Birmingham City Football Club has taken a major step forward in its ambitious Sports Quarter project by appointing a world-renowned architectural firm to design its new training centre.
Global Architects Appointed for Training Hub
The club announced on 24th December 2025 that Populous, the global architecture and design practice, will be responsible for developing the new training centre at the Sports Quarter. This facility is a cornerstone of the wider regeneration plans for a 48-acre site in east Birmingham, which the club purchased from the city council last year.
Populous brings a formidable reputation, having designed over 3,500 projects worldwide in the last four decades, with a combined value exceeding $60 billion. Their portfolio includes iconic venues such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley Stadium, and the Aviva Stadium.
The Vision for the Sports Quarter
The training centre is just one part of the expansive Sports Quarter vision. The project aims to create a holistic sporting and community hub, featuring:
- A new 62,000-seat stadium for Birmingham City FC.
- A "world-class" training centre bringing the Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams onto one campus.
- A dedicated stadium for the women's team.
- An arena for entertainment events.
- A mixed-use development with housing and office space.
Located in Bordesley Green, the development is intended to become a major city landmark, reflecting the region's industrial heritage while providing modern, elite facilities.
Statements of Ambition
Nick Smith, Head of Infrastructure at Birmingham City, highlighted the significance of the appointment. "This is another important step as we press ahead with the delivery of the Sports Quarter," he said. "We are convinced that Populous will help us set new standards in sports infrastructure. Together we can create a beacon of excellence that will inspire and support our local communities as well as setting the club up for success on the pitch."
Declan Sharkey, Senior Principal and Global Director at Populous, expressed pride in the project. "Our aim is to combine our global expertise in elite training facility design with a bespoke approach, providing the Club with an innovative, sustainable performance training environment and holistic environment for all of its teams and the staff who will use it," he stated.
The announcement follows last month's unveiling of new designs for the proposed main stadium. The club is now pushing ahead with its transformative plans, aiming to create a lasting legacy for both the football club and the wider community in Birmingham.
