Birmingham City Council has announced plans to relocate the historic speed skate track formerly at Bordesley Green, making way for a major redevelopment project spearheaded by Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC).
The original site, known as Birmingham Wheels, was a beloved venue for go-karting, stock car racing, and skating events for many years until its closure in 2021. Since then, the land has been purchased by BCFC, which intends to develop a state-of-the-art stadium and create a vibrant Sports Quarter that will put Birmingham on the global sporting map.
To support this transition, the council is proposing to allocate approximately £2.6 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to relocate the speed skate track to Farnborough Playing Fields in Castle Vale. This funding will cover expenses ranging from feasibility studies and planning applications to construction and contingency costs.
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Despite cautious optimism, the proposal carries potential challenges, including securing the necessary planning permission and ensuring the budget suffices to complete the project. Engagement efforts have already taken place with key stakeholders such as Sport England, the Federation of Inline Speed Skating, local community organizations, and council representatives.
A recommendation to allocate funding will be considered by council cabinet members at a meeting scheduled for March 17, pending approval of a detailed business case.
The Birmingham Wheels Roller Speed Club expressed resilience amidst these changes, sharing that while adapting to new training venues, it continues to thrive competitively and is actively seeking a permanent new home for its members.
Looking ahead, the redevelopment promises transformative investment for the area, with BCFC chairman Tom Wagner indicating that the £750 million Sports Quarter will include more than just the stadium. Wagner envisions a modern, accessible colosseum rising as a landmark visible across the city, serving as a beacon for elite sporting and entertainment events worldwide.
Moreover, the stadium and surrounding precinct are designed as year-round destinations featuring markets, cafés, restaurants, play areas, and social spaces to benefit the local community beyond match days.
This ambitious project aims not only to elevate Birmingham’s global sporting profile but also to foster inclusive community engagement and economic growth across the region.