Conneally Group’s Post

Wrexham AFC prepare to submit updated designs for the Kop Stand Wrexham AFC’s review is now suitably advanced to allow the progression to the next stage of the ambitious plans for the development of the STōK Cae Ras. This progress follows the issuing of a new brief and subsequent appointment of Populous, as its Architect to create a masterplan to future-proof the stadium. The Club will submit revised designs for the new 5,500 capacity Kop Stand to Wrexham County Borough Council at the beginning of February 2025. The objective remains for the Kop Stand to be completed in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament that is being hosted in Wales in the summer of 2026.  The new Kop Stand, together with other works being planned at the STōK Cae Ras, will make the Stadium fully compliant with UEFA Category 4 Stadium standards allowing it to serve as a venue for other international events. Wrexham AFC CEO, Michael Williamson, said: “The submission of the revised designs for the new Kop Stand is a major milestone for this hugely important project and an intense period of activity will follow in the coming months to complete the new Stand for summer 2026.  “Whilst the revised design utilises the original footprint and volume of the earlier approved design, we have strived over these past few months with our partners and design team to masterplan the STōK Cae Ras with the Kop Stand as the first phase. We want to create a stadium which is authentic, organic and in keeping with Wrexham. The design will therefore emphasise materials that reflect the strong heritage and character of Wrexham.  “By incorporating authentic materials, that are locally sourced wherever possible, we will create a sense of place that resonates with the city’s history and identity, ensuring the building is rooted in its environment, both visually and culturally.” Declan Sharkey, Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, said: “We are privileged to be working on the design of the new Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras. Our aim is to create a design that is unique to Wrexham, amplifying the atmosphere created by the club’s passionate fans and making them proud to call it home. We envisage a stand that will be a monument for the club and the city, representing the tradition and community that lie at its heart.” Wrexham AFC have assembled a design team of global external consultants and contractors to work with Populous (Architects), including Gardiner & Theobald LLP (Project Management and Cost Management), Savills (Planning Consultants) and Buro Happold (Engineers). For the full story, go to: https://lnkd.in/eqBNb-PP Charlie Brooks #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #stadia #SportsVenueBusiness #SVBLIVE Sports Venue Business SVB LIVE The Sports Networker John Sheehan David Hall

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? 🏟️⚽ At Lytle Associates Architects, we’re thrilled to be the Stadium Design Consultant for the Isthmian Football League, but what does that mean exactly? We are here to help, with our comprehensive services and wealth of experience to bring your next project to life: • 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: Setting a clear, viable strategy that is right for you and your clubs future development. • 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴: High quality stands to your desired Stadium Accreditation Criteria. • 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Working with you to design welcoming spaces which can maximise use by club members or the community.  • 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: If whether upgrading your existing or installing a new natural or artificial grass pitch, we can help you with relevant permissions and certifications to the relevant FIFA Quality Standards. • 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀: Working with you to identify possible new facilities which can maximise your site though community usage. • 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Helping you to upgrade your existing or to install new facilities to meet your desired Stadium Accreditation Criteria, including space for Match Officials and Physios. • 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Helping you to identify different funding routes that may be available to you through our trusted consultants. • 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: We can work with you to identify parcels of land on your site which could be utilised for further development to release funding for your future projects. Interested in taking your club’s development to the next level? Let’s talk about how we can support your vision! 📩 📞 Contact us today to explore how we can help: • opullan@lytle-associates.com • 01483 301661 The Isthmian Football League Limited Surrey FA Football Foundation Football & Stadium Management #LytleAssociates #stadium #stadiumdesignconsultant #footballstrategy #Architecture #clubdevelopment #IsthmianLeague #nonleague #stadiumdesign #sportsinfrastructure #footballdevelopment #footballfacilities #facilitymanagement #sportsarchitecture #footballfacilitydevelopment #groundgrading #stadiumaccreditationcriteria

