Birmingham owners keen to build 'world-class' stadium after buying land
The club's owners have bought land to the east of the city.
Birmingham have moved a step closer to a new stadium after the Sky Bet Championship club's owners completed the purchase of land to the east of the city.
Knighthead Capital Management's deal to buy the 48-acre plot - the former Wheels site on Bordesley Park - is set to see Birmingham move away from St Andrew's.
Knighthead say the new stadium and training facilities at the site, less than a mile from the club's current home and within walking distance of the city centre, will be "world class", "multi-use" and generate over 3,000 jobs.
American financer Tom Wagner's company purchased a 45 per cent stake in the Championship club last year.
Retired NFL star Tom Brady subsequently entered into a partnership with Birmingham's new owners and took a minority stake, as well as becoming chairman of their new advisory board.
"When we invested in Birmingham City, we made it very clear that we had an ambitious vision to transform the experience for our fans and make a positive contribution to the growth and vitality of the city of Birmingham," said club chairman Wagner.
"The acquisition of the former Wheels site is an important next step in making this a reality.
"The plans for the Sports Quarter will bring global interest to our club and to Birmingham as a whole.
"It is going to transform the future of our men's, women's and academy teams, and the fortunes of the community that we call home. We are excited to collaborate with the fans, the local community, and key partners in Birmingham to deliver on our plans for the Sports Quarter."
Birmingham CEO Garry Cook added: "Our owners have an ambition that is greater than anything this club has ever seen, and when we deliver it the impact on the global reputation of Birmingham will be seismic."
Birmingham are fighting to remain in the second tier following a poor season which saw former England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney sacked as manager after just 83 days in charge.
Following their 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Saturday, the Blues a point from safety with just five matches remaining.