Stanley progresses stadium redevelopment
Accrington Stanley FC has appointed specialist football stadia architect Frank Whittle Partnership to design the redevelopment of its Wham Stadium.
The club’s new owner Andy Holt, who took control in October, has said the move hailed a new era at the League Two club.
Holt has agreed terms with Hyndburn Council on a 50-year lease and has submitted plans to begin the first phase of the proposed development, a new 1,500 capacity all-seater stand down the Whinney Hill side of the ground.
The present stadium has a capacity of just over 5,000 and that figure is planned to remain the same under the redevelopment plan.
Holt said: “We have been working together with the council and local community and looking at a substantial investment that will improve the entire area.
“We will create community facilities that should make the whole area something the people of Accrington can be proud of.
“It will be also a major boost for football fans coming to the Wham Stadium and improve their match day experience.”
Neil Ainsworth, partner at FWP, is leading the design team on the project. He said: “We are all excited by the potential to create a modern, vibrant new home for one of the most instantly recognised names in the footballing world.
“Having designed and built around 60 new stadiums and facilities for clubs up and down the leagues and the country, we know what works best for each club and how to make the new ground a real asset to the club, its fans and the town.”