Blades to submit planning for expanded South Stand
Building design development plans for Sheffield United’s South Stand have been revealed.
Detailed design information is to be submitted to Sheffield City Council following an outline consent originally granted in 2009. Proposals seek to add more than 5,400 seats, new executive boxes and a media centre.
The existing Cherry Street car park area, which currently has 310 spaces, will be replaced by a slightly smaller number of spaces spread between ground and basement level car parks.
The Blades have previously secured an extended outline planning consent for the stand. Key elements of the design, developed with reference to the illustrative images at Outline Planning stage, include the four semi-circular staircase enclosures and large expanses of natural glazing helping to promote an active frontage and flood daylight into the main entrance and triple height conference space behind.
The design looks to celebrate the exposed steelwork supporting the cantilever roof from above, uses high quality profiled steel cladding and areas of red brickwork helping to anchor a building of this scale. Those elements will dictate that the proposal relates back to the local heritage and together with dedicated feature signage zones will ensure it fits perfectly within the masterplan vision for Bramall Lane.
The club, which increasingly uses the stadium for a multitude of non-footballing events, is seeking approval for a new second tier with an additional 5,400 seats with an associated concourse and food/drink kiosks. In addition to this, approximately 250 car parking spaces over two levels, improved facilities for the less abled, new executive facilities, a multi-purpose function room, an exhibition space and a new ticket office are all proposed.
United chief operating officer Andrew Birks said: “This is about the Club planning for the future, seeking an extension of the current planning permissions based on an exciting and extended scheme.
“This is very much about looking ahead following our promotion to the Championship and potentially a place in the highest tier of the English game. We have a rich historical background in the city and within football. Our stadium of the future will reflect this relationship and be capable of contributing to the long-term future of the Blades.”
Architects for the scheme are Sheffield City Region-based Whittam Cox Architects. Chief executive Ashley Turner, said: “Bramall Lane is a significant landmark within the city. We are presenting proposals where high quality and strong development plans are paramount.
“We have taken into consideration influences from the local housing and industrial heritage which have been integrated into an exciting design for the South Stand with a number of stand-out features.”
The club and the architects have consulted closely with officers from the local authority in developing the proposals, acknowledging best practice for landscaping, car parking, movement of supporters at league games, prestigious FA games and events.
Residents in the immediate area of the Stadium are being notified of a display of the plans at a small exhibition in the Legends of the Lane and other areas at Bramall Lane, from December 8. Also, the plans will be showcased on the Club’s website.
Plans are anticipated to be submitted to Sheffield City Council December 2017/ January 2018 and at this early stage an anticipated decision is expected in early Spring 2018.
