English Championship football club Sheffield United has unveiled development plans for the South Stand at its Bramall Lane stadium.
Proposals to add more than 5,400 seats, new executive boxes and a media centre have been submitted to Sheffield City Council following an outline consent originally granted for the 32,700-capacity venue in 2009.
Detailed design information has also been released, with plans to replace the existing Cherry Street car park area with ground and basement level car parks.
Sheffield United, which uses the stadium for many non-footballing events, is seeking approval for a new second tier with an additional 5,400 seats with an associated concourse and food/drink kiosks.
In addition to this, 250 car parking spaces over two levels, improved facilities for the disabled, new executive facilities, a multi-purpose function room, an exhibition space and a new ticket office are all proposed.
The club’s chief operating officer Andrew Birks said: “This is about the club planning for the future, seeking an extension of the current planning permissions based on an exciting and extended scheme.
“This is very much about looking ahead following our promotion to the Championship and potentially a place in the highest tier of the English game. We have a rich historical background in the city and within football. Our stadium of the future will reflect this relationship and be capable of contributing to the long-term future of the Blades.”
The club and Whittam Cox Architects have consulted with officers from the local authority in developing the proposals, acknowledging best practice for landscaping, car parking, movement of supporters at league games, Football Association games and events.
Residents in the immediate area of the stadium are being notified of a display of the plans at a small exhibition in the Legends of the Lane and other areas at Bramall Lane, from December 8.
Whittam Cox Architects chief executive Ashley Turner said: “Bramall Lane is a significant landmark within the city. We are presenting proposals where high quality and strong development plans are paramount.
“We have taken into consideration influences from the local housing and industrial heritage which have been integrated into an exciting design for the South Stand with a number of stand-out features.”
Image: Hawksworthm
