Fratton Park redevelopment plans under scrutiny by Portsmouth councillors
A MAJOR redevelopment at Fratton Park could create a ‘far better fan experience’ with work ‘ready to start’ if the plans win approval.
Proposals for a multi-million pound regeneration of Portsmouth Football Club’s home are set to be considered by city councillors next week.
If approved the Milton End stand on the eastern side of the stadium will undergo a regeneration including new turnstiles and entrances.
There will also be a reconstruction of the boundary wall along Specks Lane, and a new disability lift and toilet block.
Improvements will also increase the stand's seating capacity from 2,100 to 3,200 – with the ground's capacity then up to 20,000 – and provide disabled seating.
Pompey's chief executive officer, Mark Catlin, said: ‘It's another exciting step along the way of our overall plans not just for the stadium but for the wider area.
'We are all extremely excited to get this going as soon as possible.
‘It will be a lot safer for fans, will give a lot more flexibility and create far better fan experience.
‘And for the first time it will allow disabled fans to sit with their own supporters for the same club. At the moment away supporters have to sit with the home fans.’
It comes as the club is working with local stakeholders including the city council and train companies to improve access to the stadium for fans.
Mr Catlin added: ‘If we are given the complete confidence from the stakeholders that improvements can be made we are ready to start.
‘Everything else we've done has been to keep the club running from a health and safety perspective. This will be something permanent.'
Deputy leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: ‘We are always happy to work with and support the football club in any applications that mean the club will be able to thrive and be successful in the future. We have to do that within the planning system and any funding that may or may not be available.
‘Nobody has contacted me with concerns about it, it seems to have plenty of support and the plans seem appropriate.’
A decision on the plans will be made during a virtual planning committee meeting on Wednesday, August 12.