The construction of a new stand at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is set to start in spring 2020.
That’s according to proposals for the redevelopment of the stadium submitted by Birmingham City Council.
The £70m plan to redevelop the stadium is at the heart of a scheme to regenerate the Perry Barr area, creating a high-quality venue for sporting, leisure, community and cultural events.
Works to the stadium at Walsall Road will increase its permanent seating capacity from 12,700 to 18,000, allowing more than 30,000 during the Games through additional temporary seating.
A new western stand will replace the Main, Knowles and Nelson stands, with new tiered seating to the north and south. There will be a new 400m six-lane warm up track and the re-laying of a new IAAF Category 1 track (400m nine-lane competition standard track).
Contractors will also install new stadium lighting and practice throwing field, as well as a new access road from the A453 Aldridge Road.
Permission to begin demolition of the three west stands was approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning department in August and early works have now begun.
A final decision will be taken on the stadium redevelopment proposals by the city council’s planning committee in early 2020.
Subject to planning approval, construction of the new stand will commence in spring 2020, with completion in late 2021 ahead of test events for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and provided valuable feedback which has helped shape the final design.
“The application will now be considered by the planning department over the next few months and we welcome further feedback and comments from anyone with an interest in the stadium and its future. This is about creating a destination venue, shaping a legacy beyond the Commonwealth Games.”
