Express & Star

HS2: Why Aston Villa could be in line for millions of pounds in compensation

Aston Villa could receive millions of pounds in compensation from HS2 because the line is set to run through the club's training ground.

Published

Around 10 per cent of the Bodymoor Heath complex would be affected by phase one of the project to create the high-speed line from London to Birmingham.

The line would account for two pitches at the north Warwickshire site.

Club bosses have already spoken to the House of Lords Select Committee for HS2 about seeking compensation under the Government scheme to mitigate the effects the multi-million pound rail project will have on landowners.

The route is also set to pass through swathes of land in Staffordshire.

A spokesperson at HS2 Ltd said: "Approximately 10 per cent of Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground is needed for phase one of the HS2 project. We are currently in negotiation with Aston Villa Football Club and are optimistic about finding a positive solution that works for the project and provides the club with the certainty they need to move forward."

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Former Villa chairman Doug Ellis bought the Bodymoor Heath plot in the 1970s to create a state-of-the-art facility and replace the club's previous training ground at Trinity Road.

But by the 1990s the complex had become dated prompting the then manager John Gregory to claim he was 'stuck in a time warp'.

Mr Ellis eventually announced an £8 million redevelopment of the training ground to be completed in two phases in 2005. However, due to the team's disappointing 16th place finish in the Premier League at the end of that season, the plans were halted.

When former owner Randy Owner bought the club in 2006 the revamp was put back on the table and the following year the new £9 million upgrade of the facilities were unveiled.

The club have no chance of halting the development, with construction work due to start in the spring and continue for the next 10 years.

But Villa believe they have a strong case under a government scheme to compensate landowners along the route.

HS2 is set to cost £55 billion and deliver trains travelling more than 200mph slashing journey times from the capital to the Midlands to less than an hour.

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