Villa Park Redevelopment

[chrisw1]

They're putting it in the upper Holte.  I think that's what has been stated before anyway, it's certainly something MOMS has said.

[Percy McCarthy]

Thats about it in terms of size, the extra seats come from installing rail seats.

Can you fit more with rail seats ?

From what I remember, it depends on how they're installed ... but potentially you can up to a 50% capacity boost.

The up to is the thing there, though.  Fortunately to go from 50k to 60k you're looking at, what, an extra 20% ... so it might be possible but I'd guess would need extensive rail seating to be installed.

I think that is wrong.

In the UK they are only allowed on a 1:1 basis.

Read that somewhere the other day.

I think they were/are on a 1:1 basis for the trial, and as PWS said there's other factors, e.g. amenities, which restrict the capacity.


However, Telford Athletics Club are building rail seats on a 1:1.6 basis - a 60% increase Vs seating: https://www.fercoseating.com/projects/sports/telford-athletics-club
(Ferco seem to be the main supplier of rail seating in the UK)

This suggests that there might be an upper limit of 1:1.8 (80% increase) based on the current capacity guidelines for terracing in the lower leagues: https://www.safestandingroadshow.co.uk/the-case-for-safe-standing/case-for-3

Now, I'd guess reaching the theoretical maximum (1:1.8 ) might be difficult bordering on impossible, just because you've got more rails, have to be able to convert it to seating etc. But it's conceivable that - provided the club were willing to put the investment in (which they seem to be) then a 60% increase, like Telford, might be possible. They might need to be willing to go as far as potentially gutting the innards of, say, the Witton Lane and Holte End to do that though, to deal with the safety issues.


But it's quite enticing to think that a 20k+ capacity Holte End might be on the cards... and not completely out of the question

Purslow mentioned 1:1.8 when the plans were announced.

[Des Little]

Christian 1:1.8 could be a chapter of the Bible

[exigo]

They're putting it in the upper Holte.  I think that's what has been stated before anyway, it's certainly something MOMS has said.

It's definitely planned for the upper. Probably because there's more concourse space up there with the split level.
Without moving the Holte Suite, not sure you'd get significantly more people into the lower concourse safely.

[TonyD]

New single tier Holte with rail seats.  20k.
It makes sense. 

[not3bad]

I like the addition of greenery at the rear of the North Stand. I think we should also be looking to incorporate wildlife areas around the villa live building.

Definitely doable: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/18/barcelona-football-camp-nou-stadium-animal-inhabitants-wildlife?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[chrisw1]

New single tier Holte with rail seats.  20k.
It makes sense. 

They won't be doing this.

[chrisw1]

Purslow mentioned 1:1.8 when the plans were announced.

I'm sure I've heard similar.  I presume the only way to do this would be to regrade the concrete steps so the rows are closer together to squeeze more in.  No way could 18 people stand where 10 seats are in the current rows, we're shoulder to shoulder already.

[amfy]

Purslow mentioned 1:1.8 when the plans were announced.

I'm sure I've heard similar.  I presume the only way to do this would be to regrade the concrete steps so the rows are closer together to squeeze more in.  No way could 18 people stand where 10 seats are in the current rows, we're shoulder to shoulder already.

They can’t make the rows closer together because there will still be pull down seats for the games that require seats. They’d maybe make the rows slightly wider if anything - people stand one behind the other.

[VILLA MOLE]

I think a reset in the Witton Lane would be the best option if possible.  After the North stand it is the next Stand that needs a proper upgrade 

[rob_bridge]

I think a reset in the Witton Lane would be the best option if possible.  After the North stand it is the next Stand that needs a proper upgrade

Agree - the upper especially is a very good viewing experience. Not much else.

[London Villan]

I don't think the demolition of the Witton is on the cards. That would mean changes to the road layout, buying houses etc. None of that has been mentioned in the long-term master plan. Once the North is rebuilt the footprint of the ground won't change. All of the improvements will happen within the current footprint and within the current stand structures.

[VILLA MOLE]

They will need some creative thinking to have the witton lane upgraded to a decent level

[Percy McCarthy]

I don't think the demolition of the Witton is on the cards. That would mean changes to the road layout, buying houses etc. None of that has been mentioned in the long-term master plan. Once the North is rebuilt the footprint of the ground won't change. All of the improvements will happen within the current footprint and within the current stand structures.

I suppose it depends on the waiting list once we can hold 53,000.

[London Villan]

The master-plan is 60,000 - but that will be reached by the introduction of safe-standing, not by any new stands.

The Holte End has the space to improve the concourses, but how they'll increase the capacity of the Witton Lane - particularly the upper - without improving facilities hasn't been outlined yet.