Hello and welcome to live updates from Birmingham City following the news that land has been purchased for a new ground.
There has been rumours for some time of the club moving to a new stadium and it now seems that they could be coming to fruition. BirminghamLive understands that the club have brought former Wheels Park at Bordesley Green from the City Council.
It is understood that the club intends to create a multi sports 'super stadium' on the site. It indicates that a move away from St Andrew's could be in the pipeline.
A deal between the club and the council has been agreed following the financial troubles faced by the latter, leading to the sales of land and property.
The development comes after the club was taken over by the Knighthead fund led by Tom Wagner last year. The American has spoken about the emotional wrench that would be involved in leaving St Andrew's. The owners have invested around £20 million in repairing the stadium and increasing capacity, but it was viewed as a short-term solution.
Stay here for the latest throughout the day.
"Time to say goodbye"
Former Birmingham Mail Blues writer Brian Dick has had a long-standing relationship with St Andrew's and has mixed feelings about the news and the reality of parting company with a ground that has been the club's home for so long.
It's a great read, take a look here
St Andrew's through the years
Birmingham City are putting plans into place to potentially move away from St Andrew's in the future with the purchase of land for a new stadium.
The club's owners have agreed a deal with the city council to buy the former Birmingham Wheels site. It is understood that there are plans to build a multi-sport stadium, in what is an exciting move for the Blues.
It would however mean a heart-wrenching goodbye to the venue that the club have called their home since 1906. Speaking at the Live Business of Football summit, Tom Wagner hinted that a new stadium could be on the cards.
Could Everton's new stadium give us clues?
Progress is being made on the new Everton Stadium that has been in the works for sometime.
The stadium is on course for completion towards the end of the year, and progress has been shared over the last few days. Could what it looks like give clues as to what any potential new ground for the Blues could aim to be like?
Where the new stadium will rank
Birmingham City’s potential new stadium could put them ahead of all of their midlands rivals in what is an exciting time off the pitch for the club.
It is understood that the club have secured a deal to buy the site that was formerly Wheels Park from the council. Plans are to turn the space into a multi-sports venue, as new owners Knightsbridge, led by Tom Wagner, continue to look to grow the club.
There is not yet much detail as to what any potential stadium could look like for Blues. But it could see them move away from St Andrew’s which has a capacity of 29,409 into a much larger stadium with more infrastructure around the site in a huge statement of intent for the club.
So how will any potential new stadium rank alongside others in the midlands? Take a look here.
Birmingham City are following a proven plan
Knighthead’s worst kept secret is effectively out: Birmingham City’s long-term future lies away from St Andrew’s.
Tom Wagner hinted as much in his first address to supporters last May, when he agreed to purchase a controlling 45 percent stake in Blues. The noise hasn’t stopped since and news that Blues have agreed to purchase the vacant 48-acre site formerly known as Birmingham Wheels broke on Tuesday evening.
The Wheels site always seemed the likeliest location given its close proximity to St Andrew’s and the city centre. The fact it is situated near to Curzon Street Station, where HS2 will operate, is also a significant selling point.
Read more thoughts of our Birmingham City correspondent Alex Dicken here.
Former regeneration plans
At the end of las year plans were put in place by Birmingham City council to regenerate the old Birmingham Wheels site into almost 900,000 sq ft of employment space.
The planning application was submitted back in December and included domilishing the existing buildings, removing vegetation and creating four development zones. Those zones included distribution, storage and warehousing property.
A statement lodged by the council in support of the application said: "The development is for an industrial-led scheme on the east edge of the ring road within an industrial area designated as core employment land.
"The proposed development is a key part of the city's growth strategy to deliver industrial land and job opportunities therefore is a crucial site for employment. It will significantly boost the economy and development of the zone."
It seems that Blues have got in first with plans now set to change.
Return of the Championship
The exicting news comes at a time where Blues are now fighting for their Championship lives. They have the chance to move away from the relegation zone.
Gary Rowett takes charge of his first game in interim charge on Friday when Blues take on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. There is just one point separating the two sides in the table.
ahead of the game, Blues are in 21st place, only above Huddersfield in the final relegation spot on goal difference. The club will be hoping that the new stadium news will be the boost that the side needs ahead of the final eight games.
How fans have reacted
There's been a big reaction to the story from fans on social media, with many showing excitement at the plans. It's no surprise there is also a tinge of sadness at the possibility of leaving St Andrew's.
