Premier League side Aston Villa have unveiled updated plans for the redevelopment of the north stand of their home ground. A revised planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council incorporating a number of design changes to the new structure.

Villa Park will grow to 50,000 seats

Villa Park underwent its last major redevelopment in 2000-2001, when a new west stand, much larger than the previous one, was built from scratch. Since then, there has been talk of further expansion and there were even plans to refurbish the north stand, modelled on the west stand, but this did not materialise. When Aston Villa returned to the Premier League in 2019, after three years spent in the second tier, there was a significant increase in interest in tickets, as well as hospitality packages. In response to the demand, new plans for the stadium expansion began to be considered and a public consultation was held on the matter. The first renderings of the modernised Villa Park appeared in the summer of 2022.

The planned redevelopment of the Lions' venue will increase its capacity to more than 50,000 spectators and the club hopes to transform the stadium into a 'world-class' entertainment venue, capable of hosting international sports tournaments and other events. The stadium is one of 14 venues included in the UK and Ireland's bid to host UEFA Euro 2028. In December last year Villa received permission from Birmingham City Council for the first phase of the redevelopment and expansion of Villa Park. 

© Grimshaw, Trivandi / Aston Villa Football Club

As well as a brand new north stand, the club plans to improve the existing Trinity Stand and create Villa Live, a new 6,500 square metre multi-purpose commercial facility to replace the existing shop, building and security lodge. The first phase of the redevelopment, expected to be completed in 2025, will add around 7,400 seats to the stadium's current capacity.

The Villans are updating the design 

The Birmingham-based club has just submitted a completed documentation for the upgrade of its stadium to the city council. Amendments include minor changes to the north stand itself, as well as new plans for the club's existing academy building. Villa are also continuing to explore "exciting and dynamic" concepts for the stadium site, in addition to other utility buildings and spaces at Villa Park.

The outcome of the club's revised proposal is expected in the autumn. A key part of the plan is to implement a modern, integrated transport strategy to improve the way fans and visitors get to and from the stadium. From 2025 onwards, Villa will set out further refurbishment works and increased capacity for Villa Park's remaining two stands, while focusing on how the club can be a 'catalyst for regeneration and transformation' in the local community.

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