At DME Tyres Ltd, we’re proud to play our part in one of Birmingham’s most exciting regeneration projects — the transformation of the former Birmingham Wheels site into the new Birmingham City Stadium and wider sports quarter. As long-standing supporters of Birmingham City FC, this project is especially close to our hearts, and we’re delighted to be contributing to a development that means so much to the club, its fans, and the wider community.
On 23rd June 2025, our team officially began work on-site, leading the safe removal and recycling of waste tyres — the very first step in preparing the land for its next chapter. This marks the beginning of a new era for the site, laying the foundations for a project that will transform the landscape of Birmingham.
Birmingham Wheels: A Brief History & Future
- Pre-1960s – The land at Bordesley Green was originally used for allotments and local community purposes before being repurposed for sporting use.
- 1960s – Birmingham Wheels first opens, becoming a hub for motorsport and wheeled activities such as karting, stock car racing, and drifting.
- 1970s–2000s – The site thrives as a grassroots motorsport venue, attracting families, enthusiasts, and local communities for decades.
- October 2021 – After almost 60 years of use, Birmingham Wheels officially closes, leaving behind disused facilities and waste including thousands of tyres.
- April 2024 – Birmingham City Football Club, backed by Knighthead Capital Management, purchases the 48-acre site, paving the way for its transformation into a brand-new Sports Quarter and future home of Birmingham City Stadium.
- June 2024 – An arson attack on a disused building at the site triggered a fire that spread to nearby tyres. Fortunately, only a small number were affected before fire crews brought it under control. Had it spread deeper into the tyre stockpiles, the outcome could have been devastating for the environment, with toxic smoke and pollution lasting weeks or even months.
- 23rd June 2025 – DME Tyres Ltd begins work on site, leading the safe removal and recycling of tyres as the first step in preparing the land for redevelopment.
- The Future – The site is set to be transformed into a world-class Sports Quarter, anchored by a proposed 60,000-seat stadium with a retractable pitch. The plans also include a new academy base, training facilities, and community pitches, alongside commercial spaces, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The project is expected to create over 8,000 jobs and contribute up to £450 million a year to Birmingham’s economy by 2035. Improved transport links, including a new Metro tram connection, will link the site with the city centre, HS2, and Birmingham Airport — making it one of the most connected sporting destinations in the UK.
Why This Project Matters
The regeneration of the area is not only about building a new stadium, but about giving the city a fresh start on a piece of land with a long sporting legacy. Before that can happen, the site must be cleared safely and responsibly — including the removal of thousands of old and abandoned tyres.
That’s where DME Tyres Ltd comes in. With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record in large-scale tyre recycling projects, we are powering progress for this landmark development. To date, we have already removed more than 25,000 car and go-kart tyres and 2,500 truck tyres, transporting all waste to our licensed facility for recycling.
Our Role in the Project
- Collection — using our large fleet of GPS-tracked vehicles, we’re carefully removing tyres from across the site.
- Recycling & Treatment — every tyre collected is transported to our fully licensed Burntwood facility, where it is safely shredded and processed for reuse.
- Compliance & Safety — as a fully licensed and permitted operator, every tyre is accompanied by a waste transfer note, ensuring full legal compliance.
- Sustainability — tyres from this project are being recycled into PAS107 quality products, used worldwide in industries such as construction, cement production, and sports surfaces.
Leading the Way: Why DME Tyres Ltd Sets the Standard
A project of this scale and importance requires a partner with the expertise, infrastructure, and compliance to do the job right. DME Tyres Ltd was selected because:
- We operate a large fleet of HGVs and vans, all GPS-tracked and equipped with up-to-date driver communication systems, giving us the capacity to handle projects of any size.
- We operate under a full Environment Agency site licence, ensuring all tyres are stored, processed, and recycled in line with strict legal and environmental standards.
- Our facility is designed for safe storage, with dedicated tyre areas, fire prevention measures, and round-the-clock monitoring.
- We hold multiple industry accreditations, including ISO 14001:2015 environmental accreditation, WAMITAB qualified staff, and membership in the Tyre Recovery Association and Responsible Recycler Scheme.
- The tyres we recycle are turned into PAS107 quality products, trusted worldwide in industries such as construction, cement production, and sports surfaces.
By meeting and exceeding compliance requirements, DME Tyres Ltd provides complete peace of mind to project partners — ensuring tyres are managed safely, sustainably, and responsibly from start to finish.
Driving Excellence in Tyre Recycling
This project highlights why it is so important to work with a fully licensed operator. Poorly managed tyres are not just an eyesore — they’re a serious fire hazard, capable of burning for weeks or even months and releasing toxic smoke that damages both health and the environment. By choosing DME Tyres Ltd, Birmingham City Council and its partners know the site is being cleared in a way that is safe, legal, and environmentally responsible.
A Message from Our Director, Ken Plaster
“As a lifelong Birmingham City supporter, it’s a tremendous honour for DME Tyres Ltd to play a key role in this landmark project for the club. I’m incredibly proud that our work is not only supporting the club but also inspiring the fans and creating lasting benefits for the wider Birmingham community for generations to come.
For us, clearing the old Birmingham Wheels site isn’t only about waste management — it’s about revitalising the land, championing sustainability, and powering Birmingham’s future with a positive legacy.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of our hardworking staff, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their dedication to this project.”
— Ken Plaster, Director, DME Tyres Ltd