Harlequins FC has shared with supporters the proposed improvements at The Stoop that, subject to final planning approval, will be in place for the 2022/23 season.
The work includes a new expanded North Village area behind the North Stand with a range of renovations designed to give a better experience on match days. These changes respond to feedback over the past few seasons and are showcased through CGI imagery and a fly-through video.
The new North Village will feature a large, covered heated area that can be opened in warm weather.
There will also be a:
– Re-vamped shop
– New premium bars and food outlet
– Seating in an area designed for live entertainment
The extra space for the North Village will be created by moving the perimeter fence outwards and relocating the area used at present by broadcast trucks. The 50 new toilets underneath the North Stand will continue to service this area.
The Jason Leonard Gate (Gate 1) will benefit from a new covered entrance¸ additional Ticket Office window, and state-of-the-art turnstiles to welcome our supporters to our home of 59 years. There is a larger entrance area for supporters and help manage pedestrian flow around the main club shop and bars.
Further investment around the stadium since the start of the 2021/22 season includes a new PA system to ensure public announcements and music are consistently audible, along with new stadium lighting.
New kitchen facilities are being installed in the DHL, and Charles Stanley Stands to improve hospitality services.
Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple, introducing the far-reaching improvements, said: “We continue to plan for the long-term future, and that includes building a top-quality home for our great Club.
“This ambition has never changed. But the huge financial impact of COVID-19 means the significant investment required to deliver these plans is inevitably going to take more time to complete.
“But we must invest in our stadium to improve the standard of facilities for our supporters on match days.”
Building works would commence at the end of the season, with completion expected ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season.
Dalrymple added: “The proposed plans represent careful investment in areas where our supporters will see and feel a real benefit on match days.
“These changes will deliver a worthwhile financial return as well as making The Stoop a stadium every supporter can justly be proud of.
“This season, we have sold out every Gallagher Premiership match. And as we roll out these exciting development plans and continue to invest in matchday entertainment, we are seeing record levels of massively-important supporter feedback.
“We well understand that to continue to grow as a club, we must deliver great entertainment on the pitch – and a great experience off it.”
Supporters are reminded that the CGI graphics and video are indicative and not final designs. For example, they do not include all elements at The Stoop, e.g. Nick Duncombe statue and the Shop.
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