New plans announced to almost double size of Vitality Stadium
It's currently the smallest in the Premier League
Bournemouth have announced plans to almost double the size of their Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries want to increase the capacity of the ground to 20,200 seats up from just over 11,200 by August 2027.
It's currently the smallest stadium in the Premier League.
The promise is to 'secure the long-term success and sustainability' of the club, with the upgrade said to represent a 'major milestone' in their history.
It's also part of their journey to be a top performing club in the Premier League.
The mission is to:
- Increase capacity to approximately 20,200
- Enhance the matchday experience
- Achieve full compliance with Premier League and UEFA Standards
- Strengthen community impact
- Implement cost-effective, low-disruption solutions during the redevelopment
Cllr Rich Herrett from BCP Council said: "The Council recognises how valuable AFC Bournemouth is to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with its continued success on the pitch, and their support for our local communities.
"We have a positive relationship with the football club and have enjoyed like many, their recent successes on the pitch.
"We look forward to working with them on their plans to invest in the area and improve the matchday experience for fans at Vitality Stadium, via the appropriate planning and democratic processes."
Under their plan:
- There will be a new stadium perimeter fence line including relocated turnstiles
- There will be a new ticket office
- The existing South Stand will be demolished for a new grandstand
- All four stadium corners will get new seating
- North and East stands wiIl be vertically and horizontally expanded
- There'll be a new fan zone
- A new outside broadcasting area
- Existing floodlights will be relocated
- The pedestrian/cycle route will be partially re-routed
- Car and cycle parking layout optimised
- Vehicle circulation routes amended
You can find out more on the Bournemouth FC website.