Edgbaston Masterplan, Birmingham

Blending historic legacy with a masterplan that creates modern, accessible public spaces for the local community

• CLIENT: Warwickshire County Cricket Club
• LOCATION: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• CAPACITY: 25,000
• SERVICES: Masterplan

WOO has been working with Warwickshire County Cricket Club since 2016 on a broad, five-stage masterplan and vision for the future of its home at Edgbaston. Our task is to help transform the venue to become a world-class stadium with extensive additional uses including those for the local residential and business communities.

The design strategy has focussed on the arrival and approach of visitors, new routes and flows and improved accessibility. The goal is ultimately to deliver a holistic, unified and safe experience for all.

Working with the club, the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Birmingham City Council, WOO has been able to establish a blueprint for future development and funding.

The new masterplan is conceived to create an open and welcoming arrival statement that is truly representative of the spirit of Edgbaston as a global sporting beacon. The creation of a well-designed and active public space will serve not only the match-day visitors, but also the local community every day. The masterplan has brought forward and tested numerous multiple alternate uses including street markets, meanwhile uses, further education, hotel, conference, community centre, residential and music venue.

By ensuring that the stadium responds to its broader urban context, this masterplan work will reinforce Edgbaston as good neighbour, and as an open and welcoming asset for the local community.

In addition to the Edgbaston Stadium, WOO has also developed a scheme for the club’s training ground at Portman Road to become the home of women’s and youth cricket.