Football Ground Guide: New UK Stadiums and Stands

On this Developments page are listed all the proposed new football stadiums and stands, that I am aware of for the Premier & Football League Clubs. The page is divided into; firstly, those developments that are currently being built. Secondly, those that are not far off (i.e. within in a season or two, but plans are pretty well advanced). Thirdly those that are on the radar (a bit further off in terms of time, but may well happen) and lastly those where its anyone's guess if the proposals will actually come to fruition. If you know of any others or can give me updates on those below then please e-mail me: duncan@footballgrounds.net.

The Chairman of the Club has announced that the Club are going to construct a 4,000 seat stand at the South End of the stadium. It is believed that this will commence during this Summer. It is unclear at the moment whether this will be a temporary or permanent stand, but either way it will greatly improve the overall look of the stadium. 21.4.13

Barnet

The Club have received permission to build a new stadium at the Clubs' Hive training ground complex in Camrose Road, Edgware, which is just under six miles away from Underhill. Harrow Council have granted a 10 year lease to Barnet to play matches there. The move has also been sanctioned by the Football League.

Barnet have been at Underhill for 105 years but an inability to renew its lease and failed efforts to find a location within Barnet to build a new stadium have meant that the Club has had to look further away. The race is now on for the Club to have the Hive ready to host matches for the start of the 2013/14 season. The Club are planning to construct three stands at the Hive, with a total capacity of 5,100 (3,500 will be seated). 12.2.13

The Club have announced that they are to increase the capacity of stadium:mk to 32,000. This will be achieved by installing seats in the upper tier, which has been largely left empty since the stadium was originally built in 2007. This should have a big positive impact on the overall look of the ground. It is hoped that the seating will be in place before the start of 2013/14 season. The stadium has also been built in such a way that an additional third tier of seating could be added to the stadium, further increasing capacity to over 40,000. 12.07.12

The Club's new owners have indicated that work will re-commence in the close season on the corner between the Rookery and Rous stands. This new area will incorporate mostly corporate facilities. The Club would also at some point like to replace the old unused East Stand. 12.5.13

The Club have signalled their intention to leave Griffin Park and move to a new stadium, with the Club's owner purchasing a potential site at Lionel Road (in-between Kew Bridge Railway Station and the M4), just under two miles away from the present ground. It is believed that the Club will now seek planning permission from Hounslow Council to build a 20,000 capacity stadium, that could also be shared with London Welsh Rugby Club. If things go to plan then Brentford could be kicking off in their new home for the start of the 2016/17 season. 4.4.13

Shown above is an artists impression of how the new stadium may look. This image is shown courtesy of the Brentford FC website.

Bristol Rovers

The Club are progressing with their plans to move to a new stadium, which will be located close to the Avon Ring Road, by the University of the West England (UWE). The 21,700 capacity stadium on the outskirts of Bristol, may also be home to Bristol Rugby Club. The scheme is to be partly funded by the sale of the Memorial Ground to the Sainsbury's supermarket chain. Planning permission for both the new stadium and Sainsbury's has been granted by the local council. It is hoped that works can commence on building the new stadium this Summer with it being open for the start of the 2015/16 season. The stadium will be built in such a way that it can be easily expanded in the future to a larger capacity of 35,000. 29.1.13

The above image is shown courtesy of the UWE Stadium Consultation website, where more information and artists impressions of how the new stadium might look can be found.

The stadium has been built in such a way that it can be easily expanded. This would be achieved by temporarily taking off the roof and adding additional blocks of seating to three sides of the stadium (the Grandstand would remain as it is). Originally it was planned to expand capacity to 32,000, but it is now believed that 35,000 would be feasible. If Cardiff City remain in the Premier League then works could well start at the end of the 2013/14 season. 28.4.13

The Club had been making noises about possibly sharing the London Olympic Stadium with another club. However after the announcement that West Ham United have won the bidding process to move into the Olympic Stadium, it is thought that a ground share will not be offered. In some respects that this may not be a bad thing as the prospect of 4-5,000 Orient fans watching their side play in a 54,000 capacity stadium, hardly sets the heart racing, however having a Premier League Club move into the area can only be a draw on Orient's support base. 23.3.13.

