Blades kick on with ground redevelopment
SHEFFIELD United’s proposals to redevelop its Bramall Lane stadium have been given the green light.
The go-ahead by Sheffield City Council’s planning committee is a significant step forward for the Blades as the Championship football club continues to expand.
United’s application for the first phase of the redevelopment will see an increase in the size of the club’s Frasers Property Kop, taking the overall capacity of Bramall Lane to 37,000.
Jason Rockett, Sheffield United’s chief executive, said: “This is positive progress in continuing our strategy to expand the facilities at Bramall Lane.
“It forms part of our extensive business plan which aims to increase income streams for reinvestment into the first-team.
“This is very much the first phase of our proposed redevelopment plans of the stadium and we intend to submit further proposals in the coming weeks.
“As a club we continue to recognise that success on the pitch is of paramount importance and goes hand in hand with the development of the off the field business.”
United’s redevelopment of the Kop will include removing the columns, a new concourse offering modern kiosks and toilet facilities, new executive boxes, community and educational facilities, as well as improved services for disabled supporters which will be built in the Evolution Corner Stand.
United are also looking to build a second business enterprise centre between the Kop and South Stand.
The existing Blades Enterprise Centre continues to be 95% let and last year had a turnover of £1.1m. It is hoped a second centre would allow companies who have outgrown the existing centre to expand and remain at Bramall Lane.
The Blades recently began consultations with local residents and supporters over phase two of its long-term redevelopment strategy.
Proposals include extending the size of the club’s South Stand with a purpose built exhibition and conference centre, as well as additional commercial, corporate and banqueting facilities. A new ticket office and club shop will also be created.
This could eventually see Bramall Lane capacity extended to 44,000.
