As part of club’s wider business plan to improve all aspects of its operations, the renovation of the stadium aims to improve the matchday expeirence of its supporters. The plans also include developing Hillsborough into a hub of activity for the local community on non-match days.
The club plans to increase the capacity of the stadium to 44,825 seats. The pillars are to be removed and a new roof structure will be build for the Kop and the West Stand.
The stadium will also include a new learning zone in the West Stand overlooking the pitch. The North Stand will be extended to create a classroom and enterprise zones for use by local business and community organization.
New corporate facilities will also be added featuring 17 new executive boxes in the North Stand. The stadium will also showcase improved stadium access and increased car parking spaces. The new plans aim at offering better premises to spectators.
The club also aims at making the stadium a ‘green stadium’ through rainwater harvesting and solar cell technology to power learning zones. These plans will create a facility that has the interests of the club, supporters and the wider community at its core. These plans work in parallel with the club’s aim to be chosen by the FA as a potential host ground for their World Cup 2018 bid.
An outline planning application has already been presented to Sheffield City Council for the redevelopment. Initial developments will cost GBP9.8 million ($16.21 million approx) and help strengthen Sheffield’s case as a candidate host city for World Cup 2018, while the full scheme will cost around GBP22 million ($36.40 million approx) with funding coming from a combination of increased club revenue streams and government grants.
The target date for completion of the new look Hillsborough is the end of 2013.
