Part of Birmingham City stadium site earmarked for new nature conservation area | OneFootball

Part of the Wheels Park land earmarked for Birmingham City FC’s planned stadium is set to become a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club want to redevelop the 48-acre plot with a landmark stadium, The Powerhouse, featuring striking chimneys, within a wider Sports Quarter with new transport links, a training base, a women’s stadium, an arena and housing.

Birmingham City Council says the designations strengthen local protections not covered by national or international schemes.

Ecological surveys in 2021 found a small area of unimproved neutral grassland on the site’s western side, formed over former railway ballast and supporting notable orchids. A Local Site Assessment recommended SLINC status for this and adjacent woodland and scrub, citing scarce species and links to nearby rail and canal corridors.

The draft Birmingham Local Plan places Wheels Park at the heart of the Bordesley Park Growth Zone, with regeneration anchored by a new stadium and international attractions. It says the Sports Quarter should support the SLINC with mitigation and stronger green and blue infrastructure.

Green deputy leader Julien Pritchard said protecting nature and green spaces is crucial and remains a key priority. A report to cabinet next week recommends 14 new sites and extensions to six more.

Earlier this year, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker launched what he called Britain’s biggest and most powerful Mayoral Development Corporation to speed up the £11 billion regeneration of East Birmingham, including the Sports Quarter.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com