The plans involve raising the land level at the old Guest & Chrimes foundry site in the centre of Rotherham by two metres to allow the stadium development to begin. Localised spots will require up to three metres of upfilling with the total upfilling earthworks comprising an area of approximately 16 acres in size.
Approximately 54,000 cubic metres of material will be transported to the site from two sources, and the work is expected to last for a period of nine weeks.
Designed by S&P, the 12,000-seat Rotherham United FC stadium received the outline planning permission in early 2011. The bowl shaped stadium will feature additional seats and corporate and exhibition space, and will also seat 120 disabled. A prominent feature of the stadium will be the West Stand, which is 21 metre high going down in 1.5 metre sections to the North and South stands to the East stand. This stand at its lowest point is 10.5 metre high.
The East stand features a flat roof, which projects out onto the riverside, above the concessions and kiosks below. The flat roof can double up as a terrace. The design also allows for the addition of further 3, 844 seats, including 100 disabled, at the North and South stands in future.
Floodlighting is alongside the face of the West stand and on columns on each corner of the East stand. A space for 400 cars with 10 coaches and cycle parking is also featured. Corporate and exhibition spaces will be set-up on the first and second floors of the West stand. This space can be used for a variety of events, exhibitions and banqueting. About eight offices and VIP rooms will be featured on the second floor.
The stadium is expected to be ready by August 2012. It is set to be developed by Gleeds and GMI Construction.
Besides allowing the stadium development, the work is also needed to provide flood alleviation measures along the boundary of the site as it is a “medium risk” flood zone.