Liverpool

The Club have announced that they are to now concentrate on expanding Anfield into a 60,000 capacity stadium, rather than building a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park. Details of the planned redevelopment have yet to be made public, but is expected that planning permission will be sought early in 2013, with works starting in 2014. 15.10.12

Justin Reeves informs me; 'The club have announced plans to redevelop the Grandstand side of the stadium, which will increase the capacity of Home Park to 27,000. The club has entered into a public consultation period and there seems to be a sense that this time it's actually going to happen. Obviously, after numerous similar announcements over the years, some fans are still skeptical but these new plans seem more concrete (pardon the pun) than previous incarnations and will provide a source for non-match day income for the club'. More information and a mock up photo of how the new stand may look can be found on the Plymouth Argyle FC website. 4.4.13

Adrian Gaffney informs me; 'With new owners in place the Club now hope to finally complete the Lorne Street Stand for the start of the 2013/14 season.' 27.11.12

Club Chairman Tony Fernandes has indicated that the desire to move the Club to a new larger stadium may becoming closer to reality. Like Chelsea the main problem has been in finding a suitable location in London. But recent press speculation has suggested that a positive formal announcement may be soon be forthcoming before the start of the 2013/14 season. 27.4.13

The Club have received planning permission to increase the capacity of the stadium to 38,000. This would involve further extending three sides of the stadium (the West Stand would remain as it is) and replacing the roof and would take around three years to complete. This would be achieved by first by increasing the size of the East Stand, adding around 7,000 additional seats. The following year the North Stand would be extended adding another 3,500 seats and a year later a similar construction would happen at the South end of the stadium. However, it is unclear when work will commence, but the Club's perspective new owners have indicated that this could start at the beginning of the 2013/14 season, if the Club remain in the Premier League. 2.5.12

The Club have announced that they are going to put in a planning application to seek permission to 'fill-in' the corner between the Seddon and Marstons Pedigree (South) Stands. This part of the ground currently houses a large video screen. It is hoped that around 2,000 seats could be installed in this area, increasing the capacity of the Britannia Stadium to over 30,000. 15.11.12

The Club have put in a formal planning application to extend the capacity of the Liberty Stadium to 32,000. The first phase of the developments would see an additional tier being added to the East Stand, increasing the number of seats by 3,844. This would be followed at a later stage with additional tiers being added to both ends of the stadium. No time scales have been announced as to when these developments would take place, but if Swansea maintain their Premier League status next season, then it is highly probable that work on the East Stand would probably start in 2014. 17.4.13

The Club have announced plans to almost completely re-develop the County Ground, into a new modern stadium. Plans are for a 19,000 capacity venue, with a roof design similar looking to the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. The only stand that would remain is the Don Rogers Stand, although Executive Boxes may be added to the rear of it. The other three stands, starting with the Town End, would be redeveloped. This includes the Stratton Bank, which will be roofed and used to house away supporters. It is hoped that works on adding an additional tier to the Town End, could start in the Summer of 2013. Thanks to Gary Stanley for providing me with this information. 31.8.12

Thanks to Gary Stanley for providing me with this information.

West Ham United

After a long drawn out process West Ham have finally been confirmed as the new tenants of the London Olympic Stadium in Stratford, East London. Work will begin on a £160m re-structure of the stadium, which will see its capacity reduced from 80,000 to 54,000. The roof will be extended to cover all of the seating areas and retractable seating brought in to cover the athletics track. The stadium is situated around four miles away from the Boleyn Ground, which will be sold for redevelopment. The Club have signed a 99 year lease and it is now anticipated that the Club will be kicking of in its new home for the beginning of the 2016/17 season. 23.3.13

The Club have announced their intention to bid for the site of the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. If successful the Club would redevelop it with a new 12,000 all seated football ground, which could be expanded to 22,000 at a later stage if required. The Greyhound Stadium is not far from the site of the old Plough Lane ground. It is believed that the Club will face stiff competition from other prospective developers for the land. 8.8.12

Birmingham City

The Club are still weighing up the options as to the possibility of a moving to new stadium or whether to further re-develop St Andrews. If the latter option was chosen then this would involve the re-building of the Main Stand. This would increase the overall capacity of St Andrews to around 36,500 at a cost of around £12m.