Here's what just some had to say:
Raymond Nolan: Bring it on! As much as I love St. Andrew's, this is the step @BCFC has to take to try and establish ourselves as a Premiership club when we make it back to that level. #BCFC
Gary J. Richards: Obviously the focus is on the final 8 games, but one can’t help but be excited by this - regardless of what happens in the next 2 months, our future is massively bright. #BCFC #KRO
Michael Edwards: Wow talk about a statement of intent and ambition. Just stay up now #bcfc
Sean Butler: Some future ahead for the blues!! Just need to start getting it right on the pitch as behind the scenes it’s unreal #bcfc
K: Genuinely need to stay up more than ever. The places Knighthead are taking us are unimaginable. Some future for us. #bcfc
Good Morning
Hello, I'm Amie and I will be with you through the morning to bring you updates surrounding Birmingham City's stadium.
Last night we brought you the news of the club purchasing the land of the old Wheels Park with the club intending to build a multi-sports super stadium on the site.
Here's a recap of everything we know so far:
Birmingham City new stadium hands Knighthead fresh challenge as old plans offer hints
Knighthead and Tom Wagner take next step in Birmingham City project with huge deal
What is Birmingham Wheels? Where Birmingham City plan to build new 'super stadium' explained
What's next?
Birmingham City fans will be eager to hear from the club in light of this evening's news.
Interim boss Gary Rowett will be asked about his comments ahead of the trip to Queen's Park Rangers on Friday, a day after the report is formally put before Birmingham City Council's property committee.
Supporters will be keen to hear from the club hierarcy too. A statement is yet to come forth and perhaps might not until the plans have gone through all due processes.
That said, supporters have a right to recieve clear communication from the boardroom as do club staff and players - an update from Knighthead would be wise.
As for the players, their main task is to ensure they are playing Championship football next season. Great plans lie ahead but revenue and thus progress will be generated quicker the higher up the pyramid the club is.
BirminghamLive will be across the story with the latest news and updates, regardless.
Meeting set for Thursday
Birmingham City Council's property sub committee is due to meet on Thursday (March 28).
The report to the committee ahead of the meeting outlines that the agreement to sell the land to Birmingham City FC has been struck, albeit under the title of 'a developer'. Councillors have been recommended to approve the plans.
Councillors will be told that developers approached the council with an offer that has since been reviewed and evaluated by agents Savills 'based on the level of financial offer and the proposed scheme'.
We've been here before
We have seen plans for a new Blues ground before. Around two decades ago, a 'City of Birmingham' stadium was proposed that would see Warwickshire CCC depart Edgbaston cricket ground and Blues leave St Andrew's for a 'super stadium' that would play host to football matches, cricket matches and athletics meets.
Here's what it could have looked like...
More on the Wheels Park site
Wheels Park is described on TripAdvisor by one user as having, "basic but clean," facilities, "better than I have seen at some tracks."
There will be a £19million grant to fund the clean up of the site as part of the sale of the land.
It is comprised of a 330 metre race track with room for spectators around the circuit. It was initially operated by the West Midlands Probation Service.
The venue closed down in 2021 after the council was awarded over £17million in the Government's Levelling Up fund.
What Wagner has said about next steps
Co-owner Tom Wagner has not been shy in detailing his ambitions for Birmingham. Speaking previously at the FT Live Business of Football summit, the American explained his ethos behind club growth.
"You have got to create a matchday experience that is worthy of folks' time - and we are not competing against other clubs in our city, we are not competing against other clubs in England. We are competing against Netflix, Apple, YouTube and every other form of entertainment you can think about.
"That’s where young people are spending their time and that’s what we have got to try and capture.
"That means we need to have a product that is deserving of that time and attention and part of that is the quality of play on the pitch, part of it is the story you are telling, a big part of it is the physical infrastructure.
"So from day one of our analysis, we asked what are the opportunities to create a new physical infrastructure for the club that is commensurate with our ambitions and that is very much on the cards.”
Leaving St Andrew's behind
Leaving St Andrew's will be emotional after racking up more than 100 years of history of the ground, being the club's home since 1906.
The current capacity is crica 29,500 but prior to seating regulations, it hosted around 67,000 spectators in the 1939 FA Cup semi-final against Everton. In 2013, the venue was listed as an asset of community value having also hosted rugby matches, boxing bouts and music concerts.
St Andrew's was the first ground to host a penalty shoot-out to decide a winner in an FA Cup tie and has gone on to stage matches for all England age levels under the senior team.
Of course, it has been the home of Birmingham City during all of their trophy successes, including the League Cup successes in 1963 and 2011.
