Portsmouth Dockland Stadium

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = Portsmouth Dockland Stadium
nickname = |

caption = Artist's rendition of the proposed stadium
location = Horsea Island
broke_ground = Unknown
opened = Autumn 2011 (expected)
closed =
demolished =
owner = Unknown
operator = Unknown
surface = Unknown
construction_cost = £600 Million (estimate)
architect = Herzog and De Meuron
former_names =
tenants = Portsmouth F.C. (EPL) (starting in 2011)
seating_capacity = ~36,000 (expected)

Portsmouth Dockland Stadium was the codename for a future football stadium to be located in Portsmouth, England. The stadium was expected to have a capacity of 36,000 people. The stadium would have been built on reclaimed land from the Portsmouth Harbour and would be located near the city's naval base. Portsmouth F.C.'s previous stadium, Fratton Park, would be demolished to make way for 750 new homes to be built on the site.

Design

The architects of the new Portsmouth Dockland Stadium were Herzog & de Meuron, renowned for their design of the Allianz Arena and Beijing National Stadium. Along with the stadium, and housing on the old Fratton Park site, there were plans for approximately 1500 new apartments, plus restaurants and cafes. Portsmouth F.C. will also be building a new training facility, to be located at Titchfield. Portsmouth F.C. Chief Executive Peter Storrie stated "Portsmouth is moving into a new dawn with the backing of owner Alexandre Gaydamak and these are very exciting times for the club both on and off the field. The new stadium, along with plans for the club's new training ground at Titchfield, is proof of where we want Pompey to be - playing at the highest level and in a stadium that is reflective of a top Premiership side."

Cost

The new stadium was expected to cost £600 million, which would have been funded by Portsmouth FC and Sellar Property Group. The sale of the new houses on the old Fratton Park site will provide most of the funds needed.

Construction

Portsmouth Dockland Stadium is in planning, however planning applications for the project are expected to be submitted in Autumn 2007. Should planning applications be successful, reclamation of the land could begin in Summer 2008. Actual construction of the stadium could begin mid 2008, and the new stadium is expected to be complete in time for the 2011 season.

Renderings

While the stadium is still in the planning stages, several images have been released by Portsmouth FC. These are viewable on the [http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/?cms_ref=home Portsmouth FC website] .

Location change

Due to the Royal Navy using the area at which the Portsmouth Dockland Stadium would be built as a base for military aircraft carriers, Portsmouth FC have been forced to relocate the stadium plans elsewhere. The revised plan is for the stadium to be built on nearby Horsea Island. On 18th March, Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie announced that the stadium plans were well on track, with a planning application being handed to Portsmouth City Council in June.

External links

* [http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/?cms_ref=home Portsmouth FC website]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/6591049.stm BBC Sport article on the stadium]

See also

* Ground improvements at English football Stadia