Villa plans 'will put city on map'

RIVAL FANS AGREE STADIUM NEWS IS BIG BOOST FOR BRUM

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

FOOTBALL fans in Birmingham have applauded the planning approval of Villa Park’s expansion plans.

Aston Villa is set to add nearly 6,000 seats to the North Stand, taking the stadium’s capacity to almost 49,000.

A council report said the club's revised vision was to “adapt, reuse and expand” the existing stand rather than demolish it, as had been previously planned.

The plans are set to “modernise the stadium's surroundings” while also bringing in huge economic benefits for the club, city and region.

There are also major plans elsewhere in the city in the form of Birmingham City’s huge Sports Quarter regeneration project, which includes proposals for a new Blues stadium.

The Villa Park plan approval sparked a wave of excitement among the club's fans and even a number of Blues supporters, who recognised both projects could boost Birmingham's profile.

“As a Bluenose it will be fantastic for the city,” Dave Atkins said.

“With the Sports Quarter from the Blues and a 50,000 stadium, it will put us on the map above Manchester.”