Elsewhere in the region flagship projects, such as the major regeneration work taking place at Aston Villa FC, the creation of Birmingham’s new Sports Quarter, the expansion of elite training facilities, and the growth of community sports hubs, are reshaping urban landscapes and creating new economic opportunities. 

Sports-led regeneration is playing - and will continue to play - a key role in driving growth and wellbeing across the region.

The Centre for the New Midlands is heading to Edgbaston, the home of Warwickshire Cricket Club, for its next conference - Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport.

The conference is taking place from 9am until 5pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and will explore how sport is much more than a game, how it can revitalise neighbourhoods, boost skills and employment, attract inward investment, and foster civic pride.

It will focus on what the region could and should be doing to make sure it capitalises on the huge opportunities presented through the rise of sports regeneration across the West Midlands.

The conference programme has been curated by a steering group of sports and infrastructure experts from across the West Midlands region.  

For further information go to https://www.beyondthesport.co.uk/programme/