Construction work to improve access for disabled fans and increase the capacity of Stoke City FC's home stadium by 1,800 will begin imminently.
Additional disabled bays will be incorporated at the bet365 Stadium and improvements will be made to the current mid-terrace disabled bays, which will be fitted with riser platforms and wheelchair lifts.
In addition, a high-level wheelchair platform will be installed in the North West corner of the venue above its Delilah’s Bar.
Work will be completed in time for the start of the 2017/18 season, meaning that the stadium will comply with the Accessible Stadia Guide.
In 2015, the Premier League made a commitment that all its clubs would be compliant with the guide by the start of the 2017/18 season.
However, accessibility campaigner and chair of Level Playing Field Joyce Cook has stated that a
number of clubs are unlikely to meet the deadline.
Part of the project will see the ground’s South East corner filled in, bringing capacity to over 30,000.
Two large LED big screens will also be installed.
South Wales based contractors Andrew Scott Ltd have been appointed by the Premier League club to carry out the redevelopment work.
“Supporters visiting the stadium should soon begin to notice the building work but we are confident that the matchday experience for fans will not be disrupted in any way while the redevelopment project is underway,” said Richard Smith, managing director of Stoke City Property.
