Edgbaston facelift reaches next stage

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Warwickshire have started preparing for the demolition of twelve houses on the Pershore Road side of Edgbaston ahead of the next stage of the development of the Test ground.

Demolition work had been delayed while negotiations continued with two residents who were reluctant to move out of their homes. Those negotiations were concluded late last year which cleared the way for the houses, which had become an eyesore, to be levelled in preparation for development.

The site of just over two acres has been sold to the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) to marry this with existing land holdings, which will enable a comprehensive scheme to be developed. A contractor has been appointed to complete the demolition of the derelict houses in time for the new cricket season.

“The enabling development around Edgbaston Stadium will benefit the local economy and the first phase is already well underway,” said Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey.

“Our development partners, MCD, are currently constructing 79 three & four bedroom houses within the Edgbaston Square development behind the RES Wyatt Stand, which began last autumn. All of these houses are expected to be completed during 2013.

“The eyes of the global cricket community will be on Edgbaston this summer when we host the final and four group games in the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy, so we’re delighted to complete the sale of this land in time for the derelict houses to be demolished before the start of the season.”

Future phases of the enabling development are due to be released by MCD in the spring, providing office accommodation plus retail and leisure facilities.
 
 

Date: 11/02/2013 18:05:48 by Paul Bolton
In: Warwickshire | Today |