Plans for new commercial property, linked to the redevelopment of Edgbaston cricket ground have been dubbed a ‘disaster’, by residents of the area.
Back in 2007, Warwickshire County Cricket Club announce impressive plans for the redevelopment of the existing Edgbaston cricket ground and a few months ago it was proclaimed the £32 million facelift will finish on budget and on time.
The project which is being funded by a loan from Birmingham City Council, will include extensive commercial property developments, with the brand new pavilion housing conference facilities, a hotel, and both residential and serviced office space.
Having already being granted preliminary planning permission some 18 months ago, the more detailed plans will be sent to Birmingham City Council, in order to gain planning consent during the next month.
However, when the developers revealed their plans for the housing, office and retail space attached to the ground, they were met with a hostile reception from the local community. With many believing the area cannot cope with the increased daily activity.
Edgbaston councillor Deirdre Alden, said, ‘five hundred people all piling out onto that junction is a disaster in my opinion,’ with another angry resident telling the Birmingham Post, ‘You’re pouring a gallon into a pint pot.’
Edgbaston needs to be redeveloped in order to maintain its test match status. English Cricket Board representative said recently: ‘Edgbaston falls some way short of ECB’s facilities criteria in a number of areas which is clearly not a sustainable position if Edgbaston is to retain the right to host major matches.’
It is believed in some quarters that the hosting of test matches pumps some £10 million per year, into the city’s economy.
The inclusion of commercial property in the development plans will make sure Warwickshire County Cricket Club can generate more income from the stadium, which will ensure the long term financial future of the club. With the news that the commercial property market in Birmingham looks set for growth in the coming year, this could prove to be a very wise move.
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