Southampton FC has been given the green light to develop new fan zones and big screens outside St Mary’s Stadium ahead of the club’s Premier League return.
Southampton’s city council has approved plans that are aimed to improve the experience for fans on match days. The development would feature a stage with large screens, food and drink stalls and a 4G playing area.
Work on the development has already begin, and club officials anticipate that the big screens could be used to broadcast other sporting events this summer, such as the Paris Olympics.
However, the changes will result in the loss of about half of the stadium’s parking spaces, including disabled ones. On-site car parking will be reduced from 237 standard spaces and 57 disabled spaces to 106 and 30, respectively.
Planning officers from Southampton City Council have now approved the proposals, which were submitted in April. Initial plans included a reduction of cycle storage spaces, however the council insisted this should be dropped.
A report by the case officer said: “The proposed use would enhance the offer at the football club which is a valuable asset to the city centre. The use itself is complementary to the club and subject to securing the appropriate mitigation, will not harm residential amenity.”
Earlier this year Southampton unveiled plans to install a new safe standing area in the Northam Stand at St Mary’s Stadium. Plans were developed to improve the fan experience following a survey of club supporters.
St Mary’s Stadium opened in August 2001 after being built for £32m (€37m/($40.5m) and has a capacity of 32,384.
