Plans to boost Aston Villa stand capacity and lift the stadium’s overall capacity beyond 50,000 have been approved off Birmingham City Council. The Council planning committee signed off on proposals that will boost the stand’s capacity to more than 12,000. Work will start next year with completion due in the second half of 2027, ahead of the EURO 2028 where Villa Park will take its place as a host venue.

The project estimated to cost around £100m will adapt and modernise the existing North Stand structure, avoiding the reduced matchday capacity that shelved earlier full rebuild plans.

Executive chairman Nassef Sawiris said the decision was a major step in turning Villa Park into a “world-class sports and entertainment venue” and would dramatically improve the club’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Grimshaw Architects are behind the new look design, which also promises to transform the Northern Precinct around the stadium.