“Birmingham is a city that at times is under-appreciated,” said Blues chairman Tom Wagner at the unveiling event held at Digbeth Loc Studios. “Not anymore.”
Speaking to an audience of political leaders, dignitaries, and footballers, Wagner outlined a bold vision that positions Birmingham as a rising global sports and cultural hub. The moment was marked by the unveiling of Birmingham City’s stunning new stadium design: a 62,000-capacity venue named The Powerhouse.
The stadium’s striking silhouette, featuring towering chimneys, has already captured widespread attention online and among fans. But beyond its impressive design, The Powerhouse is expected to breathe new life into Bordesley Green, transforming the area into a vibrant sporting and cultural destination drawing visitors worldwide.
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The Powerhouse forms the centerpiece of the ambitious Sports Quarter project, which includes plans for a “world-class” training centre, a women’s stadium, an arena, and mixed-use development. “This is a city of innovators, creativity, resilience, and strength,” Wagner said. “It is a city writing a new story, and we’re proud to play our part.”
Emerging from recent challenges like financial strains on the city council and local strikes, Birmingham now has a transformative initiative on the horizon. Last year, Birmingham City acquired the former Birmingham Wheels site from the council to launch what Wagner describes as a “modern-day, accessible colosseum” at the heart of the Sports Quarter.
“This venue will be the tallest sporting landmark in the city, visible for many miles, and a beacon of excellence on the global stage,” Wagner noted. But crucially, the project is designed to benefit the local community, operating year-round—not just on match days.
The wider precinct will feature markets, cafes, restaurants, play areas, and social spaces, making it a vibrant hub every day of the year. With a retractable roof and moveable pitch, the stadium will offer exceptional flexibility, hosting major sporting events, international music concerts, and cultural exhibitions.
“It’s where the world’s best will want to perform,” Wagner said. “We’re aiming for unmatched acoustics and fan experiences anywhere globally.”
This approach has been praised by Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham: “The city’s position in global sports and music will be significantly boosted. This development strengthens not just Birmingham but also the national entertainment ecosystem.”
Financial forecasts indicate an annual influx of around £750 million into the Sports Quarter. Wagner is confident this figure will grow thanks to rising interest from diverse entertainment sectors. “We expect this to be used far more extensively than people realize today,” he added.
Regarding the broader benefits like new housing and the arena, Wagner emphasized swift progress. “We’re moving as fast as possible,” he said, “with many parts well advanced and thoughtful sequencing of construction underway.” His aspiration is for multiple elements beyond the stadium to be complete within five years.
Local politicians have warmly welcomed the project. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker hailed it as a bold vision not just transforming a historic club but revitalizing the surrounding community. “New jobs, new homes, and new hope are coming,” Parker affirmed.
Parker also committed funding to expand Birmingham’s public transport to support the Sports Quarter, including a new tram route that will connect key local landmarks and enhance access to East Birmingham.
This tram line is part of a £2.4 billion government investment in West Midlands transport, announced earlier this year by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It will link the Sports Quarter to critical hubs like Millennium Point, Birmingham City University, Curzon Street HS2 station, and Digbeth’s cultural heartland, including the BBC Tea Factory and Digbeth Loc Studios.
“This project is a blueprint for successful collaboration between public and private sectors to uplift a community’s quality of life,” Parker said. “It’s an exciting future for Birmingham.”