Football: Glentoran receive planning permission for Oval redevelopment

Glentoran owner Ali Pour says redevelopmet of The Oval can contribute to the regngetaition of East Belfast.

He was speaking after the club were granted planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of the famous ground by Belfast City Council.

In a statement, Glentoran say the approval represents 'an important step forward in the club’s long-term ambition to redevelop The BetMcLean Oval into a modern, multi-purpose stadium that will not only benefit the club and its supporters, but also the wider community and football across Northern Ireland'.

“Securing planning approval is a major step forward in our plans to redevelop the BetMcLean Oval into a modern, multi-purpose stadium that every Glentoran fan can be proud of and one that has the potential to become Northern Ireland football’s second stadium," says Pour.

“This project reflects my long-term commitment not just to Glentoran, but to the regeneration of east Belfast and the growth of the game across Northern Ireland. It’s a bold, forward-looking vision that combines top-level football facilities with real social and economic impact.”

Subject to securing investment through the Northern Ireland Football Fund, the approved plans would see the demolition of the existing Grandstand and Railway Stand, to be replaced by two modern, all-seater stands, along with the reconfiguration of terracing at both ends of the ground.

The club added that the redeveloped Oval would deliver 'significantly upgraded facilities for up to 6,000 spectators, supporting Glentoran’s senior men’s and women’s teams and their supporters, as well as the club’s boys’ and girls’ Academy squads and Inclusion teams, while also expanding access for wider community use'.

“Having worked closely on the planning application, I know just how much this decision means to everyone involved," added Glentoran Sporting Director Paul Millar.

"It reinforces the strength of our submission to the NI Football Fund and underlines the serious intent behind our plans to deliver a modern stadium that meets the needs of players, supporters and the east Belfast community.”