Perry Barr Stadium housing development announced - plans in pictures here

A controversial and highly ambitious planning proposal has been put forward that will see Perry Barr Stadium – home to greyhound racing and speedway in Birmingham – make way for an all-new housing estate.

Property developer Corbally Group wants to bulldoze Perry Barr’s 94-year-old sporting venue when the operator’s lease expires in 2026. The project will see 427 new homes built on the site off Aldridge Road, which will include 338 apartments and 89 town houses. The estate will be known as The Races in homage to the history of the landmark site in Perry Barr.

A statement on behalf of the Corbally Group reads: “The proposals will include affordable housing, subject to viability, while the type of housing proposed will be aimed at families, young professionals, and downsizers. It will contribute to the vibrancy of the established and emerging community in Perry Barr.

“The proposals include a range of private and public gardens, which seamlessly interweave and encourage positive wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. Play areas and interactive playgrounds will foster the creation of inclusive and family-friendly communities.

“This includes the creation of an exciting new biodiverse riverside space, which will open up the River Tame in this location for the first time. The new park will be open to the public. It is Birmingham City Council’s ambition to leverage regeneration to open the River Tame. Our proposals support Birmingham City Council’s long-term vision.”

The developer also states the stadium’s current use for greyhound racing and speedway “do not maximise the site’s potential”. As reported previously, Arena Racing Company – who operate greyhound racing at Perry Barr – plans to relocate to Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green in the very near future which, in turn, will leave the site vacant.

A Corbally Group spokesman added: “As a significant and well-located brownfield site, there is an opportunity to deliver much more value to the community. The racetrack is not protected by any heritage designations and the design is of little architectural merit.

“Perry Barr is an intense area of focus for Birmingham City Council. The regeneration of the Racetrack will build on the momentum created by the Commonwealth Games and help deliver a lasting legacy. Significant investment has already been made in the area, including the new Perry Barr Station, to enable growth and regeneration to come forward.

“The site itself sits within the Perry Barr Village. This alone will accommodate a new residential neighbourhood of nearly 2,000 new homes, with a wide variety of housing types to meet all needs.

“We have developed an exciting scheme which not only delivers new homes but will create attractive new public spaces and unlock access to the riverfront. It will vastly improve Perry Barr and deliver real value for the established and emerging community in this location.”

A planning application is currently being prepared and is set to be submitted in the coming months. News of greyhound racing making way for housing is nothing new in Birmingham following the closure of Hall Green Stadium back in 2017. A 210-property housing estate now sits in its place off York Road.