New stand to include sports, spectator, conference and leisure facilities
Stevenage FC were last night granted planning permission by Stevenage Borough Council to embark on ambitious plans to transform The Lamex Stadium with the creation of a new landmark North Stand.
The work will see the demolition of the existing 645-capacity North Stand and construction of a new two-story structure, holding 1,546 seats, to including sports, spectator, conference, meeting and leisure facilities, including medical use.
Stevenage FC chairman Phil Wallace said “This is an important moment for us, a pivotal period in our history. The current view of the Club from the main A602 sends a message to the thousands that pass it every day. A message that says we may be in the Football League, but our Club is still small time and the town’s football club is rooted in the past. Inside it’s even worse – simply awful facilities, open to the elements, that have no place in a modern stadium. I commend the Council for having the vision to back our plans and now we can move forwards.
"Stevenage FC is evolving both on and off the pitch as we attract more fans to our games. On the pitch we have a new vision under Teddy Sheringham. Off the pitch our community involvement is ever growing and this redevelopment plan is testament to our ambition to have a modern day football stadium, for the benefit of the community.
"This proposal offers the Club the chance to create a multi-purpose facility to drive forward much needed non-match day revenues, so that we may survive and prosper in the Football League. We also recognise that we have a vital role to play in putting the town on the map and a new North Stand is an essential requirement for the Club and the local community as it will greatly enhance the visual gateway to Stevenage.
"Our intention is to introduce top class, premium conference and banqueting facilities as an integral part of the development and we have additional plans to hopefully introduce other new innovations. The new North Stand will, we hope, inspire people. It will create jobs for local people and appeal to the entire community.
"It’s a little early to talk about timescales, but I’d really like to get started on this scheme before the end of the Summer, so that we may be able to open a new stand in the Summer of 2016."
Tickets are available now in-store and online at www.borotickets.co.uk for Stevenage's two remaining home pre-season friendlies against Millwall (Sat 25th July, 3pm) and Spurs XI (Saturday 1st August, 3pm). Click HERE for more information.
Season ticket applications also continue to fly in as Stevenage fans pledge their support for the new 2015/16 season under the new management of Teddy Sheringham. For the full information on prices, the many season ticket holder benefits, the different ways to apply and payment options (including how to pay in monthly instalments), take a look at our Season Ticket Brochure HERE or click on the image below.