Bristol City

The Club have announced that they are intending to move to a new purpose built stadium, based in Ashton Vale (near to the Park & Ride area just off the A370. This is around half a mile away from Ashton Gate). The Club have purchased the land and have received outline planning permission for a 30,000 all seated stadium, comprised of four separate stands. However, no firm timescales have been announced as to when this development might take place. The Club hope to sell the Ashton Gate site to a supermarket chain. A video showing an artists impression of the new stadium can be seen on the BBC Sports website.

Carlisle United

The Club have announced that they are looking at the possibility of leaving Brunton Park and moving to a new stadium. Originally it was proposed that this might be built in the Kingmoor Park area, in North Carlisle (near to Junction 44 of the M6), but this seems to have stalled. More recently moves have been made to find an alternative site that is more centrally located. The proposed capacity of the new stadium is around 12,000. 17.3.13

Chelsea

The Club recently lost out on their bid to takeover the site of the Batteresa Power Station and build upon it a new 60,000 capacity stadium. It remains to be seen now whether the Club continue look for an alternative site for a new stadium or whether they try to further expand the capacity of Stamford Bridge. 7.6.12

Plans for the Club to move to a new stadium have moved a step closer with the announcement from Cheshire East Council, that they in principle have given the 'green light; to the regeneration of Macclesfield town centre. These plans include the provision of a new 7,000 capacity stadium, situated south of the town centre, just a mile away from Moss Rose. Whether these plans can be turned into reality remains to be seen and will ultimately depend on whether the necessary financial backing can be found. 20.1.11

Rotherham United

The stadium has been built in such a way and the necessary foundations have been put in place to further expand the stadium capacity to 20,000. This would be achieved by adding an additional tier to the North, South and East Stands. This may be done in phases; a first to 16,000 and then a second phase to 20,000. 12.5.13

Southend United

After undertaking a public enquiry, full approval had been given for the Club to embark on building a new 22,000 seat stadium at Fossetts Farm, just behind the club’s training ground in Eastern Avenue. The scheme which also planned to feature a hotel, conference facilities, retail opportunities as well as residential accommodation, has been unable to raise the necessary financial backing, so it is unclear at the moment whether it will eventually materialise. Artists impressions of how the new stadium might look can be found on the Southend United website.

Tottenham Hotspur

Following an unsuccessful bid to take over the site of London Olympic Stadium, the Club have resurrected plans to build a new stadium adjacent to White Hart Lane. These plans propose a new 56,250 capacity stadium. However, doubts have now been cast over the viability of this scheme, which would cost in the region of £450m. Some artists impressions of how the new stadium might look can be found on the Tottenham Hotspur FC website. 12.10.11

Wycombe Wanderers

Having had a plan to build new 15.000 capacity stadium, on the current Sports Centre site (next to Junction 4 of the M40), turned down by the local authorities. Then the Club are considering their next move. 10.8.11

New stands

Aston Villa

The Club have received planning permission to re-develop the North Stand. This would involve building a new stand that would extend around the current open corners at that end of the stadium. There are currently no firm timescales as to when this will take place, although it is rumoured that the Club may begin works at the end of the 2011/12 season. When completed the capacity of Villa Park will be increased to 51,000. 03.03.12

Barnsley

Scott Kilner informs me; 'The club are looking to replace the old West Stand. It is anticipated that the new development will be more or less identical to the existing two tiered East Stand. However no firm timescales have been set as to when this might happen'.

