Stadia by GL events, experts in installation of stadium seats and stadium construction, were live on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire last month to discuss key factors around planning for the development of a new build stadium.
On the agenda, were factors that clubs, developers, and consultants must acknowledge to gain strategic and operational guidance, in order to succeed in the process of stadium construction. Parties aware of such factors will be far better placed to address potential issues during development.
As the above recording is testament, some of the key considerations around planning for new build stadium construction include:
Size of land required
The size of a site will vary considerably according to the nature of the stadium project and capacity; it should be large enough to accommodate all spectators. Each row of seats is typically one meter and follows the perimeter of the pitch. “It’s simple, but the greater the required seating capacity, the greater the size of land required,” according to Tyron Harris, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Stadia by GL events.
Collaboration with all parties
Planning to construct a new stadium requires close collaboration with experienced experts such as architects and engineers etc. to help manage the highly complicated and technical process in a timely manner, and in accordance with established standards. These experts will be responsible for important decisions which will help determine the success of the stadium project.
Detailed documents
Preparation of documentation and drawings is required to detail the scope of the project, address key issues, and meet legal requirements and local authority criteria. Some documents include such reports: highways, ecology, ground investigations and sustainability, etc. which will be required before planning approval is obtained.“If receptive to the planners, we would perform a comprehensive planning condition. This would involve an architect transferring a detailed drawing to an engineer, who would examine the foundations and structure,” commented, Tyron Harris.
Minimising environmental impact
Prior to a site being chosen to construct a new stadium, a major challenge is the environmental impact on the surrounding area. If a greenfield site in the country were to be considered, ecological problems would arise. As a result, immediate ecological reports and wildlife assessments would be conducted within this area. As part of this process, substitute sites can be identified and studied thoroughly before a decision is made on the final site.
Timescales
All relevant procedures in a stadium project need to be carefully planned within specific dates and milestones. Non-compliance with these timescales may result in unexpected delays. “Planning could approximately take between six months to a year in our experience,” said Tyron Harris. “Stadium construction could take up to eighteen to twenty-four months, depending on many variables that need to be considered”.
Stadia by GL events is at hand to offer a no-obligation stadium audit, where our experts will visit you to discuss your requirements. For more details, or to arrange a visit, please get in touch with Simon Wake or call 01332 408 263.
