Edgeley Park overhaul on the table

The redevelopment of Stockport County’s stadium towards a capacity of 20,000 is now open for examination by the public.

Now back in the Football League under the ownership of Select Property Group founder Mark Stott, the club made public earlier this year its intention to redevelop Edgeley Park in support of its long-term growth plans.

In February, a 250-year lease was agreed with the council.

The main elements are the development of completely new stands on the eastern Railway End and along the southern side, currently known as the Together Stand. The new stands will be similar in height to the Cheadle End, which will be untouched.

Plans are also in development for the northern Bergara Stand to be extended to run the length of the touchline on the traditional “main stand” side. There will also be up to 30,000 sq ft of flexible workspace in the proposed East Stand.

This is the first of two stages of consultation for the project and will include events for local residents and the club’s supporters to view the emerging plans and offer feedback.

Ken Knott, County’s non-executive chairman, said: “Edgeley Park has been our home since 1902 and the Club has been a key part of the community in Stockport for 120 years.

“With our ambition to play Championship football once again, we’ve got a real opportunity to invest in the stadium and create not just the sporting facilities we need, but to create a ripple effect reaching further into Stockport itself, boosting the town and its economy.

“We know promotion to the Championship will take some time and delivering the emerging plans will also take time; by proposing to deliver new stands in phases, culminating in a final capacity of approximately 20,000 seats, we can reduce the impact on the Club and our neighbours, while still playing at home.”

Following consultation, the club – which has already spent £3m+ on improvements at the ground – wants to submit plans at the end of this year, in the form of outline plans for the whole scheme and detailed plans for the East Stand scheme, which could start in summer 2023, replacing the current open end of the ground.

Drop-in sessions are to be held at Edgeley Park on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 September, and for three hours before Stockport’s home game on 1 October.

Information can also be accessed on the consultation website.