2,500 new residential properties, a 170,000 square foot (15,793 m²) entertainment complex and large retail space. An estimated total of 6,000 jobs will be created. Planning history Campaign for a new stadium Plans for a new stadium were aired as early as 2001 and it gained support from many football managers. Sven-Göran Eriksson gave his support and the then-current chairman of Aston Villa Football Club, Doug Ellis, announced that 47 of England's 92 league club chairmen had written to him backing the stadium. However, Ellis' support was subject to the venue being built on a site further south and becoming England's new national stadium. It was eventually overlooked for this honour in favour of a re-built Wembley Stadium in London. Plans develop It was revealed in late 2004 where the sports village would be located, however, not what the proposal would look like. Immediately, David Gold, chairman of Birmingham City F.C., submitted his support for the stadium. In March 2005, Birmingham City Council had a meeting to seek authority for the City Council to enter into an exclusivity agreement. Those at the meeting decided to implement the plan. In May 2005, an image of the stadium was released however the full plans were not. The council again held a meeting to answer and questions and to ease any concerns people had over the proposed stadium. There was confusion over whether this plans were for a new Birmingham City Football Club stadium or for a stadium for the city in general. Plans for two separate stadiums were even considered; one at the NEC and another on the Birmingham Wheels site. The ambitious plans, designed by Populous, were unveiled in October 2005 after talks between the council and Las Vegas Sands. In November 2005, a campaign for support for the stadium and super casino on site was launched. An opinion poll revealed that over 80% were in favour and supportive of the project in the area. This came two months after local councillors said they would object the plan on moral and religious grounds. Stadium setback However, on 20 March 2006 it was announced that the move would be unlikely to happen after Birmingham City Council announced plans to back the bid for a rival casino at the National Exhibition Centre, and not the one at the City of Birmingham Stadium. This was partly as a result of a petition handed to