Previous bids for the site
Wolverhampton businessman Lyndon Rushby had made a previous bid for the site that was rejected, but says he is definitely not involved in the new deal.
His business partner Philip Bond told BirminghamLive our news of the sale had come out of the blue - he claimed Mr Rushby was still in discussions with the council about the site and 'expected at least the courtesy of being invited to submit a counter offer'.
"This news has come from nowhere, it's very disappointing. We had tabled a bid that the council rejected but were still keen to negotiate further. It seems very unfair not to bring this back to us."
The community benefits of the deal
The council report has listed a number of positive benefits that would arise when the deal is completed.
A lot of information has not been disclosed but the documents suggests that the area will be massively bolstered by the new plans.
It lists:
* The delivery of long-term regeneration benefits, driven by a major anchor occupier and new economic clusters that will create a centre of excellence for sport.
* The development will be a 'conduit for further investment'. It will align with the growth interests of the city council with 'international prominence and connections', which will be leveraged to drive wider investment into the area.
* It will generate business rates.
* It will also stimulate growth in local communities and infrastructure.
MP Byrne: Blues deal is great news
Local MP Liam Byrne has played a crucial role in the planning and has welcomed the proposed deal.
He said:
"If the Blues purchase is true, this is great news and a massive vote of confidence in our ambitious plans to transform East Birmingham and the land between two high speed stations.
"Over the next five years thousands of new jobs will be created as the railway opens and this is just the start of a huge transformation that will create jobs, new businesses, new homes and a better place to live."
A visual of the site
The green areas denote which bits are included in the landmark deal. Wheels Park is considered to be a better site for accessibility in the modern age.
Councillors have been recommended to approve the purchase of the land on a freehold basis and subsequently authorise the completion of the deal. The locations sits right in the heart of an area designated for East Birmingham Inclusive Growth Strategy - a scheme devised to rejuveniate the surrounding community amenities.
What is Birmingham Wheels? Where Birmingham City plan to build new 'super stadium'
Birmingham City have purchased land previously owned by Wheels Park, BirminghamLive has revealed. The club is expected to use it as the site for a new multi-sports stadium.
Wheels Park, previously Wheels Adventure Park, was a former motor racing circuit for go-karts, drifting, and off-road rally. It was the UK's only outdoor speed skating arena when open.
Located in Bordesley Green, the site was run by the charity Guarantee. It was controlled by the Birmingham City Council before this deal went through.
A long-term solution
A move to a new site is viewed as the solution to these problems. The current owners, led by Tom Wagner, have already plunged £20m into revamp work into St Andrew's but this is being seen as temporary tide-over investment.
A £19m grant has already been secured for the new site, to be used to clean up the vicinity. An experienced project team will have access to singificant funds towards the move.
Mr Cook added last year: "We’re on the journey of fixing the football club, we’re on the journey of a desire to compete with the very best in the country - and we know what that looks like - but the ultimate goal is to be the beacon for Birmingham and if you go on that pathway, it’s professionally naive not to think about the next 10 years.
"Where we will be in 10 years is still...being worked on. But it would be fair to say that if growth is part of the agenda then we should always be looking at our options.”
What Birmingham chiefs have said about St Andrew's problems
Birmingham City chief Garry Cook told us last year about the issues with expansion and regeneration at current home St Andrew's, home to the Blues since 1906.
"This stadium was built many years ago and the lifestyle was very different. There weren’t as many cars on the road, there weren’t as many buses on the road, or trains.
"People used to walk to the stadium from the local vicinity. One of the challenges now in modern sports is that your sports arena has to be multi-functional, it has to create lots of revenue - not just from tickets, but from hospitality - and if you look at this environment, it’s very difficult to do that."
Super 'multi-sport' stadium
Outline plans show hopes of making the site a multi-sport venue in what is a big-picture blueprint for the club's owners.
Birmingham City have been linked to the piece of land - formerly known as Wheels Adventure Park - ever since it was bought back by the council in 2019.
The venue shut its doors back in 2021, bringing an end to a long history of motor and kart racing.
Club purchase land
Birmingham City Council has sold the 48-acre former Wheels Park at Bordesley Green to Birmingham City FC, we can exclusively reveal today.
We understand the club intends to create a multi sports super stadium on the site. It's a massive step for the Championship football club, recently taken over by American owners, and triggers new speculation about the future of its historic home at St Andrew's.
A deal has been agreed as part of the struggling city council's mass sell-off of land and property to help fund redundancies and equal pay claims. Up to 3,000 jobs will be created as part of the masterplan for the site, according to council documents.
