Stockport County lodges phased stadium expansion plans
Fresh off the back of another promotion, the Hatters are pressing ahead with plans to add just around 7,000 seats to Edgeley Park.
EFL League Two winner Stockport County has submitted plans to increase the capacity of its stadium from 10,852 to 18,305.
The initial phase would see 600 seats added to the eastern side of the North Stand – also known as the Danny Bergara Stand – and the creation of a new East Stand.
The replacement East Stand, which is currently uncovered, would see the capacity at this end of the ground increase from 1,366 to 4,449.
The North Stand’s historic brick frontage along Hardcastle Road – a strong visual identifier for the club – would be retained and repaired.
In the longer term, the upwardly mobile club also wants to redevelop the South Stand, increasing its capacity to 5,500 as well as delivering new food and beverage and hospitality facilities.
The final element would be a western extension to the North Stand, providing another 600 seats.
Full consent is sought for phase one and outline permission for phase two.
Asteer Planning is advising the club on its plans. FWP is the architect.
Subject to securing planning permission, the club is hoping to begin work on the North Stand eastern extension in early 2025.
The redevelopment of Edgeley Park could boost attendance by up to 150,000 fans a year, the club claims.
Ken Knott, non-executive chairman at Stockport County, said: ‘‘This is a very exciting time for the club as we continue to go from strength to strength, both on and off the field.
“We have outlined our ambition to reach the Championship and have already taken great strides towards reaching this goal, but ultimately, we believe that the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park is crucial to support the continued growth of the Club and providing a platform for future success.”
To learn more about the application search reference number DC/092211 on Stockport Council’s planning portal.
Three sides of the ground would be enhanced in the scheme. Credit: Vita
The development, refurbishment and expansion of Edgeley Park is now a matter of urgency as the 10,000+ capacity is no longer adequate.
With County on an almost inevitable upward trajectory, and given that almost every indicator points to the huge economic, social, and health and well-being benefits to a town having a successful football club, this remodelling of the stadium cannot come quickly enough.
Well done to County for submitting such carefully thought out and coherent plans which will ensure huge benefits to Edgeley, the town, the borough, and the wider catchment area that extends into Cheshire, the High Peak, and some other neighbouring areas of GM; the plans give cause for very few areas of concern, and even cover things like possible effects of glare affecting pilots 90 seconds from Manchester Airport (there are none).
The alternative to the development of Stockport County is stagnation and then the almost inevitable decline and then slide out of the EFL following the well-trodden path of Macclesfield, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale and others.
There is almost universal approval for these plans, and particular plaudits to County owner Mark Stott for his vision, huge financial input, listening to the voices at consultation, and above all, his ability to get things done.
By AltPoV
As a local resident who has to put up with disruption when county play and concerts are held I oppose this proposal. Stockport needs more housing and shops not more disruption to our daily lives.
By Anonymous
@Anonymous, June 24, 2024 at 9:22 am
Was the football ground not already there when you moved in?
Stockport definitely needs more housing. It doesn’t necessarily need more shops – those’ll come as the market responds to demand from the extra population. It does need new social facilities to support the extra population. It also needs the bouyancy and good vibes that come with having a successful football team. The economic impact that results from having thousands of visitors landing in the local area and spending money once or more every fortnight during the football season is fantastic for local businesses and provides an economic uplift that makes providing things like social infrastructure more viable.
By Anonymous
Can you add the planning application reference to the article please?
I’m not a football fan but I live in Edgeley and have no problem with the club expanding – most fans are well behaved and spend in local pubs and shops – sunny match days are when Castle Street is at its best!
My only concern is the club not doing enough to get fans there by public transport. Edgeley is right next to one of the region’s best-connected train stations so why is the area flooded with cars every match day?
The council are looking at a resident’s permit scheme, but the club should do their bit too. Find out where your fans are driving from and lay on some matchday coaches and minibuses?
By W
Hi W – I have updated the article to include the reference number, but for ease I’ll put it here too: DC/092211
By Julia Hatmaker
Where is the car parking for all these extra fans if you live in this area. On match days you dare not move your car as there is no chance of parking near your own premises
By Peter
I live in Disley now and always use public transport to get to the matches, more should do the same.
By Pablo
The loss of green space next to the south stand to allow for more parking should not be acceptable. Neither is opening up this side of the stadium for pedestrians which would be harmful to the amenity of neighbouring residents due to the noise and disturbance.
By Anonymous