NewVilla Park stand and major expansion plans revealed
ASTON Villa have launched a consultation into the first phase of a long-term redevelopment of Villa Park stadium and the surrounding area.
The project includes a new North Stand connecting into Trinity Stand and enhancements to the existing Trinity Stand which will see capacity increase by around 7,400 seats to over 50,000.
The redevelopment also includes work aimed at improving the matchday experience for fans including upgrading the food and beverage offering and enhancing hospitality packages.
A new commercial and community space called ‘Villa Live’ is also included in the proposals which will comprise the club shop, food and drink outlets and areas dedicated to showcasing the club’s history.
The space around the new North Stand and along Witton Lane will be used to create a new public space and there will be a new connection between Aston Park and the Trinity Road entrance.
Parking will be increased with 300 spaces in the new North Stand car park and 140 at the site by Station Road and the club has vowed to work with private landowners to
identify off-site parking locations to tackle anti-social parking in local streets. It is also aiming to look at transport from the ground with many fans complaining about overcrowding at Aston and Witton stations after matches.
The first phase of work at Villa Park is due to take place from 2023 to 2025, subject to planning consent.
Later phases are planned for both the Holte End and Doug Ellis Stand.
Chief executive Christian Purslow said: “We are excited to share our vision for Villa Park to become a world-class sporting venue and thriving community destination.
“It is important we gain the feedback of our local community, fans and organisations as we want them to play a key role in shaping the next chapter in Villa Park’s illustrious history. The redevelopment of the stadium is vital to the club to satisfy growing demand.
“By elevating the hospitality offering at Villa Park, we want to enhance the matchday experience and create a year-round entertainment venue to benefit both the community and our fans. The plans reveal our phased approach to redevelopment, considering each stand individually and identifying the necessary upgrades to minimise disruption to the community.
“We believe that our proposals for Villa Park will have a transformational effect on the local community and wider area and we are working closely with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and other key stakeholders to ensure our design proposals align with Birmingham’s Big City Plan for 2040.
“We want to put Aston Villa and Birmingham on the world stage and hope the redevelopment will support our ambition to host future UEFA matches, especially if the country is successful with a bid for the Euros in 2028.”
Members of the local community and businesses are being asked for their views on the proposals ahead of the club submitting a planning application to Birmingham City Council.
A consultation has now launched online and is running until July 24 alongside a series of drop-in events. These take place at Villa Park on July 19, from 4pm to 8pm, and at Broadway Academy in Perry Barr on July 6 from 6pm to 9pm. An online survey is also available which can be accessed via the Aston Villa website.