Stadium expansion plans revealed
Written by Administrator Friday, 31 July 2009 09:27
SWFC NewsThe exciting plans were last week presented to a delegation from England's World Cup 2018 bid, but supporters were told last night that redevelopments will go ahead whether the England bid is successful or not.
John Rutherford, Hillsborough's Stadium Operations Manager, also elaborated on developing behind the North Stand to include a four-story building housing 'the largest classroom in Europe' as well as new matchday facilities.
A large focus on the new areas of the stadium is with creating inclusive areas for local schools, some of which have already been consulted on certain aspects of the proposals, to ensure all spaces are used on a daily basis and Hillsborough becomes a massive focal point in the community.
Additionally, Corners at the North-West/North-Kop sides of the stadium look set to be filled-in and environmentally friendly solar panels and water recycling facilities also installed in the stadium, which would be increased to a 45,000 capacity.
Interestingly, a bullet-point included in the presentation read: "Investment Imminent - £20million" and John Rutherford laboured this point, but without going into specifics. This led some supporters present to believe that Sheffield Wednesday are indeed close to securing funds to help both with the stadium plans and with additional funds for the squad. The first phase of developments is planned to begin in November, suggesting any such investment really could be imminent.
In terms of Hillsborough securing World Cup venue status for 2018, the presentation detailed a number of impressive potential value-adding features - including incorporating Hillsborough Park as 'part of the stadium' and utilising the space as a huge 'fan zone', as well as adding extra space for increased media presence and other requirements of the World Cup proposals.
can we see what its actually going to look like or hasnt your chairman thought that far ahead yet?
i dont exactly see how this is an improvement apart from 'going green'...you should have a team of volunteers to knock the stadium down and re-build it again, thats the only way itll look better and also if you consider reducing the size instead of increasing then maybe youll fill it ;D
http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/New...57,00.html
take a(another) leaf out of our book, now that would be a good stadium
"including incorporating Hillsborough Park as 'part of the stadium' and utilising the space as a huge 'fan zone', as well as adding extra space for increased media presence and other requirements of the World Cup proposals."
This would be a very good selling point, big screens etc something 'other' land-locked stadiums don't have the pleasure of doing!
I can see why wednesday are on about expanding their stadium as they don't like the idea that the blades will have a bigger capacity stadium than themselves but saying that i'm not going diss wednesday's plans because if & when both clubs go ahead with their respective plans it would be good for the city having two world class stadiums.
Its great to see that investment in the ground is coming, very little has changed for 15 years.
The green credentials and school tie ins are an excellant idea. My only concern is increasing the capacity - we can't fill it now and on average it is only ever half full.
Lets focus on getting the attendances up Wednesday, reduce prices and have 30 thousand turning up each week - now that would encourage positive growth and atmosphere.
"This led some supporters present to believe that Sheffield Wednesday are indeed close to securing funds to help both with the stadium plans and with additional funds for the squad. The first phase of developments is planned to begin in November, suggesting any such investment really could be imminent."
So were the supporters, who believe that Sheffield Wednesday are close to securing funds, told one way or the other if this was true? And if it is true, what is the time scale and source of the investment? I appreciate that the exact source probably cannot be revealed at this stage, but is this a direct result of the work Inner Circle have been undertaking?
we do fill our stadium at weekends and on big matches nearing full capacity. I do think however to gewt more intersest and old supporters back in the stadium we should reduce the cost of the tickets slightly especially in this current climate. Also I sincerly hope that they have not used piggylane as inspiration for nground set up. We would never hear the end of it. Please3 PLEASE can we have some visualos of new layout, and also need to do work on surrounding area as pretty dull at min
