The Birmingham Football Club of the English Championship announced today the design plan for its new home stadium. It is expected that the stadium with a capacity of 62,000 people will be completed in 2030. The club’s official announcement is as follows:
Knighthead Capital Management today announced the new stadium plan for Birmingham Football Club, jointly designed by Heatherwick Studio and MANICA Architects.
This stadium, which can accommodate 62,000 people, will host various sports events and entertainment activities. The venue is located in the Bodlesley Green area in eastern Birmingham. It not only reflects the local industrial heritage tradition, but also integrates cutting-edge engineering technology and will become a new landmark of the city. As the core building of the planned sports district, it will transform the entire area into a vibrant sports and cultural destination.
Heatherwick Studio worked with MANICA Architects, a global leader in sports and entertainment venue design, and Steven Knight, a famous writer/director and lifelong Blues fan known as the "Soul Recorder of Birmingham" to complete the design plan. The first design renderings were unveiled today at Digbeth Rock Studios in Birmingham, coinciding with the club's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Tom Wagner, co-chief executive of Knighthead and chairman of Birmingham Football Club, said: "This is a major milestone for Birmingham Football Club as we build a new home that is in line with the highest competitive pursuits. More importantly, this iconic design is a statement of ambition for the city of Birmingham and the West Midlands, witnessing this rising land."
"The stadium design draws on the proud industrial tradition, innovative spirit and development genes of the West Midlands. We believe these qualities will create new brilliance on and off the field, and create prosperity for local communities that have long lacked opportunities. "
The design solution is equipped with a retractable roof and mobile lawn, which can flexibly host major sports events, international music events and multi-cultural experiences throughout the year.
The stands adopt a steep bowl-shaped structure, and the 360-degree surrounding stands shorten the distance between the audience and the stadium to the greatest extent. The excellent acoustic design of the venue will amplify the cheers of fans and create an unforgettable atmosphere for the home audience.
The twelve chimney-shaped towers echo the historical brick kiln industrial relics of the site. They not only provide structural support for the roof, but also accommodate elevator stairs and ventilation systems. One of the towers will feature a lift leading directly to Birmingham’s highest bar, offering panoramic views across the city and an immersive storytelling space.
The entire area will be built into a year-round destination, equipped with markets, cafes, restaurants, recreation areas and other shared spaces for all.
Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, emphasized: "Traditional stadiums are often like spaceships that land randomly, separated from the surrounding environment. This building naturally emerged from Birmingham's brick kiln industry, thousands of skills and craftsmanship." "
"This is a sincere work dedicated to the community. The intersection of the venue and the ground will be full of life, becoming a place for daily play, gathering and life. Our goal is to capture the soul of the city and give it back to Birmingham. 3}
David Manica, President of MANICA Architectural Firm, said: "Birmingham is a city of tenacity and passion, and the design of the new stadium must reflect this trait." Every detail of 'Source of Power' has been carefully considered, paying tribute to the passion. Blood fans have also laid the foundation for a new generation of Blues fans. "
Knighthead and Birmingham FC will submit a sports area planning application in 2026. At this stage, consultations with residents, fans, government representatives and planning departments are ongoing. The new stadium is targeted to be completed before the 2030-31 season.
As the core engine of Birmingham’s eastern sports district, the new stadium will bring a once-in-a-generation development opportunity and completely change the lives and economic structure of residents in eastern Birmingham and the West Midlands. The sports zone will stimulate new growth in the regional economy through transformative investment, build comprehensive facilities covering leisure and entertainment, commercial retail and healthy living, and complete supporting transportation networks, diversified residences and jobs.