Stockport County fan zone approved

The Hatters supporters will soon be able to gather for a pre-match drink just behind Edgeley Park’s south stand.

Plans for a Stockport County fan zone have been approved by Stockport Council. The application for the fan zone, known as County Courtyard, was submitted by Asteer Planning.

When complete later this year, County Courtyard will have three shipping containers and a tent. Up to 1,500 fans will be able to indulge in craft beers, pies, and street food from vendors.

The fan zone will also have toilets and baby-changing facilities.

County Courtyard was designed by shipping container experts WhiteCrate, which also worked on Hatch in Manchester, Altrincham Market, and Liverpool FC’s Street Food.

“We’re delighted that Stockport Council has approved plans for the County Fan Zone,” said Jonathan Vaughan, chief executive of Stockport County.

“We know that creating a fantastic matchday experience goes beyond what happens on the pitch and we need to do everything we can to welcome fans into Edgeley Park and keep them coming back,” Vaughan continued.

“This planning approval allows further investment into the ground which not only adds to the fan experience but brings new jobs and helps drive Stockport County’s progress on the pitch.”

County Courtyard is the first phase of Stockport County’s plans to expand and improve Edgeley Park. Other plans include a new East Stand and South Stand, which would raise capacity at the ground by more than 7,000 seats. Read more about the stadium expansion proposals.

County Courtyard’s planning application reference number with Stockport Council is DC/086583. Stockport County is owned by Mark Stott, who is the founder of property developer Vita Group.