What’s New in the West Midlands?
The West Midlands continues to evolve every year, offering the very best experience for event organisers and delegates. Here are a few key developments to look out for:
Ansty Hall
The stunning 17th-century Ansty Hall near Coventry has recently undergone a luxury redevelopment by Exclusive Collection, the UK’s first B-Corp hotel company. A Grade II* listed Georgian mansion, the venue features 62 stylish bedrooms, striking spaces for business events and a focus on low environmental impact, all against the beautiful backdrop of the rolling Warwickshire countryside.
Birmingham Airport
An ambitious masterplan continues to see extensive developments and expansion at Birmingham Airport with the aim of increasing passenger numbers by 40% by 2033. A vastly improved passenger experience will be provided by a terminal extension encompassing a larger departure lounge, improved baggage sortation facilities and an enhanced check-in area.
AvantGlamp at the NEC
One of the UK’s largest glamping resorts will open on the NEC campus in late 2024. Located in woodland overlooking the lake, and a stone’s throw from the the NEC and bp pulse LIVE, the site will include 59 luxury pods each benefitting from keyless entry, an idyllic over-water communal area and complimentary golf buggy transport across the resort. Championing sustainability without compromising on experience, the pods will provide high-quality, flexible and convenient accommodation for both leisure and business visitors.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
The Belfry Hotel & Resort is set to unveil its new flagship event space, The Masters Suite, in September 2025, a month earlier than planned. Spanning 852 sqm, the suite features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light. It can be divided into smaller sections for added flexibility, with a spacious pre-function area, mezzanine, outdoor terrace, and executive boardroom. Located opposite The Green, The Belfry’s outdoor team-building area, this space caters to the diverse needs of clients, organisers, and attendees. With 468 bedrooms and 23 meeting rooms, The Belfry will remain a top choice for meetings and events in the region.
Edgbaston Stadium
Radisson has been announced as Edgbaston Stadium’s hotel partner as part of its award-winning masterplan redevelopment. The proposed Radisson RED Birmingham Edgbaston Stadium (part of the group’s RED lifestyle 4-star brand) will feature 146 rooms, including 85 with pitch-facing balconies. It is expected to be finished by 2027 – in time for that year’s men’s Ashes Test against Australia. Edgbaston Stadium’s event spaces can accommodate 10 to 800 people, with many boasting a panoramic view of the iconic cricket pitch.
New restaurant openings
Already a foodie’s haven with eight Michelin stars and an energetic street food scene, there are lots of exciting new openings on the horizon. BOXPARK Birmingham launches in 2025 in Digbeth, which will see vacant space under four railway arches transformed into a stunning food hall and events destination. Society Birmingham, a food hub focusing on street food, bars and DJs, is also set to open soon in the city’s business district.