Pompey have stripped out seats in South Stand lower as part of ongoing work to update Fratton Park. Picture: Robin Jones - Digital SouthPompey have stripped out seats in South Stand lower as part of ongoing work to update Fratton Park. Picture: Robin Jones - Digital South
Pompey have stripped out seats in South Stand lower as part of ongoing work to update Fratton Park. Picture: Robin Jones - Digital South

LATEST: How redevelopment work is progressing at Portsmouth's Fratton Park as £11.5m project continues

Rotherham’s visit signalled the first Fratton Park match in 24 days – and also the chance for fans to glimpse ongoing ground redevelopment.

Since the goalless draw against Wycombe last month, work has commenced on the third phase of the £11.5m project.

Current focus is on the South Stand, with those present on Tuesday night likely to have noticed the lower section has been stripped of its seating.

Work began on April 4, affecting approximately 200 season-ticket holders, who have subsequently been relocated to other parts of the ground.

This will stretch from the middle of the South Stand, positioned over the existing lower section to provide a continuous tier, while revitalising the existing Archibald Leitch truss.

A wider concourse will then be created under the structure, where the lower section seating was previously situated.

The work is scheduled to be completed ahead of the 2022-23 season, which kicks-off on Saturday, July 30.

However, a test event is required before the revamped South Stand can be opened fully, with a home pre-season friendly likely to serve such a purpose.

This would then give the Blues more time to carry out additional improvements, if required

Meanwhile, work is continuing in the North Stand, where seating in the A-E blocks of the lower section are on track to be completed next month.

Focus will then switch to the F-K blocks over the summer, with work expected to finish before the start of the 2022-23 season.

Some 600 new seats will be added, along with 12 new spaces for wheelchair users, and an increase in toilet facilities for female supporters.

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Work began on April 4, affecting approximately 200 season-ticket holders, who have subsequently been relocated to other parts of the ground.

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