A MULTI-MILLION pound redevelopment plan of one of the region's and country’s most recognisable sports grounds has been given the green light.

Edgbaston Stadium is set to undergo a £42 million redevelopment that will see a new stand and a new hotel built on the site.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans on Thursday (February 13).

The proposed new 146-bed Radisson Red hotel will include a rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes with external terraces to watch the match action.

It is set to be completed by the 2027 men's Ashes (Image: Warwickshire CCC) The redeveloped stand, which will have a slightly bigger capacity than the existing Raglan and Priory stands, will include a new concourse with enhanced food and drink options as well as improved facilities for disabled spectators.

Craig Flindall, Edgbaston Strategy Director, said: “Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creating wider community opportunities.

“We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”

The works as part of the club's master plan also includes a new entrance piazza and car parking zones, totalling over 15,000 square metres.

The stadium, which is home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club, currently contributes approximately £35 million to the local economy every year with projections from the new hotel development anticipating this could to over £40 million.

The plans are in part being funded by an £18 million loan from the West Midlands Combined Authority, with Mayor Richard Parker saying developments like this are “what he wants to see” for the West Midlands.

A 146-bed hotel is set to be built (Image: Warwickshire CCC) He said: “Edgbaston is a world-class venue and this redevelopment, backed by our investment, will ensure it continues to attract top-tier international cricket, thousands of visitors every year, and even more jobs for local people.

“Our region is home to a number of globally celebrated sports teams and venues.

“By supporting them to grow, we shore up our place on the international stage, bringing visitors, investment and jobs now and into the future.”

Work on the redevelopment is expected to start in September and be complete in time for the men’s Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston in 2027.