Artist's Impression [Enlarge]

A dramatic new roof and an extra 1300 seats will be added to the most popular area of the ground during the winter. This will increase the capacity at the ground to 21000 and further enhance Edgbaston's position as the premier Test venue outside of London. The stand will be re-opened in time for the Test Match against Sri Lanka in May 2002.

The innovative design by architects Bryant Priest Newman and engineers Price & Myers, both firms were part of the team that designed the award winning new indoor cricket centre, will provide spectators with a variety of new facilities. These include new stair access, increased concourse space, new toilets including provision for the disabled, a new covered area for food, drink and merchandise, increased seating under cover, much improved disabled access and new tip-up seating.

The design of the refurbished stand will establish a bold modern image for a part of the ground that was originally constructed many years ago. The work will be undertaken by locally based Interserve Building (formerly Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited). The contract will be administered by Birmingham company, Francis Graves Limited.

Financial support has been received from Sport England in the form of a £200,000 'Safer Sports Ground Programme' grant towards a total cost of over £2 million.

The Club's Development Manager, Phil Macdonald said "This refurbishment is part of a programme of major improvements at Edgbaston which will ensure that we can provide the very best facilities for our members and cricket followers to watch domestic and international cricket in Birmingham."

Warwickshire's Chief Executive, Dennis Amiss said "With interest in international cricket increasing all the time this development will enable us to cater for greater crowds in increased comfort and safety. At the 1st Test Match in the Ashes series against Australia demand for tickets far exceeded the available number of seats available. The additional capacity will give a wider audience the opportunity to experience the thrill of international cricket here at Edgbaston."

© Warwickshire CCC