Birmingham City FC has unveiled the official design for its new 62,000-capacity stadium, which is set to anchor the upcoming Birmingham Sports Quarter in East Birmingham. Created by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with MANICA, the project will give the club a modern home while celebrating the city’s industrial roots and long tradition of craft. The design was selected in collaboration with filmmaker and lifelong Blues supporter Steven Knight, with visuals presented on November 20, 2025, during an event at Digbeth Loc to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.
Stadium Design and Fan Experience at the New Birmingham City FC
The stadium will feature a retractable roof and a movable pitch to support a wide range of events, including major sports fixtures and large-scale concerts. The steep bowl pulls fans as close as possible to the action, creating a full 360-degree wall of support. High-performance acoustics will carry the sound through the venue and deepen the matchday atmosphere.
A defining feature of the concept is a ring of 12 tall chimney-like structures inspired by the site’s brickmaking past. Built with reclaimed brick where possible, these structures support the roof, house circulation routes, and form part of the building’s passive ventilation system. Acoustically tuned, they send the sound from the bowl upward while limiting noise impact on nearby homes. One chimney will feature a lift to a rooftop bar, which will become the highest in Birmingham, offering views across the city, along with an experience dedicated to local stories.
Community and Public Realm Led by Heatherwick Studio
The stadium has been designed as a place for daily life rather than a venue used only on matchdays. The surrounding public realm will include food markets, restaurants, cafes, children’s play areas, and public seating, offering residents a place to gather throughout the week. Heatherwick Studio will lead the architectural design, structural approach, chimneys, interiors, and public realm, while MANICA will guide the stadium’s functional planning, including the seating bowl and level layouts.
BCFC Chairman and Knighthead Co-CEO Tom Wagner called the announcement a major moment for the club and the region, highlighting the stadium as a symbol of ambition and growth for the West Midlands. The development is projected to contribute £760 million annually to the regional economy by 2035.
The Birmingham Sports Quarter will also include high-performance training facilities and mixed-use developments. Public engagement will begin in 2026, with the new stadium targeted for completion ahead of the 2030/2031 season.
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