Birmingham chief reveals stunning plans to build 1.5 mile tunnel UNDER the city to connect fans to proposed new £3bn 62,000-seater stadium
Birmingham has revealed plans to construct a brand-new stadium with 62,000 seats.
There are now 29,409 spectators at St Andrew’s where the League One team plays.
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Tom Wagner, the chairman of Birmingham City, has unveiled his ground-breaking plans to construct a tunnel beneath the city to allow fans get to the team’s estimated new stadium complex, which would cost £3 billion.
After being relegated last season, the Blues are now atop League One. In 2023, Wagner’s Knighthead Capital Management acquired the team, and NFL legend Tom Brady became a minority owner.
Wagner had previously stated his intention to replace St Andrew’s Stadium, which can accommodate 29,409 spectators but had been in disrepair prior to the arrival of the US hedge fund CEO, with a new stadium with a 62,000 capacity in the city.
In addition to the League One team’s plans to build a Sports Quarter on a 60-acre plot of property they have already purchased, Wagner stated that his “dream” is to revitalize the East Birmingham area with a new stadium and surrounding complex.
The Blues manager has since elaborated on these plans, stating that he intends to construct an underground tube that is 1.5 miles long in order to convey supporters from Birmingham New Street station to the proposed complex located in the city’s Bordesley Green neighborhood.
“Subways are very expensive and complicated to develop,” he said at a conference, according to The Sun.
Tom Wagner, the chairman of Birmingham, has disclosed his intentions to construct a tunnel beneath the city.
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“We came up with the idea to just tunnel under the existing rail lines and connect New Street station to the sports quarter and use electric buses running underground. It could transport thousands of people an hour. We think it would cost roughly £20million.” Wagner, who has also urged the UK government to support his plans, asserted that local and regional authorities are in favor and called on his idea to be given proper consideration. “I’m the “crazy American” talking about this,” he added, “but we need more local voices with the right accent talking about why this is a good idea.”
“The funds exist nationwide, and the amount we are requesting is a very small portion of those funds.”
Wagner compared the stadium’s design to that of a “spaceship” and the proposed Sports Quarter, which is anticipated to cost £3 billion, will contain a new stadium and training facility.
In order to revitalize the neighborhood, plans are also in place for restaurants, offices, and social centers. Additionally, a hotel and a fan park are probably going to be constructed.
Last week, Wagner’s dedication to the city of Birmingham was further demonstrated when Knighthead purchased a 49% share in the Birmingham Phoenix, a Hundred team.
In the meanwhile, Birmingham spent almost £35 million during the summer transfer window, and Wagner’s team has also made significant investments in infrastructure.
When Sunderland signed Will Grigg from Wigan in 2022, the previous League One record transfer fee of £3.4 million was shattered by the original £15 million purchase of forward Jay Stansfield.
The Blues, who have not played in the Premier League since their relegation in 2011, will play again on Saturday when they play Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round. They are also in the EFL Trophy semi-finals.