economy.
Mayoral Development Corporation to Accelerate Progress
Earlier this year, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker launched a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to speed up the £11bn regeneration of East Birmingham. The MDC will harness powers including land acquisition, planning, business tax incentives, and infrastructure funding. Mayor Parker said the MDC would 'cut through bureaucratic obstacles, bolster investor confidence and accelerate investment into the region,' delivering significant benefits to major schemes such as the Sports Quarter.
