Aston Villa’s president of business operations, Chris Heck, believes it would be a “bad idea” to pursue plans to expand Villa Park.

The club’s long-term plan had been to build a 50,000-seater stadium, increasing the capacity by eight thousand in time for Villa Park to be a host ground for the Euro 2028 European Championship.

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The proposal was to knock down the North Stand completely over two seasons, with renovations completed the season before Euro 2028, per UEFA guidelines.

However, as The Athletic has investigated, there were several other factors at play in rebuilding Villa Park, with concerns over transport links requiring the West Midlands Combined Authority — made up of 18 local councils — having to generate around £30million ($38.2m) to develop nearby railway station, Witton. UEFA stated it would expect 80 per cent of supporters to travel to Euro 2028 games at Villa Park on public transport. Without redeveloping Witton, this was not anticipated to be feasible.

“I became more concerned we were adding too many seats too fast,” said Heck. “So I do believe it’s important we took a step back and re-evaluate what’s best. I mention this with transportation and the parking. So adding 10,000 seats doesn’t sound practical to me.”

The initial hope was to demolish the North Stand in June 2024, with then chief executive Christian Purlsow announcing plans in April 202 to rebuild the stand and provide a “world-class entertainment venue” known as “Villa Live.” Costs were roughly projected to be around £100million ($125m).

However, revised plans were since drawn up with inflation taking hold and meaning those initial costs were expected to have increased significantly.

“I think it would be a bad idea to tear down one of our stands for two years playing like we are,” said Heck, before outlining new plans. “Going forward, everything should be about all fans.

“We are going to start renovating the warehouse area which is a massive space that we feel can be a hospitality zone and entrainment zone for three thousand fans. We are going to be doing lots of renovation and building at Bodymoor Heath to build our academy and women’s programme and to build more for our first team.

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“We are going to enhance our technology and some of the practical facilities in all four stands at Villa Park. Don’t be surprised if you see our superstore double in size.”

Villa are hopeful this decision will not impact their ability to be a host stadium for Euro 2028 and maintain there are no new plans in place for the construction of a new stadium.

The Athletic has contacted UEFA for comment.

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Rebuilding Villa Park

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)