June 28 – Premier League Aston Villa has launched a plan to expand the capacity of its Villa Park stadium to more than 50,000 by 2025.
The club also wants to regenerate the area around the stadium to create a more modern landscape and a brand-new commercial and community space called ‘Villa Live.’
Aston Villa have been playing at Villa Park since 1897 when the club took occupation of a 14,000 capacity bowl stadium. Since then the stadium has undergone multiple improvements with the latest being the building of the Trinity Stand in 2001.
Phase one of the plans are to upgrade the North Stand and Trinity Stand, and build the Villa Live centre. The club has launched a community consultation with a deadline of July 24. Feedback will then be incorporated into designs and plans that will then be put before the local authorities for planning approval. The club said that it was already working closely with the local authorities and hopes for a planning decision by the end of 2022.
“The plans will pave the way to create a world-class sporting venue, enabling the club to compete at the very highest level. The ambitious plans also set out the club’s commitment to the local community, creating a destination that can be enjoyed all-year round,” said a Villa statement.
The current seated capacity would increase by about 7,400 additional seats under the proposals. There would also be a major improvement of socialising and socialising and hospitality facilities.
The club said that improvements “will include enhanced views from the stand, dedicated entrances for home and away fans, and the retention of the four distinct stands (a nod to our heritage).
“,,, the architecture will ensure that impact on surrounding areas is minimised while simultaneously maintaining the identity and heritage of Villa Park.”
Included in the plans is a “multipurpose central ‘hub’ space surrounded by retail including the club shop, food and drink offerings, as well as room for an AVFC museum.”
The club have not put a cost on the redevelopment of the stadium or the surrounding parts.
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