The Birmingham Sports Quarter project could bring improved transport, new homes and a ‘modern-day colosseum’
Alexander Brock Local Democracy Reporter
06:00, 23 Nov 2025
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner during the unveiling of the club’s new stadium plans at Digbeth Loc Studios, Birmingham(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
“Birmingham is a city that at times is under-appreciated,” Blues chairman Tom Wagner told the crowd at Digbeth Loc Studios. “Not anymore.”
Addressing the gathered political leaders, dignitaries and football players, Wagner was sharing his vision of a bold new chapter for Birmingham – one with the city firmly on the global stage.
His ambitious remarks came just seconds after the design for Birmingham City’s new 62,000-capacity stadium was revealed in a slick video starring the likes of Jude Bellingham, Tom Brady and Peaky Blinders’ Arthur Shelby.
READ MORE: Birmingham City chairman issues hopeful message about area’s transformation as new stadium revealed
The stadium’s striking look, with its numerous towering chimneys, has impressed fans and already attracted a huge response on social media.
What was clear at the milestone event was the enormous optimism that the venue will help transform the Bordesley Green area into a sporting and cultural destination attracting visitors from across the world.
The new stadium, christened The Powerhouse, is proposed to be part of the wider Sports Quarter project, which has plans to include a “world-class” training centre, women’s stadium, arena and mixed-used development.
“This is a city of innovators, of creativity, of resilience, and of course of strength,” Wagner said as he brought his speech to a close.
“It is a city that is writing a new story and we’re proud to be playing our role.”
Birmingham City FC chairman Tom Wagner addresses the crowd at the stadium reveal event at Digbeth Loc Studios(Image: Alexander Brock)
After a difficult couple of years for Brummies amid financial strife at the city council and an ongoing bins strike, here’s a look at how the highly-anticipated Sports Quarter project could forever change Birmingham.
1) A ‘modern-day, globally-recognised colosseum’
The club announced the purchase of a vacant site in east Birmingham, formerly known as Birmingham Wheels, from the city council last year and have since outlined intend to create a “global destination”.
“There will be a modern-day, accessible colosseum [at the heart of the Sports Quarter],” Wagner said during his speech.
“A sporting venue that will stand tallest in the city, visible for many miles around.
“It will be a beacon of excellence for Birmingham on the global stage – attracting the very best sporting and entertainment events.”
Knighthead this week unveiled the designs for Birmingham City Football Club’s new stadium, developed by Heatherwick Studio and MANICA Architecture
But as well as attracting “experience-seekers from across the globe”, Wagner also stressed that the stadium would benefit the local community and be usable 365 days a year – not just on match days.
The club has said this week that the wider precinct has been designed as a year-round destination – with markets, cafés, restaurants, play areas and social spaces for all.
2) Music and events ‘will benefit hugely’
The ability to host major events, such as concerts, at the new stadium has been a huge consideration for those behind the project.
The club has said the plans feature a retractable roof and moveable pitch, enabling “year-round flexibility” for major sporting events, international music concerts and large-scale cultural experiences.
“It’s the place where the world’s best will want to perform,” Wagner said this week. “It will have the best acoustics and fan experience anywhere in the world.”
READ MORE: Tom Wagner projects £750m windfall from Birmingham City Powerhouse
This element of the design has been welcomed by Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy (NTE) Ambassador for Birmingham, who said: “The city’s credentials in the global sports and music industries will be significantly boosted by the news today.
“The music, events and NTE ecosystem – not just in Birmingham, but nationally – will benefit hugely from this striking new development.”
3) Massive economic impact
Knighthead estimates that around £750m will roll into the Sports Quarter each year.
“I want to say it’s three quarters of a billion pounds per year, my gut tells me that we’ll do better than that because we keep seeing more interest in what we’re doing,” Wagner said this week.
“Different types of entertainment venues, different types of acts and different forms of teams and entertainment that want to come and be a part of it.
“My sneaking suspicion is that this is going to be used quite a bit more than any of us realise today.”
4) ‘New homes, new jobs and new hope’
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and Blues chairman Tom Wagner speak to members of the media(Image: Alexander Brock)
Following the stadium reveal, Mr Wagner was asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service about when the wider benefits of the Sports Quarter project, such as housing and the arena, could be realised.
“As quickly as possible,” he said during a press conference. “A lot of those benefits are in the process of being put together today.”
He went on to say that it was “important to get the stadium launched and brought to the world” so momentum could be built around other elements of the Sports Quarter.
“Many [parts of the project] are very far along,” he continued. “We’re being thoughtful about how we sequence the construction.”
He added however that “more than just the stadium” will have been built in five years’ time if he had his way.
READ MORE: Major ‘gateway’ scheme in Birmingham’s creative quarter given green light
The proposals to transform the area have been hailed by local politicians, including by Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker.
“This is yet another bold statement of intent from Tom Wagner and Knighthead as they transform not only this proud club but also the community that it’s stood at the heart of for 120 years,” the Labour Mayor said this week.
“New jobs, new homes and new hope are coming.”
5) Transport ‘will match club’s ambitions’
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner (centre) is joined the by chancellor Rachel Reeves and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
Following the stadium reveal, Mayor Richard Parker also said he was “stepping up with funding for a public transport network that will match the club’s ambitions”.
He said this would open up more opportunities for the people of Small Heath and East Birmingham.
It was announced earlier this year that funding had been secured from the government for a new tram route to be built out to East Birmingham and the Sports Quarter project area.
This funding is part of a £2.4billion government boost to the West Midlands transport network, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the summer.
The route will connect to the Eastside extension currently under construction, serving key locations including Millennium Point, Birmingham City University, the Curzon Street HS2 station and Digbeth, home to the new BBC Tea Factory and Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios.
“If you’re looking for a blueprint for how the public and private sectors can come together to significantly improve a community’s quality of life, look no further,” Mr Parker said. “This is it.”