In May 2024, Bromley Football Club won the National League Play-Off Final on penalties, securing promotion to the Football League for the first time in their 132-year history. With only 100 days between winning the final and their first-ever home game in the Football League, Bromley FC's EFL requirement to convert their artificial pitch to natural turf was a project that needed efficient and experienced management to meet the tight deadlines. The club appointed OBI Sports to fully tender and procure the project within two weeks, with a one-and-a-half-week construction timeline for Chappelow Sports Turf, followed by Jordans Sports Ground Solutions implementing the maintenance. Because the club had been using an artificial pitch for the past seven years, they needed a surface that could withstand the use of their men's and women's teams as well as London City Linonesses. The solution to this was to use a HERO Hybrid carpet, which was installed County Turf. This video, which features interviews with Bromley COO Jeff Hutton, Head of Stadium Operations and Facilities Ben Gregory and Chappelows Director Ben Chappelow, takes an in-depth look at the project.

Excellent article from Jeremy Williams Sustainability in football, the global sport of choice is really important. It is great to see the plans for Luton Town Football Club incorporating green/environmental measures to reduce climate emissions and promoting environmental sustainability as which I assume is supporting Luton Borough Council #NetZero ambitions

Luton Borough Council’s planning committee has approved Luton Town Football Club's plans to build a 25,000-capacity stadium. Luton Town FC’s development company, 2020 Developments, submitted the application for the Power Court Stadium in September. The scheme is part of larger plans to instigate “major and long-lasting regeneration” for the town centre. The hybrid planning application includes details for the Power Court Stadium and also an updated outline submission for an adjacent hotel and music venue. The development sits within a wider 20-acre site owned by 2020 Developments, which in turn will involve new areas of high-quality public realm, 1,200 apartments and new commercial areas. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edz3bysg #Stadium #Football #Sport Gary Sweet,

The Fall 2024 issue of “Build It Right” is now available online. It covers sports design and construction with technical articles, news, and updates for members and the industry. Take advantage of this valuable resource now >>> https://lnkd.in/ePpC7ecP #ASBA #sportsbuilders #sportsconstruction #BuildItRight

If you missed our webinar last week - here is the recording. Alex Jones Sam Parkinson and I discuss our experiences of common problems arising in construction works to sports stadiums and how all parties can protect their position and minimise risk. #webinar #walkermorris #sports #sportsconstruction #stadiumconstruction

Brisbane’s ageing Gabba should be rebuilt for the Olympic and Paralympic Games despite major challenges with the site’s size and disruption to commuters and sporting codes, an urban planner says. A panel leading the government’s 100-day review into 2032 Games infrastructure will consider the viability of a rebuilt Gabba, despite momentum building for a new stadium at Victoria Park. Urban planner and Griffith lecturer Professor Tony Matthews argued the Gabba was the ideal stadium fit the needs of the Olympics. #brisbane #brisbane2032 #olympics

With 1.1 million visitors and counting: Australian Open relies on a growing footprint to put on activities and draw in a range of people not necessarily there for the tennis, as Tom Larner says. Craig Tiley wants to expand the Open. In a broadcast age, when 99% of the Open’s audience is overseas, that footprint also matters for branding, says ASPECT Studios’ Adam Kiekebosch. But that takes space and planning - and it’s a lesson for organisers of Brisbane 2032. Architects and planners including Caroline Stalker say that thinking needs to be baked in to the #Olympics plans now. It’s not a given, however. #infrastructure #design #urbanplanning #businessofsport The Australian Financial Review https://lnkd.in/gaf-gjti

Sporting clubs in Alkimos and Butler have a state-of-the-art facility to call home, following the official opening of the new Halesworth Park Pavilion last week. The pavilion provides clubs with a host of modern and accessible mixed-use amenities, including change rooms, a kitchen, and a kiosk that caters to local sporting clubs and the general community. The City received $5 million in funding from the Federal Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and the Arts, $2 million from the State Government, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, $1.27 million from LWP Property Group and $980,000 from the WA Department of Education to support this project. Read more: ow.ly/WzAQ50UtR4C