GALLERY | Southport unveils plans for new stadium
Southport FC has revealed plans for a major overhaul of its Haig Avenue stadium, designed by architect FWP, which forms part of the club’s ambition to win promotion to the Football League.
The focal point of the plan will be major works to its stadium on Haig Avenue, called the Merseyrail Community Stadium, which is set to include a refurbishment of the main stand and extensive works to the ground both inside and out.
Three of the terraces will be replaced with new stands while new community and hospitality facilities also form part of the proposals.
A planning application for the upgraded new stand will be submitted this month, and an application for the remainder of the works is expected to be submitted in autumn this year.
Works to the main stand, which will cost between £400,000 and £450,000, are due to start in April, subject to planning, and complete in July. Funding will be provided by a Football Foundation grant of £210,000 and a sponsorship deal of £240,000.
Overall the project is expected to cost £1.2m, which includes both works to the stands, groundworks, and interior fit-out, and alongside the grants will largely be funded by the club’s owners.
It is hoped the full stadium, which will have a capacity of around 6,000 with 3,300 seated, will be complete in time for the start of the 2019/20 season.
The club’s chief executive Natalie Atkinson said: “The overall and long term vision of Southport Football Club is to continue building a local football club that is both successful and sustainable on and of the football pitch.
We are aspiring to be back in the football league and achieve the status of being the focal football club of the town.
“From the achievement of this vision, we also aspire to build state of the art facilities whereby our teams, fans, supporters and community have an unforgettable experience and continue to support the football club.
“With this success we aim to attract more fans from the communities of Southport which will in turn boost the investment into the sustainability of the club.”
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