Sheffield United has submitted exciting plans to redevelop its Bramall Lane stadium.
The submission to Sheffield City Council follows more than 18 months consultation with the local community, supporters and planners since originally unveiling the masterplan for the comprehensive redevelopment of the stadium in 2007.
Phase one includes the extension of the Frasers Property Kop to increase its capacity by more than 3,200 seats, which coupled with other additional seating plans could increase the ground capacity to almost 37,000.
The development proposals also include the removal of columns from the Kop, a new undercover concourse with modern kiosks and toilet facilities, new executive boxes and disabled facilities in the Evolution Corner Stand, a media/business centre between the Valad Stand and Kop and additional community amenities.
A student residential block will be developed on the corner of Shoreham Street and John Street.
A further planning application for phase two of the development is expected in the near future. It is understood these proposals will include the extension of the Valad Stand and development of the car park, ultimately taking the potential capacity to above 40,000.
The proposals are intended to provide the club with the flexibility to increase the capacity of the ground, given its ambition to return to the Premier League and will enhance the ability to generate additional revenues which can be ploughed back into the first team.
United chief executive, Jason Rockett, said: “We have been working on the masterplan for more than three years in order to provide a comprehensive medium to long term strategy for the expansion of the stadium and to continue to grow off field revenue streams.
“Given the complexity of any stadium development, it is important to be well prepared in order to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and not stagnate as a business. Any proposals obviously depend on success on the pitch which remains the club’s key focus.
“As we saw in the Premier League before, there was the demand for the additional capacity.”
Sheffield United was the 11th best supported team in the Premier League in 2006-07. The club’s ongoing commitment to provide affordable football and policy for fans for the future has enabled it to increase its supporter base over the last few years and this is intended to continue.
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