Stockport Council has approved plans for a new fan zone at Edgeley Park, home of League Two football club Stockport County.
The fan zone will be able to cater for up to 1,500 fans and will be built as Stockport enjoys high attendance figures following promotion back to the English Football League (EFL) after an 11-year absence.
It is hoped the area, named County Courtyard, will ease congestion around the stadium, which has a capacity of 10,841. The zone will feature three shipping containers and a stretch tent providing cover from the rain, with additional seating to be provided for fans.
The zone will offer craft beers, pies and street food from around the world. Once opened, the space will create at least 20 new jobs.
County chief executive Jonathan Vaughan said: “We’re delighted that Stockport Council has approved plans for the County fan zone, we know that creating a fantastic matchday experience goes beyond what happens on the pitch and we need to do everything we can to welcome fans into Edgeley Park and keep them coming back.
“This planning approval allows further investment into the ground which not only adds to the fan experience but brings new jobs and helps drive County’s progress on the pitch.”
Work on the fan zone will now begin and it is expected to be finished before the end of the year. Further announcements will be made ahead of the official launch.
In September, Stockport set out its vision to redevelop Edgeley Park into a 20,000-seat stadium as part of its long-term ambition to return to the second-tier Championship.
Edgeley Park has served as the club’s home since 1902.
