Planning permission awarded for Edgbaston Priory Club redevelopment

25th Mar 2011

Home to the modern game of tennis, Glenn Howells Architects’ (GHA) £10 million
redevelopment scheme of Edgbaston Priory Club has been awarded planning
permission.

Set within its unique parkland setting, GHA’s long-awaited redevelopment of the
famous facilities will showcase a state-of-the-art, sunken centre court with a 1000
permanent seat capacity, increasing to 2500 seats during major competitions. On
completion, the Edgbaston Priory Club will be able to stage Championship-scale
tournaments, a stone’s throw from the heart of Birmingham. The sunken design of the
new centre court takes advantage of the club’s beautiful grounds, maintaining open
views across the landscape.

In addition to the centre court, a new six-court indoor tennis centre will be built, creating
an all year round tennis facility available for the use of both professionals and amateurs
alike. This new indoor tennis centre has been designed with emphasis on natural
daylight; the front elevation, glazed at low level, creates an active inside-outside
relationship while the higher level translucent glazing, along with translucent rooflights,
helps diffused natural daylight penetrate into the heart of the building, reducing energy
consumption levels. Furthering the redevelopment’s eco-credentials, the external
cladding will be made of a robust composite timber panel system, manufactured from
recycled materials.

As part of the improvements, the existing Clubhouse will be extensively remodelled and
refurbished, creating improved leisure facilities. The highlight will be the new second
floor gym and studio with access to roof terraces and views across the site. All facilities
will be updated for disabled access.

The LTA, the national governing body for tennis in Britain, has committed £5m to
ensure the development of the six indoor courts, as well as securing a long term world
class tournament set up to stage grass court events.

Glenn Howells commented on the scheme stating; “The investment in the
redevelopment of Edgbaston Priory Club will significantly improve community access to
tennis across Birmingham and the wider Midlands area. This year will see the 30th
anniversary of the WTA event, the AEGON Classic, and the plans for a new Centre
Court and show courts will ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength.”.

In order to cause minimal disruption during the building works, which are due to
commence later this year, construction will be phased over a staggered period of time.