Birmingham City FC has provided an in-depth update on its ambitious Sports Quarter project, which aims to transform the Bordesley Green area into a sporting and cultural destination. The club hosted a forum earlier this week, revealing key details about the timeline, transport plans, and community features.
Timeline Update: Planning Application in 2027
Nick Smith, head of infrastructure for Birmingham City FC, confirmed that the club will formally submit a planning application to Birmingham City Council in March 2027. “We visit the council every single month showing them these designs so that it’s not a surprise in March,” Smith said. He added that what would normally take a year to determine could be processed more quickly due to ongoing consultations.
Preparation work on the land will begin before planning approval is granted, including cutting and filling to ready the site. Smith stated that contractors believe the stadium can be built in three years, targeting completion by 2030. Testing and safety checks would follow in early 2031, with the stadium ready for the 2031/32 season.
New Train Station and Coach Station
Transport improvements are a major part of the project. Smith described the current Adderley Park Station as a “hazard” on match days when thousands of fans gather. The club plans to relocate and rebuild the station within the Sports Quarter, capable of handling 12-carriage trains and accommodating the egress of 60,000 people from the stadium.
Additionally, a new coach station will transport fans to and from the city centre and Curzon Street Station, where the new HS2 station is being constructed.
Tram Line Extension
Funding for a new tram route to East Birmingham and the Sports Quarter was secured last year as part of a £2.4 billion government boost to the West Midlands transport network. Smith confirmed that the tram line will run from Birmingham city centre and Curzon Street, with potential stops around the Sports Quarter. He emphasized the importance of extending the tram to Birmingham Airport to facilitate easy access for international visitors attending events at The Powerhouse.
Community Use and Character Zones
The club aims to make the stadium and Sports Quarter a hub for the community, even on non-match days. Smith unveiled four “character zones” around the stadium:
- The Blues Square – featuring the Blues Club, flagship retail, and food and beverage outlets.
- The Yards – a retail area with digital projections and hanging sculptures.
- The Market Street – including a market hall and street.
- The Terraces – green spaces for families, play, and everyday life.
- The Canal – a waterside setting for evening dining, drinks, and cultural events connecting to the wider city.
Smith noted that the project is a partnership with the council, aiming to regenerate the area and provide opportunities for the community. “As a football club, we are regenerating this part of this city so we have to work hand in hand to give opportunity to develop our community so everybody rises on the tide of our success,” he said.
