Birmingham reveal they may redevelop St Andrews home and boost capacity to 46,000

12 October 2010 14:20
Birmingham are considering redeveloping part of their St Andrews ground to increase the capacity to around 46,000 as an alternative to moving to a new stadium.[LNB]City have been looking at the possibility of moving away from their current home for several years and remain in talks about potential projects with Birmingham City council.[LNB]But vice-chairman Peter Pannu admitted rebuilding the Garrison Lane stand to significantly bolster the capacity from the current 30,000 was also an option.[LNB] Possible redevelopment: Birmingham's St Andrews[LNB]Pannu told the Birmingham Mail: 'Things are in the pipe-line. We are talking with the city council and doing project reports.[LNB]'Once they are available, I'll study them and discuss with (club owner) Carson Yeung and our consultants on this issue.[LNB]'The capacity of St. Andrews is 30,000 and we are considering pulling down our old (Garrison Lane) stand as another option.[LNB]'For us to build this extended capacity, the indication from our experts is that it would be a size increase to 45,000, 46,000.'[LNB] Last time out: Birmingham lost to Everton at St Andrews earlier this month[LNB]Pannu admits the Blues fans will have to embrace the proposed schemes to make them viable.[LNB]He said: 'If we go up to 46,000, with our current average home gates of 25-26,000, then we would be 20,000 short of filling a redeveloped ground.[LNB]'That's why I call upon our fans to actively participate in making this dream a reality. There's no point in having a 46,000 stadium if we are not going to fill it.'[LNB] It's top secret! Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is on the spotHave faith! Alex McLeish urges Birmingham fans to be patient despite slow start to the season BIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail