Arsenal are exploring plans for a major redevelopment of the Emirates Stadium that could raise its capacity by around 10,000 seats and require the club to temporarily relocate, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The north London club is considering several expansion options, including alterations to the existing seating layout and increasing the gradient of the stands to accommodate more spectators.
A figure of £500m has been speculated for the cost of the work.
The club has reportedly been working on proposals that would raise the stadium’s capacity beyond 70,000, reclaiming the title of London’s largest football ground from West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Telegraph, the redevelopment would likely affect every part of the stadium.
While the stadium’s outer bowl would remain largely unchanged, most of the work being considered would take place inside.
Arsenal have not commented publicly on the potential project, but the Telegraph reported that a working group is modelling options and that the club has held positive talks with architects.
Expanding the ground could help the club address a season ticket waiting list of over 100,000 people and increase matchday income.
Any redevelopment would mark the first major structural work at Sir Robert McAlpine’s Emirates since its opening in 2006.
According to the Telegraph, the 20th anniversary of the move from Highbury could align with the start of construction work, although no planning application has yet been submitted.
The club may require a temporary venue if the plans proceed.
According to the report, Wembley Stadium is seen as the most viable option, with precedent from Tottenham Hotspur’s two-season tenancy during their stadium rebuild.
Arsenal themselves played European fixtures at Wembley during the 1998-2000 period.
Constraints on Arsenal’s 17-acre site – including nearby railway lines and residential areas – would require careful planning, although Islington Council has reportedly shown increased flexibility on height restrictions, potentially allowing the roof to be raised.
The club’s hierarchy is understood to be weighing the redevelopment project against other priorities, including continued investment in the playing squad.
Planning approval for a major stadium project could take up to five years, the report added.
Arsenal have declined to comment on the Telegraph report.
Read More
Colin Marrs