Birmingham City’s home ground has been designated as an Asset of Community Value, giving fans the chance to take control of the stadium should the current owners plan to sell one of the club’s remaining saleable assets.

Fans' group the Blues Trust announced the listing of St Andrew’s under the 2011 Localism Act, recognising the stadium’s importance to the local community.

The listing will last for five years and, unless there is a successful appeal, means that Birmingham City Council would require notification of any proposed sale of the ground.

The council will then notify Blues Trust of the sale who, along with other community groups, would be given a period of six months to bid to purchase the nominated land.

The Localism Act describes an ACV as “a building, or other land, is an asset of community value if its main use is, or has recently been, to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and it could do so in the future.”

St Andrew's
St Andrew's has been Birmingham City's home since 1906

Trust chairman Steve McCarthy said: “We are delighted that Birmingham City Council agrees that St Andrew’s holds a special place in the local community and with the people of Birmingham.

''We’d also like to thank the council for the support they have shown throughout the application process.

“Under the Asset of Community Value status, there is now a legal obligation to alert Blues Trust of a potential change to our stadium’s primary use, therefore providing a six-month period in which a significant opportunity exists for the local community to prepare to bid to take control of the stadium should they desire.

''There is no obligation for the owners to accept such a bid, however this listing provides community groups with both the time and opportunity to enter the bidding process.

''It is important that St Andrew’s continues to be the home of Birmingham City Football Club for many generations to come. It’s ours, and will always be ours.”

Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “I fully understand the concerns of Blues fans about the future of the club.

"This will go some way to giving fans a better understanding about what the future may hold, if a situation ever arose that saw St Andrew’s put up for sale.

“The legislation used for such listing decisions is new and complex. We wanted to make sure we got this right, so I hope those seeking the listing understand why it has taken some time to reach this point.”

In a statement, Blues said: "The club has noted Birmingham City Council's decision, which will have no impact on day-to-day operations.

"The club's holding company, Birmingham International Holdings Ltd, will now study the impact this decision may have on the sale of the club to any prospective buyers."