AFC Bournemouth has achieved a significant milestone with the granting of planning permission for the first phase of a transformative £90 million redevelopment project at the Vitality Stadium. This ambitious initiative is set to expand the capacity of the Premier League's smallest venue to over 20,000 seats, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges.
Initial Phase Approval for Enabling Works
The club, which currently operates with an 11,300-seat ground—the most compact in the top flight—has received the green light for "enabling works." This initial stage, the first of three planned phases, is scheduled for completion next year. It includes the installation of perimeter fencing and turnstiles, the creation of a new outside broadcast area, and the enclosure of terraces within the West Stand.
Club Owner's Vision and Community Commitment
Club owner Bill Foley hailed the local council's decision as "an exciting and important moment for the club." He emphasised that the proposed new stadium reflects not only Bournemouth's ambitions on the pitch but also a deep commitment to investing in the community. Foley stated, "The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP [Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole] area."
Detailed Expansion Plans Across Stands
Later this year, Bournemouth plans to demolish and rebuild the South Stand, adding more than 8,000 additional seats along with corner areas. The final phase will involve expanding the North and East Stands both horizontally and vertically, nearly doubling the stadium's capacity to 20,200. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption while achieving substantial growth.
Context of Bournemouth's Remarkable Ascent
The Vitality Stadium's current capacity of 11,300 is not only the lowest in the Premier League but also just slightly above the average for the fourth tier. This situation mirrors Bournemouth's remarkable ascent from League Two to the Premier League between 2010 and 2015, a journey during which the club's infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with its on-field success.
Owner's Strategic Focus and Broader League Trends
US owner Bill Foley, who also holds stakes in clubs across France, Portugal, Croatia, and New Zealand, has identified ground improvements as a key objective since his takeover in 2022. Even after the expansion, the Vitality Stadium will remain among the league's smallest venues, with only Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium, holding 17,250, having fewer seats among current top-flight clubs.
Growing Trend of Stadium Redevelopments
The Cherries join a growing list of Premier League outfits either upgrading or exploring redevelopment of their grounds. Notable clubs considering similar projects include:
- Manchester United
- Manchester City
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Newcastle United
- Leeds United
- Crystal Palace
- Nottingham Forest
Meanwhile, Liverpool, Everton, and Fulham have already concluded comparable undertakings, highlighting a league-wide focus on modernising facilities to enhance fan experience and competitive edge.
