Feature

Plymouth Argyle unveils stadium expansion plans

English League Two football club Plymouth Argyle has revealed plans to redevelop its Home Park stadium.

A new conferencing and banqueting centre, as well as an expansion of the grandstand, will form a major part of the renovation of the stadium, which has a current capacity of 17,441.

The fourth-tier outfit said in a statement that the development would largely be funded by a £4.1m (€4.7m/$5m) loan to the club from director Simon Hallett and his wife Jane. Co-owner Hallett will also buy 900,000 more shares in the club, while fellow director Richard Holliday will purchase 65,000 new shares.

Plymouth also confirmed that all existing loans from shareholders James Brent, the club’s chairman, Tony Wrathall and Hallett would be converted into equity to reduce the overall debt levels of the club and allow for the redevelopment of the New Mayflower and conferencing centre. All revenues generated from these facilities will be owned by the club.

No date has been set for the start or completion of the project, although Plymouth intends on commencing work as soon as planning permission is received. A fans working group will be set up by the club to discuss plans for the grandstand expansion.

Brent said: “Today is a further important and exciting milestone for Argyle, as we continue to move from the last chapter of recovery to a new one of significant and sustainable improvement. 

“The redevelopment and expansion of the grandstand and new conference centre will provide 21st century hospitality for our supporters and material additional revenues – match-day and non match-day – to invest into the club and team. We will increase the attendance capacity for today and preserve the ability to further increase in the future. 

'The other members of the board and I thank Simon and his wife, Jane, for all that they have done for Argyle and for the further major investment they are making.” 

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