Ashton Gate Stadium Redevelopment

Client: Bristol Sport Ltd
Location: Bristol
Discipline(s):

Ashton Gate Stadium in the south-west of Bristol has been the home of Bristol City Football Club for over one hundred years. In 2014 they were joined by Bristol Rugby Club just as Bristol Sport started construction on an ambitious redevelopment of the 20,000 all-seated stadium.

In early 2013 we were appointed to lead a team to develop the design for a substantial rebuild on three sides of the existing stadium, taking the capacity to 26,500. The design incorporates hotel standard banqueting and conferencing facilities. The three main stands (two new, one redeveloped) are now linked by a continuous fans concourse which is also designed to function as one continuous or three separate exhibition hall(s). The design and finish of the concourse areas has been upgraded in a separate fit out contract, to provide bespoke areas for fans, whilst also enhancing these areas for exhibitions and other non-match day uses.

This project has been driven by the business case with an emphasis on achieving its’ target ROI. The ability to generate revenue seven days a week was imperative. We developed the procurement strategy which had to ensure that the stadium stayed fully operational throughout. Construction work was phased to eliminate access and logistics constraints where parts of the stadium are landlocked.

The project has been delivered in three phases over a two year period. During this time the use of the stadium effectively doubled, and the 2014/2015 football season turned out to be one of Bristol City’s best in recent years with a consequent increase in demand for seats. It has included the installation of a heated DESSO pitch (hybrid grass and synthetic fibre) to accommodate the demands of playing football and rugby on the same pitch without compromising the quality of the surface. The completed facilities provide a significant improvement in the matchday experience for both sets of fans.

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