Vitality Stadium renovation timing tweak

Image: AFC Bournemouth

English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth is making changes to the summer construction programme for its Vitality Stadium renovation project following a review of the project.

The construction schedule previously announced would have enabled the immediate mobilisation and delivery of a new South Stand lower tier, alongside the associated corner infills, in advance of the 2026/27 season with a projected 1,500 seat capacity increase.

AFC Bournemouth said, however, that based on the potential committee date later in May the Club has taken the decision to re-sequence the programme for the Vitality Stadium renovation project, prioritising deliverability, compliance, operational continuity and safety.

While it represents the most responsible course of action, the Club recognises that the delay will have an impact on supporters.

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 has a capacity to accommodate 11,307 supporters.

The club has now outlined its revised close season priorities for the Vitality Stadium renovation project.
 
It said it will now focus on delivering the agreed enabling works package, which remains critical to the long-term redevelopment of the stadium and aligns with the approved project scope. This will include:

• Establishment of the permanent Outside Broadcast (OB) compound and associated infrastructure
• Service diversions (including utilities and supporting infrastructure)
• Pedestrian and cycle route diversions, ensuring continued safe access and compliance
• Installation of new perimeter fencing and turnstile arrangements
• Delivery of the West Stand wing extensions

 
In parallel, the Club will proceed with key internal upgrades including:

• Refurbishment and enhancement of West Stand hospitality lounges
• Development of new and upgraded East Stand hospitality facilities
• Capacity Enhancements – Two Corner Infills

 
To support incremental capacity growth ahead of the full South Stand redevelopment, the Club will proceed with:

• Construction of the North-West and South-East corner infills
• The re-sequence will result in an enhanced capacity of approximately 800 seats that are projected to be delivered shortly after the 2026/27 season has started.

 

South Stand Strategy

Given the revised programme constraints, the existing South Stand will remain in place for the 2026/27 season, with the intention as follows:

• Commence construction of the South Stand upper tier during the 2026/27 season, subject to planning approval and detailed phasing
• Construction of the South Stand Lower tier will commence after the 2026/27 season.
• This plan will fully integrate with the wider phased redevelopment strategy, ensuring compliance with Premier League requirements and minimising disruption to fixtures.

 
AFC Bournemouth said this revised programme reflects a necessary approach to the change in the planning timetable.

It will work to ensure that critical infrastructure and enabling works are delivered on schedule, while operational performance is protected.

The club added in a statement that the delay of the programme and reduction of incremental capacity from approximately 1,500 to 800 will not allow the club to offer new season tickets for the 26/27 season.

AFC Bournemouth said it remains fully committed to delivering the stadium expansion project in a phased and deliverable manner, including the extended East and North Stands and remaining two corner infills after the 2026/27 season.

The club will continue to work closely with stakeholders to progress the scheme in a structured and responsible way.

The schedule is contingent on the relevant planning permission being granted later in May and construction timelines being achieved.

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