Lord Bill Morris backs Edgbaston redevelopment plans
Former union leader Lord Bill Morris has thrown his weight behind a proposed £32m refurbishment of Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s Edgbaston ground.
Lord Morris of Handsworth, who chairs an England and Wales Cricket Board committee responsible for recommending venues for Test matches, said Edgbaston needed “significant modernisation” because it had fallen short of the standard required.
His comments back the club’s insistence Birmingham may lose Tests and one-day internationals if ground improvements do not go ahead.
But the refurbishment scheme – new stands, pavilion, media centre, hospitality suites, permanent floodlighting and a housing and hotel development – has angered residents’ groups who claim the scheme is too big and will make noise and traffic problems worse.
Birmingham City Council has refused to grant permission for the makeover, urging the club to scale down the scheme. Members are expected to reconsider the matter next month after the club reduced the scale of proposed development by about 10 per cent.
Lord Morris said: “Historically Edgbaston has been an integral part of the global cricket community, having hosted many iconic Test matches, which will live in the memory of so many for years to come. However, there is little doubt the facilities at this great ground no longer supports Warwickshire’s international reputation and not requires significant modernisation.
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