Aston Villa Football Club has launched a consultation for plans to expand its Villa Park stadium.
Phase one of the plan involves a new North Stand connecting into the existing Trinity Stand, as well as enhancements to the Trinity Stand, to take stadium capacity to above 50,000. Current capacity at Villa Park is 42,875.
The proposed expansion is part of a bid to host UEFA matches. The club also hopes to host European Championship matches if England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are successful in their joint bid to host the competition in 2028.
New commercial venue
The club also wants to build a new commercial venue and community space called Villa Live. The ‘hub’ space would include a club shop, food and drink outlets, and areas dedicated to its heritage and history.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa FC proposes to create a new public space around the North Stand and along Witton Lane. The improvements promise better connections through Villa Park, enhanced street lighting and wayfinding. And the club plans to introduce new places to sit and socialise through new landscaping. The aim is for the first phase of improvements to take place from 2023 through to 2025.
A four-week consultation will run from 28 June 2022.
Feedback important
Christian Purslow, CEO of Aston Villa FC, said: “We are excited to share our vision for Villa Park to become a world-class sporting venue and thriving community destination. It is important that we gain the feedback of our local community, fans, and organisations. We want them to play a key role in shaping the next chapter in Villa Park’s illustrious history.
“The redevelopment of the stadium is vital to the club to satisfy growing demand. By elevating the hospitality offering at Villa Park, we want to enhance the matchday experience and create a year-round entertainment venue.”
