Drastic transformation awaits city's wasteland

AERIAL VIEWS AHEAD OF AMBITIOUS SPORTS QUARTER DEVELOPMENT

- ALEXANDER BROCK News Reporter

Artist's impression of what the Smithfield site could look like

WITH its desolate racing tracks, heaps of tyres and decaying buildings, the Birmingham Wheels Park site isn’t exactly much to look at right now.

But in just a few years’ time, the 48-acre site in the east of the city could be drastically transformed into a ‘globally-recognised’ stadium and landmark.

Birmingham City FC's ambitious plans for The Powerhouse, a 62,000-seater ‘colosseum’ with several eye-catching chimneys, is at the heart of the wider Sports Quarter vision.

The club's project for this regeneration around the new stadium also includes new transport links, a training centre, women’s stadium, arena and mixed-use development with housing.

It's no surprise then that there's huge optimism that the Sports Quarter plans could provide a massive boost for Birmingham's economy and create a sporting and cultural destination that attracts visitors from across the world.