Stand demolition paves way for next stage of Edgbaston Masterplan
Edgbaston Stadium has begun demolition of its Raglan and Priory Stands, marking the next stage of its transformative Masterplan redevelopment.
The £46million project – backed by a £17.3million investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) – will see the stands replaced with enhanced spectator facilities and a new four-star Radisson RED hotel.
The stands, which are approaching the end of their designed lifespan having been originally opened in 1958, are now being demolished to make way for the new development, with construction work set to commence in early 2026 and completion scheduled in time for The Men’s Ashes in summer 2027.
The Edgbaston Masterplan has already delivered significant improvements to the stadium, including the creation of one of the most modern pavilions in international cricket, the award-winning Corkfield apartment complex and a spectacular Skyline rooftop terrace. It has also delivered ‘Xcelerate with Edgbaston’ – a hospitality training centre providing apprenticeships and career opportunities for local residents, in partnership with Edgbaston’s catering operator, Levy UK + Ireland.
This next stage will see the Raglan and Priory Stands redeveloped into a new stand with 3,200 seats, whilst delivering improved visitor facilities including a new covered concourse, enhanced food and beverage options and significantly better accessibility for disabled spectators.
The addition of Radisson RED is expected to attract more than 60,000 overnight guests to the stadium annually, with 85 of the 146 rooms featuring pitch-facing balconies. Rooms on the top two floors can also be converted into hospitality boxes, for an exclusive viewing experience and a rooftop restaurant and bar with a wraparound terrace will provide views over the famous Edgbaston ground and Birmingham skyline.
Currently providing 1,000 full time equivalent jobs, Edgbaston Stadium contributes approximately £35million to the local economy each year. The new hotel development is projected to increase this to over £40million, rising to over £70million in a cricket World Cup year, whilst creating 134 new permanent jobs in the community.
Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s scary to see seventy years of history disappear, but it’s important that we make sure Edgbaston remains one of the world’s best cricket stadiums and continues to evolve into an important community resource for those living locally and an economic asset for the city in general.
“The new hotel brings a much needed four-star facility to the city, supporting our aim of using sport to drive positive change through creating employment opportunities and bringing communities together to deliver economic growth.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Edgbaston is such an iconic venue, known and loved by cricket fans around the world.
“This redevelopment, backed by our investment, means it will continue to play its role in keeping our region at the top table of international sporting events for years to come.
“Tens of thousands more fans and visitors will be able to flock here every year – bringing more trade for our businesses and, as a result, more jobs and opportunity for local people.”
For more information on the Edgbaston Masterplan, click here.
