Birmingham City unveils £1.2 billion stadium proposal for the England women’s national team
Birmingham City have revealed plans for a £1.2 billion stadium that they hope could eventually become a base for the England women’s national team, with the Championship club openly expressing interest in hosting the Lionesses as long-term tenants, reports BritPanorama.
The project, officially termed the “Powerhouse,” was unveiled on Thursday by the club’s owners, Knighthead Capital, following 18 months of development and design. This ambitious proposal outlines a multi-use venue intended to operate year-round, positioning itself as a major destination for conferences, concerts, combat sports, and international sporting events.
As part of its long-term strategy, Birmingham City are keen to engage with the Football Association regarding a more consistent home for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who have achieved significant success as two-time European champions. Currently, the FA has no contractual obligation to host England women’s fixtures at Wembley Stadium, in contrast to the men’s team. While the Lionesses do play at the national stadium on occasion, they primarily tour the country for matches.
One senior executive at the club highlighted the opportunity to offer the Lionesses a dedicated home, pointing out the geographical advantages of the Midlands. “It’s less than an hour’s drive from St George’s Park and, once HS2 is operational, we estimate that around 80 per cent of the country will be able to access Birmingham within two hours,” they noted. The Powerhouse is projected to feature a 62,000-seat capacity, making it the largest stadium within an 80-mile radius of the city.
The club aims to incorporate prospective partners’ needs into the final designs, with over 500 pages of documentation already completed. Birmingham has also signalled its willingness to tailor elements of the stadium specifically to benefit the national women’s team, should discussions progress. Alongside its scale, the club intends for the venue to offer premium corporate and commercial facilities, essential for attracting high-profile tenants and events.
Birmingham City’s pursuit appears to reflect a substantial statement of ambition, positioning the club not only as a football institution but also as a pivotal player in the growth and commercial future of women’s sport in England. Whether the Lionesses ultimately take up residency remains uncertain, but the initiative underlines the ongoing evolution of women’s football in the UK, underscoring how clubs are increasingly recognising their crucial role in supporting the women’s game.
In a football landscape where permanence is rare for the women’s game, Birmingham’s proposal serves as a reminder of how shared spaces can foster community and growth, highlighting the fine line where sport and societal progress meet.
