Birmingham City FC buy land for new stadium complex

Birmingham City FC’s owners have acquired land in the east of the city as they look to create a new “world-class” stadium for the club.

US-based Knighthead Capital Management have completed the purchase of the 48-acre former Wheels site on Bordesley Park, bringing their total land holding to more than 60 acres.

Knighthead and EFL Championship club Birmingham City are developing plans for a vibrant Sports Quarter, with the intention to build a new multi-use stadium, high-performance training facilities and other mixed-use real estate development including a range of entertainment options.

The complex will become the new home of Birmingham City and a world-class venue to bring international sporting events to the region, the club said. It added in a statement:

Birmingham City sits at the heart of the community in Birmingham through its activity on the pitch and the important work of the Birmingham City Foundation. The regeneration of Bordesley Green and the planned facilities for local people are central to the owners’ ambition to make a positive contribution to people from all backgrounds across the city.

 The ambition for the Sports Quarter is for it to become a globally recognisable sporting and entertainment location. The goal is for Blues to have a world-class stadium, training facilities for both men and women, a new academy, community pitches and commercial space to support innovative local businesses, all within walking distance to the city centre.

The plans will not only help realise the vision for the Football Club, but also deliver for East Birmingham as part of Knighthead’s plan to play a significant role in the ongoing transformation of Birmingham’s infrastructure and skyline. Once operational, the Sports Quarter should generate over 3,000 full-time jobs and significantly contribute to Birmingham’s GDP.

Knighthead Co-CEO and Chairman, Tom Wagner, said:

When we invested in Birmingham City, we made it very clear that we had an ambitious vision to transform the experience for our fans and make a positive contribution to the growth and vitality of the city of Birmingham. The acquisition of the former Wheels site is an important next step in making this a reality.

The plans for the Sports Quarter will bring global interest to our Club and to Birmingham as a whole. It is going to transform the future of our Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams, and the fortunes of the community that we call home. We are excited to collaborate with the fans, the local community, and key partners in Birmingham to deliver on our plans for the Sports Quarter.

Birmingham City Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, added:

The Birmingham City story dates back to 1875 when the Small Heath Alliance team was formed. A blue thread based on teamwork, entertainment and unbreakable community spirit was created. This is the strength of our brand. Our owners have an ambition that is greater than anything this Club has ever seen, and when we deliver it the impact on the global reputation of Birmingham will be seismic.

Tom Wagner, in his May 8th 2023 Letter to Fans, asked supporters to hold Knighthead accountable to six commitments. One of those was for Birmingham City Football Club to build on the pivotal role it plays in the economic, social, and cultural landscape in the city, making sure it is always a cornerstone and positive force for good in the local community. Without doubt, today’s announcement delivers on this commitment.

Birmingham City Council leader, Cllr John Cotton, said:

This is a huge moment for everyone associated with Birmingham City FC, and I’m sure Knighthead’s ambitious vision will excite Blues fans everywhere. I want to thank our council officers who have worked so closely with the club and these exciting plans will regenerate the area, creating thousands of much-needed jobs. Hopefully, this is the first step on a journey to Birmingham once again being home to two Premier League football clubs.

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