Premier League club AFC Bournemouth has welcomed BCP Council’s decision to approve the club’s Vitality Stadium expansion plans.
The BBC said Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council unanimously approved the club’s plans to increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 20,000 seats on Friday.
The approval represents a major milestone in the club’s long-term commitment to Bournemouth, the local community and the future of top-flight football at Vitality Stadium.
The proposed redevelopment will support the club’s ambition to increase stadium capacity, improve the supporter experience and enhance facilities for fans, players, staff and partners.
Under the club’s proposals, the south stand would be demolished and rebuilt, while the north and east stands would be expanded and corners infilled to provide more than 9,000 additional seats and hospitality facilities.
The wider scheme also includes significant public realm and infrastructure improvements around the stadium campus, including enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, landscaping and improved accessibility.
AFC Bournemouth is a professional association football club based in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England (UK). The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
Dean Court, currently known as the Vitality Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England (UK) and is the home ground of the AFC Bournemouth. The stadium currently has a capacity to accommodate 11,307 supporters.
AFC Bournemouth said it remains committed to continued engagement with residents, supporters, local businesses and stakeholders as the project progresses through its next phases.
The club believes the Vitality Stadium expansion plans will further strengthen Bournemouth’s profile nationally and internationally, while supporting the local economy and creating long-term community benefit.
The Cherries will play in European competition for the first time in their history next season, after finishing sixth in the league – their highest ever placing.
AFC Bournemouth chairman and owner, Bill Foley, said, “The granting of planning permission is a major step forward in our vision for the future of this football club and the wider community.
“This project is about far more than a stadium. It is about strengthening our connection with supporters, investing in the local area, and ensuring AFC Bournemouth can continue to compete and grow at the highest level both on and off the pitch.
“I’d like to thank BCP Council and the planning committee for their efforts over the past year. We are proud of what has been achieved so far, and this approval represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for everyone connected with the club.”
BCP Council leader Millie Earl said the club’s progress on the pitch had “now been matched” by the “significant milestone off it”. Redevelopment work is expected to begin in the summer.
She said the club’s success was a source of pride for many and the stadium redevelopment would ensure its investment would be kept at the heart of town.
Earl said, “The redevelopment of the stadium will create jobs for local people, enhance our national profile, attract visitors, give more fans a chance to secure tickets and will increase local spending in the town.
“This work has helped shape a scheme that delivers not just for the club, but for the wider community, and ensures that the benefits are felt far beyond matchdays.”
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