Villa Park Redevelopment

[Percy McCarthy]

That's from September, so nothing new.

Also, this not being China, we can't just move residents even if we do 'respect' them, because it just doesn't work like that.

I didn’t see that in September and I’m surprised as I’m usually all over this stuff, as is my mate who sent it to me on twitter dm.

It’s definitely more than what was in the local growth plan that was published by the council recently.

[Crown Hill]

It’s a summary of the documents which were in the North Stand planning application which included BCC’s local plan and the areas earmarked for regeneration.

It’s more topical now because we know about the charge relating to the land to the East Tame Road and the connection to 1874 developments (?) I forget the precise name.

So I think things are becoming a little clearer. And what Crystal Palace are doing sets a precedent

Oh and this was the link:

https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/09/england_aston_villa_gets_green_light_for_north_stand_expansion

[tomd2103]

That video's brilliant.


I think we should stay put.  Despite the many criticisms, the only places with better transport links than the ones we currently have are the city centre and maybe the NEC.  Nobody in their right mind would think we should move out to the NEC, and city centre feels unlikely and, as far as Birmingham as a city is concerned, probably counter-productive anyway.

So, to me the most sensible option is to stay at Villa Park.  We will get it up to the 50-55k range anyway, and potentially if we are able to expand or rebuild the Witton Lane stand we might be able to push it up to 60k.  But that isn't something we need to commit to at Villa Park - we can take it up a bit, see what the demand's like, then make a decision at that stage.  Whereas a newbuild you're going to make that choice upfront.  Plus the only way you could add character to a new ground is to add a load of chimneys, and we've rather missed the (narrow)boat on that one.

If and it's still.a big if at this point, the chimney stack stadium does get built in Bordesley Green, then a lot of the potential merits moving to the city centre would probably be reduced anyway.  To truly capitalise on the city centre location, I think it would need to be the only stadium like that in the region.  The NEC is and always was a no-go for me.

With that in mind, I'm fully behind staying at Villa Park and hopefully a project to not only develop the ground, but also the surrounding area. 

[Percy McCarthy]

It’s a summary of the documents which were in the North Stand planning application which included BCC’s local plan and the areas earmarked for regeneration.

It’s more topical now because we know about the charge relating to the land to the East Tame Road and the connection to 1874 developments (?) I forget the precise name.

So I think things are becoming a little clearer. And what Crystal Palace are doing sets a precedent

Oh and this was the link:

https://stadiumdb.com/news/2025/09/england_aston_villa_gets_green_light_for_north_stand_expansion

Thanks CH.

I posted a link to the local growth plan in September (when it was brought to my attention) but it didn’t say anything about relocating residents or the development of the Majestic.

[Ads]

Just been sent this on Twitter, not sure where it’s been taken from yet:

Changes around the stadium and transport
The club plans several matchday improvements, including better off-stadium parking, enhanced bus and rail connections, and expanded cycling infrastructure.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker confirmed funding for the renovation of Witton station, which will be able to handle up to 10,000 fans on matchdays.

The north stand expansion is part of a wider redevelopment project around Villa Park. Plans include rebuilding Westwood Business Park and other industrial plots along Tame Road for residential use. This would allow Aston Villa to expand the Doug Ellis stand while transforming the surrounding area into a pedestrian-friendly zone, improving comfort for fans and residents alike. There is also potential to utilize the Majestic Banquet Hall and conference facilities for the expansion and creation of new commercial spaces.

Top update, thanks Percy.

[PeterWithe]

So I think things are becoming a little clearer. And what Crystal Palace are doing sets a precedent

What are they doing and what is the relevance please?

[Percy McCarthy]

^^ You’re welcome Ads.

[VILLA MOLE]

So I think things are becoming a little clearer. And what Crystal Palace are doing sets a precedent

What are they doing and what is the relevance please?

I think they have bought up houses around their ,main stand which they are looking to develop

[Dante Lavelli]

The timescales to relocate businesses, build housing, and relocate residents will take ages.

However it’s probably about the right length of time to test whether we need 60k or not. The majestic and any development opposite could happen independently and on a different critical path if the viability works.

Ultimately, it is great news that the owners are planning short term and also 10+ years ahead.

[DB]

It’s taken then years to get to this point though.
It’s the challenge of developing footy grounds in England, many built in Victorian areas surrounded by houses etc no room to manoeuvre. And like us, moving is too much of an emotional issue with a lot of fans, especially if you’re talking about moving away from the area / our home.
If we can re-develop as per Percy’s post, then great.

[London Villan]

It's a long-term plan though, organic growth, financially sound, incrementally building different types of fan bases, as success is sustained.

It wouldn't surprise me if the club were already buying properties in Holte Road and McGregor Close already.

[Dante Lavelli]

It's a long-term plan though, organic growth, financially sound, incrementally building different types of fan bases, as success is sustained.

It wouldn't surprise me if the club were already buying properties in Holte Road and McGregor Close already.

They’d be daft no to.

Do many students live in the area, as they could rent any purchased properties and help support places like the warehouse. 

[Crown Hill]

It's a long-term plan though, organic growth, financially sound, incrementally building different types of fan bases, as success is sustained.

It wouldn't surprise me if the club were already buying properties in Holte Road and McGregor Close already.

And if you look at the board related 1874 developments all the big guns seem to be involved including the experts they added to the Board. It’s also a CIC which presumably helps negotiate with the Council. There may well be CPOs if they can’t do it amicably.

I have seen mention before in BCC documents of pedestrianisation of Trinity Road and Villa taking a small part of the Park to integrate the ground within the Park. I’ve also read about plans for residential building on the old industrial parks. So Villa and BCC seem aligned.

[PeterWithe]

Do many students live in the area, as they could rent any purchased properties and help support places like the warehouse. 

I don't know the answer to this but, if you were to look at areas like Selly Oak, for instance, and gauge the amount of students by the amounts of 'To-Let' signs at the front of properties, then I'd guess not.

[London Villan]

Uni's don't like students living in private properties - they want them all in shiny new builds...