Aston Villa launches consultation on plans for the expansion of Villa Park

Aston Villa Football Club has launched a pre-application planning consultation on the first phase of its long-term vision for Villa Park and the surrounding area. The plans will pave the way to create a world-class sporting venue, enabling the club to compete at the very highest level. The ambitious plans also set out the club’s commitment to the local community, creating a destination that can be enjoyed all-year round.

The first phase of the plans includes a brand-new North Stand connecting into Trinity Stand, and enhancements to the existing Trinity Stand which will see capacity for the stadium increase to over 50,000. The development will also see significant improvements to fan experience through an upgraded food and beverage offering, enhanced hospitality packages, improved connectivity and more.

The plans will also see the introduction of Villa Live, a brand-new commercial destination venue and community space. Villa Live will be a multi-purpose central ‘hub’ space, including the club shop, food and drink outlets and areas dedicated to showing the club’s rich heritage and history. Aston Villa is asking the local community to help shape the story for Villa Live, from a calming space for new parents, an active area for dance classes to an event space for training and education, the aim is to create a thriving and active community unique to Villa Park.

The space around the new North Stand and along Witton Lane will also be transformed, creating a dynamic public space which can be enjoyed by all. The improvements will include better connections through Villa Park (connecting Aston Park and the Trinity Road entrance), enhanced street lighting and wayfinding, and the introduction of places to sit and socialise through new landscaping. The first phase of improvements to Villa Park are estimated to take place from 2023 through to 2025.

The 2022 edition of ALSD International is being hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium September 19-20, the main focus being optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions. Architecture & Design, Fan Experience, Hospitality & Interiors, Premium Seating, Sales & Service, Sustainability and Technology are some of the key pillars.

Running from 28^th June 2022 for a four-week period, the pre-planning application consultation comprises of a survey and a series of community drop-in sessions to capture the views of local residents and businesses. The consultation is a core part of the planning process, and the results will be used to inform design development and the planning application, which the club will submit later this summer.