Grimshaw speaks about new Villa Park stadium at our April Future Cities Forum
Above: approach to new North Stand and club retail outlets at Villa Park (CGI from Grimshaw)
Grimshaw Architects will be speaking at our 'Making of the Modern City' in Birmingham this April, where we will be hosted by developer MEPC. One topic for discussion will be the economic value that sport continues to bring to cities.
Grimshaw and Trivandi’s designs for the redevelopment of Aston Villa’s Villa Park have received planning permission from Birmingham City Council.
The first phase of the project focuses on the design of a new North Stand and renovation of the existing Trinity Stand which will accommodate the increased stadium capacity, a series of community and club facilities, and the redevelopment of the public realm. The designs, which are a distinct change from the gated Villa Park of today, dissolve the boundary between the stadium and its surrounding streetscape, transforming the fan and visitor experience and enhancing the civic focus of the club. The connection between the stadium, club and community is exemplified in a new public space, Villa Way, which will run between the stadium and a new building, Villa Live. This new facility accommodates the box office, retail store, multi-use event hub, fan experience and café / bar spaces.
Meanwhile Birmingham is facing similar pressures as other towns and cities in the UK with the rise in cost of living. Last week the city council’s budget proposals for the forthcoming 2023/24 financial year were discussed.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:
“The financial position we face as a result of issues that have developed beyond our control at a national and international level is a very serious emergency which we are treating with the utmost importance. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting families, neighbourhoods and businesses, but our budget outlines how the council is collaborating with partners to support people in every neighbourhood and every community across Birmingham.
“Despite the challenging context, which is not unique to Birmingham, we will build on our Commonwealth Games success to deliver life-changing and truly inclusive growth for people in every neighbourhood and community. Birmingham is a bold, growing city with a young, diverse, and creative population. The financial plan outlines how the council will support people through challenging times, while also playing a leading role in our city's future prosperity. The Games have given new confidence to Birmingham, and we will use that confidence to continue to Be Bold Be Birmingham - and this budget shows that Birmingham City Council is on the side of the people of our city, and that our challenge is to now deliver the projects that we know will make our communities cleaner, safer and better for everyone.”
Below: approach to Villa Park at night showing new landscaping and stands (CGI from Grimshaw)