Burnley

The club have announced a £20m re-development of Turf Moor. This will involve replacing the David Fishwick Stand with a new 2,500 capacity single tiered stand, that will incorporate some corporate hospitality boxes and will cost in the region of £10m. At the back of this will be built a a new Cricket Pavilion for the neighbouring Cricket Club. A new three tiered glass fronted hospitality block also incorporating new changing rooms for the teams is to be built between the Jimmy McIlroy Stand and James Hargreaves Stands. The second phase of the works will include the re-furbishment of the Bob Lord Stand. Other elements to the scheme involve the building of a hotel, multi-screen cinema and new supporters bar. Away fans will be housed in the lower tier of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand whilst the works take place. The capacity will be around the 22,000 mark. However, due to the current economic climate, the re-development has been put on hold for the time being. Thanks to Kieron Duxbury for providing this information.

Charlton Athletic

Mike Keeler informs me; 'The Club have now got planning permission from Greenwich Council to increase the capacity of the Valley to 30,900. This will involve adding a second tier to the East Stand as well as the 'filling in' of the South East corner of the stadium'. However formal time scales have yet to be announced as to when this will take place.

George Packman adds; 'The Club intend to increase the capacity of the Valley to over 40,000. Following on from the first phase of the scheme, which would see an additional tier added to the East Stand, the Club then intend to re-develop the Jimmy Seed (South) Stand. This would be replaced with a similar looking structure to the existing North Stand. This would result in the Valley becoming totally enclosed and boosting capacity to 37,000. Lastly a third tier could be added to the new South Stand at a later stage, meaning that the Valley would have a final capacity of 40,600'.

Crewe Alexandra

At some point in the future, the club hopes to replace the Blue Bell BMW Stand (formerly known as the Popular Side) with a new two tiered stand, which will also contain executive boxes.

Exeter City

The Club have embarked on a public consultation on their proposals to re-develop the old Grandstand and away terrace. The two new stands (both all seater) would result in an increase in capacity of St James Park to 10,500, with the Grandstand having a capacity of 2,800 and the stand for away fans of 1,690. The new Grandstand would also contain new club offices, corporate facilities and team changing rooms. The scheme would also see the construction of nearby student accommodation and some additional retail units. These would off set the estimated £7m cost of the developments. An artists impression of the proposed re-developed St James Park can be viewed on the 'This Is Devon' website. 11.8.11

The Club have announced plans to build a new covered terrace at the Blackfriars End of the ground. With the existing terrace having to be closed for safety reasons, this has prompted the club to seek a replacement. The Club are seeking the permission of the ground landlords and local council to proceed, as well as hoping to partly fund the development with a grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. The new terrace has a planned capacity of 2,000.

Ipswich Town

The Club would at some point like to re-develop the Cobbold Stand and boost the capacity of the ground to 40,000. However this is unlikely to happen unless the Club established itself once again as a Premier League Club.

Newcastle United

The Club have announced plans to re-develop the Gallowgate End of the stadium. The plans which also include the construction of a new conference centre, hotel and residential apartments, would see the overall capacity of the ground increase to around 60,000. The plans are subject to local authority approval and as of yet no formal timescales as to when this might take place have been announced.

Northampton Town

Kevin Dunn informs me; 'Following the Club's successful bid to buy a 150 year lease on Sixfields Stadium, they have announced that the stadium is to be further developed so that the overall capacity will rise to 15,000. This will mean new North, East & South Stands as well as executive boxes being added to the West Stand. Part of the development will also the feature the building of a hotel behind the South Stand of the stadium. The home end at Northampton's old County Ground was called the Hotel End, so it is quite apt that the stadium will also feature its own Hotel End. It is believed that it will take five years for the plans to be fulfilled.' However, it would appear that the Club do not have the necessary finances in place to go ahead with these developments, so it may be quite a while yet before things come to fruition.

