Aston Villa have confirmed that Birmingham City Council have approved of the first phase of the club’s redevelopment plans for Villa Park.
Discussions over the redevelopment have been ongoing for some time with the club keen for interaction and input from supporters on what could improve in and around the stadium.
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As per the club’s statement, they have confirmed that planning permission to proceed with the first phase of our plans has been granted by the Council, and ultimately that will result in the expansion of Villa Park to take its capacity to over 50,000.
For now though, the approval paves the way for work to begin on the first phase of the club’s plans, which are to build a brand-new North Stand, improve the Trinity Road Stand and build Villa Live, which will be a building and hub adjacent to Villa Park where there will be a club shop, academy building and security facilities.
Further, the expectation is that the transportation system will improve too given the extra footfall coming to the stadium, while it’s essentially a big moment for the club as we look to improve our infrastructure and continue on our path towards becoming a real force on and off the pitch.
“This is great news firstly for our fans – many of whom are on a waiting list for season tickets; secondly for the Club itself – as our long-term competitive strategy depends on continued growth; and finally for our city and region – with the prospect of a redeveloped Villa Park driving economic regeneration in our local community and bringing back international football to Birmingham,” CEO Christian Purslow said after the news was confirmed, as per the statement above.
From a fan perspective, it’s important news in relation to our season ticket waiting list as the capacity increase will get more fans into the stadium on a regular basis, and naturally that has a knock-on effect financially too as the revenue generated on matchdays from ticket sales will go up.
Additionally, with the club evidently keen to build around the stadium too to create a fan experience on gamedays, it will all lead to increased income that can be reinvested back into the club and continue to help us build a side capable of competing at a higher level.
Having now received the all-important planning permission, it’s a big step forward and there will now be an exciting wait to hear how the club intend on moving forward and when works will begin.
Aston Villa today welcomed Birmingham City Council's decision to grant planning permission for phase one of the club's redevelopment and expansion of Villa Park. 🟣
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 22, 2022
