Birmingham release £1.2 billion new stadium plans and tease Jude Bellingham return

The ground forms the centrepiece of the club's bold vision to compete at football's highest level. Wagner expressed confidence about reuniting with Bellingham, who departed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 aged just 17.

"I think Jude is the greatest player on the planet today and we haven't seen anywhere near his full potential yet," Wagner said during Wednesday's unveiling at Digbeth Loc studios in central Birmingham.

The stadium's design features twelve towering chimneys that will make it instantly recognisable across the West Midlands.

These structures draw inspiration from the area's industrial past, particularly the historic brickworks that once dominated this part of Birmingham.

Architect David Manica explained that the chairman demanded a venue that was "steeper, louder and closer" than conventional stadiums.

"We've never pushed the envelope like we have for this stadium," he said.

The four stands will embrace the pitch as tightly as possible, ensuring spectators remain close to the action. The venue will boast a retractable roof and changeable pitch surface to accommodate various events.

According to the designers, the imposing structure will be visible from 40 miles away.

The chimneys serve dual purposes, supporting the roof whilst housing ventilation systems and lifts.

Wagner elaborated on the potential for Bellingham's return, describing it as "a great Birmingham story, it's a great England story and a great homecoming story."

The midfielder's number 22 shirt was retired following his departure after just one Championship season.

The Blues currently sit 11th in the Championship after 15 matches. Yet Wagner remains confident about their trajectory under the Knighthead ownership group, which includes NFL legend Tom Brady as a shareholder.

"Maybe we look like modest lunatics to be unveiling these plans while we are in the Championship but we feel very good about where we are," Wagner acknowledged. He insisted Premier League promotion was inevitable rather than aspirational.

The promotional video featured Bellingham's reaction to the plans, with the player appearing contemplative when told the stadium would be ready in five years.

The venue will host NFL matches, international football competitions and major concerts alongside Birmingham City fixtures. Wagner confirmed the stadium would seek a naming rights partner before construction begins.

"We have an ambition to host any and all events, like NFL, international global football for men and women," Wagner stated.

The chairman expects it to become "the most environmentally-sound stadium that will ever be built."

Tom Brady appeared in the promotional material, declaring: "NFL games will come soon after that [2030 opening] and the world's biggest music stars will be heading here too."

The multi-purpose facility will operate throughout the year. Wagner emphasised the venue would transform Birmingham into a destination where "the world's best want to perform."

The development extends beyond the stadium to encompass a £2.5-3 billion Sports Quarter. This wider regeneration project will incorporate residential properties, retail spaces, hotels and entertainment facilities.

Additional sporting infrastructure includes a new training complex and a dedicated stadium for Birmingham City Women. The masterplan promises affordable housing alongside commercial developments.

The launch event's location at Digbeth Loc studios proved significant. These production facilities for the hit series Peaky Blinders provided an appropriate backdrop, with show creator Steven Knight having influenced the stadium's conception.

Actor Paul Anderson appeared in character as Arthur Shelby in the promotional material. His expletive-laden reaction captured the project's audacious scale.

Wagner declared the development would "change this city forever," positioning Birmingham and the club on "a trajectory towards greatness."