The new 22,500 seater stadium is sited on a steep slope and a large chalk hill. The east stand will comprise two internal floors with one tier of terraced seating with the north stand placed behind one of the goalmouths accommodating supporters with a single tier of seating.
About 4,200 tonnes of structural steelwork has been used in constructing the stadium. The four stands feature traditional steel rakers supporting precast concrete terrace units whereas the main structure made of steel beams comprises concourses, toilets and shops.
The facility will incorporate an undulating and sloping roof with two huge trusses covering above the west and east stands supporting the roof. The north and south stands will be smaller in dimension and will feature more traditional cantilever roofs with all four sides interlinked. The truss will be held in place at both ends by a pair of large, heavily reinforced concrete thrust walls. A ring of steel encompassing the back of the entire stadium will help support the total roof structure.
Some work is still underway on the stadium which includes furniture, fittings, installation of TV screens, the big stadium screens within the bowl and the fit-out to the new club shop. Work is also yet to be completed on the facility’s perimeter areas like the coach park and landscaping. The project is being undertaken by Buckingham Group. The stadium is scheduled to open on 30 July 2011.
