Stoke stadium regeneration in the big league of construction
Award-winning construction company Andrew Scott has begun work revamping Stoke City Football Club’s home ground.
As part of a £6m contract, Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium – formerly the Britannia Stadium – will be modernised, increasing its current capacity of 27,902 to more than 30,000, which will be welcome news for football fans as they look forward to the 2017-18 season.
The expansion work, which commenced in February 2017, is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the new season in August 2017.
The works will be the first major transformation project to be completed at the Premier League club’s Bet365 Stadium since its doors officially opened back in 1997.
“The successful delivery of stadia and major sports projects forms a key part of our construction strategy,” said Mark Bowen, managing director at Andrew Scott.
“Working in partnership with Stoke City FC, this contract will become another example of our expertise and pedigree in this sector.”
This high-profile project comes in the wake of a string of other stadium projects –in fact, Andrew Scott has been building its stadia expertise for the past 100 years.
The company has led the development of sports and leisure facilities including the Partick Thistle Stadium (1910), Cardiff Arms Park (1960), the 2010 Ryder Cup Clubhouse at the Celtic Manor Resort, Swansea City Football Club’s training facilities, Parc Y Scarlets Stadium in Llanelli, the Ageas Bowl for Hampshire County Cricket Club and Rodney Parade for the Gwent Dragons in Newport.
During this particular contract for Stoke City Football Club, a number of expansion and improvement works will take place over a sixmonth period.
Mr Bowen explained: “Just under 17,000 seats will be replaced, whilst the south-east corner of the ground will be filled in.
“In addition to this, additional disabled bays will be introduced in line with the latest Accessible Stadia Guide recommendations.
“The stadium’s existing big screen will be replaced with two LED big screens, controlled from a new media centre as part of the upgrade, offering a view of all the matchday action for supporters at the southeast and north-west corners of the ground.
“The expansion of the Bet365 stadium will create an exceptional spectator experience to rival the best in the Premier League,” concluded Mr Bowen.