Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner has been recognized for his investment and commitment to the city's sporting future. Wagner is among the recipients of this year's Lord Mayor's Awards, which celebrate 'exceptional contributions to Birmingham'.
Recognition for Visionary Investment
Knighthead chief Wagner has pledged to build a £3 billion Sports Quarter in the heart of the Second City, with a 62,000-seater stadium dubbed The Powerhouse as the centrepiece. Wagner lobbied relentlessly for the Government to fund transport services that would unlock the Sports Quarter, and it arrived last summer by way of a £2.4 billion investment into the West Midlands.
Plans for The Powerhouse
Designs for The Powerhouse were unveiled in November, and Knighthead plans to submit their planning application next March. The Sports Quarter will be open 365 days a year and will regenerate one of the most underprivileged areas in the country.
Wagner has been the driving force behind the Sports Quarter to this point, and he was honoured by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal MBE, at the Council's Annual General Meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
Council's Statement
The council said: 'Tom Wagner's award recognises his leadership and contributions to Birmingham's sporting landscape as co-founder and co-managing member of Knighthead Capital Management, through investment and development in Birmingham City Football Club, Birmingham Panthers netball team, and Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise. The award recognises Tom's strong commitment to investment, regeneration, and community advancement, including the development of Birmingham City Football Club's new stadium and the wider Sports Quarter, as well as enhancing the city's transport infrastructure, further strengthening Birmingham's national and international profile.'
Wagner, 56, is currently recovering after suffering a stroke in February.