Norwich City

Craig Johnson informs me; 'The Club have announced that if they were to stay in the Premier League for the next two consecutive seasons, then they would look at possibly replacing the Geoffrey Watling City Stand, with a new 12,000 seatstand, raising the overall capacity of Carrow Road to 35,000. There is also still the option to add an additional tier to the Jarrold (South) Stand (the foundations are already in place) which would further raise the capacity of the ground to around 39,000.' 5.8.11

Nottingham Forest

With the failure of the England World Cup bid, plans for a new stadium have been shelved for the time being. The Club may now concentrate instead on re-developing the older Main Stand side of the ground, however nothing is likely to happen on this front, until Forest are successful in gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

Having been thwarted in their efforts to gain permission to build a new stadium, the Club are now looking again at redeveloping Boundary Park. The first stage of this will be to build a new 2,300 capacity stand on the unused side of the ground. It is believed that the Club will seek planning permission for this to take place. 1.9.12

Oxford United

Foundations have been put in place for the future construction of a fourth stand, at the West End of the stadium. However it is unlikely that this will be built for at least a couple of years.

Scunthorpe United

The Club have submitted a planning application to build a new stand at the Study United end of the ground. The proposed stand will be three tiered and will raise the overall capacity of Glanford Park to 11,000. The scheme will also see the provision of conference and leisure facilities. However, this scheme is currently on hold as the Club evaluate the possibility of moving to a new stadium.

Stevenage

The Club have plans to replace the existing terrace at the North end of the ground, with a larger affair, housing some 3,000 supporters. However, no firm time scales have been announced as to when this might take place.

West Bromwich Albion

The Club are believed to be drawing up plans to expand the capacity of the Hawthorns to over 30,000 by either redeveloping or adding an additional tier to the Halfords Lane Stand. 15.4.12

Walsall

The Club have announced that they have been granted planning permission to redevelop the Sign Specialists (William Sharp) end of the ground. The new stand would look similar to the Tile Choice Stand and add 2,300 seats to the stadium, raising the overall capacity to 13,500. It would also mean that up to 4,000 away supporters could be accommodated at that end. The back of the stand will also feature a giant advertising hoarding, clearly visible from the M6. However there are no firm time scales as to when this might actually happen. 1.9.12

Other developments

Chesterfield

The main entrance will shortly be flanked by two tall and thin stainless steel sculptures,designed by Planet Art and local school children, which will represent the twisted spire of St Mary’s church, an image which also adorns the new club crest and gives the clubs its nickname 'Spireites'.

The stadium has sufficient capacity for League One or Two games however should the club fullfil its ambitions to play at Championship level the ground will be expanded, most likely by building new stands in the open corners.

Derby County

The stadium has been built in such a way that an additional tier could be added to three sides of the stadium, namely the North, East and South Stands. This would increase the capacity of Pride Park to around 44,000. However, this is unlikely to happen unless the Club become established in the Premier League.

Sheffield United

The Club have announced their intention to further develop the Kop End of the ground. It has been proposed that the stand be extended backwards, adding around another 3,000 seats to the overall capacity of Bramall Lane. The stand would be cantilevered (so no supporting pillars) with a video screen built into the front of the roof (reminiscent of White Hart Lane). The development would also see some executive boxes added to the back of the Evolution corner, whilst in the corner between the Kop and the South Stand, a business centre would be built. No firm timescales have been announced as to when work might start. An artists impression of how the stand might look can be found on the Sheffield United website.

Sheffield Wednesday

The Club had previously announced plans to increase the capacity at Hillsborough to almost 45,000. This was primarily through the proposed expansion of the Leppings Lane End, including the building of an additional tier and the 'filling in' of the corner between this and the South Stand. This was in the hope that England would win the bid to stage the 2018 World Cup (Hillsborough was listed as one of the potential venues). However the failure of this bid, means that plans have been shelved for the time being. They may be 'dusted off' if the Club gain promotion to the Premier League. 29.1.12

Shrewsbury Town

The stadium has been built in such a way that the corners of the stadium can later be filled with seating, which would raise capacity to around 12,500. However the Club have not announced as to when this will take place.

Sunderland

Kevin Davis informs me; 'The club have secured planning permission to add another 7,200 to the Metro FM (South) Stand, which would take the capacity to 55,000. The club have not yet confirmed when (if ever) they will go ahead with this. If the club then proceed after this to add another tier to the McEwans Stand the the final capacity would be around 64,000'.