On Thursday 30 May 2002, the 1st day of the nPower Test Match between England and Sri Lanka, the stand will be re-opened by Jackie Rawlinson, the daughter of the late Eric Hollies. At around 10.20 am, before the start of play at 11.00 am, Mrs Rawlinson will be invited by Club Chairman, MJK Smith, to unveil a plaque and declare the stand officially open.

The redeveloped stand has a dramatic new roof and an extra 1300 seats in what is the most popular spectator area of the ground. This increases the capacity at the ground to 21000 and further enhances Edgbaston's position as the premier test venue outside of London.

The innovative design by architects Bryant Priest Newman and engineers Price & Myers, both firms were part of the team that designed the award winning new indoor cricket centre, provides spectators with a variety of new facilities. These include new stair access, increased concourse space, new toilets including provision for the disabled, a new covered area for food, drink and merchandise, increased seating under cover, much improved disabled access and new tip-up seating.

The work has been carried out by locally based Interserve Building and the contract administered by Birmingham company, Francis Graves Limited. Financial. Financial support has been received from Sport England in the form of a £200,000 `Safer Sports Ground Programme' grant towards a total cost of £2.1 million.

The Club's Development Manager, Phil Macdonald said "This refurbishment is part of a programme of major improvements at Edgbaston which will ensure that we can provide the very best facilities for our members and cricket followers to watch domestic and international cricket in Birmingham."

Warwickshire's Chief Executive, Dennis Amiss said " With interest in international cricket increasing all the time this development will enable us to cater for greater crowds in increased comfort and safety. The additional capacity will give a wider audience the opportunity to experience the thrill of international cricket here at Edgbaston."

© Warwickshire CCC