Work on a revamp of Edgbaston cricket stadium which will provide new space for sports fans and the community has been completed.
The new-look plaza and stadium entrance is part of a wider scheme in partnership with German investor Patrizia which also includes new parking and 375 apartments with commercial space in Pershore Road next to the stadium.
The 'Edgbaston Plaza' has 159,305 sq ft of space, larger than both Centenary Square and Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre.
Its development has seen the previous brick walls along Edgbaston Road, and the building within the former car park, demolished to open up access and views to the stadium.
There are new disabled parking bays and charging points for electric vehicles through the stadium's official energy partner Drax which will be installed shortly.
The project has also seen the relocation of 229 car parking spaces to behind the stadium's Birmingham End.
The work has been completed ahead of this summer's Commonwealth Games when the stadium will play host to the women's T20 cricket competition.
Chief operating officer Craig Flindall said: "When we started this latest phase of the Edgbaston Stadium Masterplan, we had a clear focus on ensuring that the new plaza would be the first stage to complete in order to bring forward the benefits for our community as soon as possible.
"Now that it's part of the stadium footprint, we want to make the plaza one of the beating hearts of Edgbaston.
"Alongside improving the experience for spectators, we want the space to host cultural festivals and events that bring people together from across the city and local community.
"We're very excited about what will follow. Cricket remains central to our offer but conversations are already under way about several other events that could be staged here in the summer and autumn while the new retail opportunities could transform the local food and drink experience.
"We hope to announce further information on our masterplan in the coming months."
The plaza and new apartments have been built by Winvic Construction.
Director Mark Jones added: "We're delighted to have achieved completion of the Edgbaston Plaza on time, in readiness for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and other key cricket fixtures this summer.
"I'd like to thank the team for their hard work over the past year to meet this important project milestone.
"Work continues on site constructing the adjacent built-to-rent apartment scheme and we look forward to handing it over in summer 2023."
Richard Scutt, director of real estate development at Patrizia, said: "The opening of the plaza marks an exciting milestone in delivering our vision for a thriving, year-round destination around Edgbaston stadium together with our partners.
"We want to ensure each of our new residents as well as the wider Edgbaston community enjoys a happy, healthy and sustainable lifestyle and this attractive new landscaped outside space is a fundamental part of our wellbeing offer."
