AFC Bournemouth secures approval for £85m Vitality Stadium expansion

AFC Bournemouth has secured planning approval for its £85m Vitality Stadium redevelopment programme, paving the way for phased enabling and construction works ahead of the club’s first-ever European campaign.

The approved expansion will increase the stadium’s capacity from approximately 11,300 seats to more than 20,000, transforming the Premier League’s smallest stadium through a multi-phase redevelopment strategy.

Stadium Structures has already been appointed as pre-construction partner and main contractor for the scheme, having previously delivered hospitality upgrades at the ground.

The redevelopment has been structured to allow AFC Bournemouth to continue playing at the Vitality Stadium throughout construction works.

🏗️ Scope of redevelopment includes:

• demolition and reconstruction of the South Stand

• new 7,000-seat grandstand

• vertical and horizontal expansion of North and East stands

• infill works to all four stadium corners

• hospitality refurbishments and lounge upgrades

• utilities diversions and enabling infrastructure works

• new perimeter fencing and turnstiles

• outside broadcast compound infrastructure

• pedestrian and cycle route modifications

📅 Phased delivery programme

Summer 2026 enabling works

Initial works will focus on:

• utilities diversions

• access and infrastructure changes

• OB compound works

• perimeter and logistics upgrades

• hospitality refurbishments

Early 2026/27 season

• North-West and South-East corner infills

• approximately 800 additional seats delivered

During 2026/27 season

• phased South Stand upper tier construction

Post-2026/27 season

• demolition and rebuild of South Stand lower tier

• final North and East stand expansion works

The revised programme prioritises operational continuity and enabling infrastructure following adjustments to the original planning timeline.

🏗️ ConstructNet Intelligence Overview

The project represents a significant live sports infrastructure redevelopment scheme likely to generate phased subcontract and supply chain opportunities across multiple construction disciplines.

Potential opportunity areas may include:

• structural steelwork

• civils and enabling works

• stadium seating and specialist fit-out

• MEP infrastructure

• fencing and access systems

• temporary works and logistics

• roofing and cladding packages

• surfacing and external works

• hospitality fit-out and interiors

The phased nature of the redevelopment also suggests staggered procurement activity as works progress through different construction stages over multiple seasons.

Large-scale stadium redevelopment continues to remain a growing specialist sector within UK construction, particularly as clubs invest in long-term commercial and operational infrastructure upgrades.

⚠️ ConstructNet Disclaimer

This ConstructNet intelligence brief is based on publicly available planning and development information and ConstructNet analysis. It is provided for business development and market awareness purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, procurement or legal advice. Users should independently verify all project and procurement information before taking action.