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Altrincham Football Club in Greater Manchester

21 Apr 2020

Altrincham FC

Architects: Define Architects

Location: Altrincham, Greater Manchester, UK

Overview image of the envisaged stadium in 2030

Define Architects have unveiled proposals for the redevelopment and expansion of Altrincham FC’s existing stadium at Moss Lane. The Vanarama National League North side have partnered with Define Architects to develop a potential 10-year development strategy in line with the Club’s ambition for future growth and National League status and Football League ambitions.

The plans include the refurbishment of key areas of the existing stadium and the addition of new building elements, which together will provide new facilities for the club staff, players and supporters, to transform the ground into a new ‘destination’ within the town.

Areas of the existing stadium including the Sponsors Lounge & Player/ Officials Areas will be refurbished in the short term with the aim to set the design principles for future larger scale projects.

Landscaping in the form of new ‘Fan Zones’ will strengthen the community atmosphere around the stadium. These aim to improve the way spectators experience and interact on matchdays. New perimeter walls will tie all aspects of the stadium together by creating a coherent appearance and also focuses on opening the stadium up to the Local Community; providing new amenities to residents.

Artistic impression for Golf Road End Fan Zone

In time and with growing supporter numbers and success on the pitch, additional seating and new corporate facilities will be introduced. Long term projects include the replacement of the existing terraces on the Popular Side and Moss Lane with new stands and the introduction of safe standing zones to the Golf Road and Chequer’s End to bring the stadium in line with global demand for better fan experience.

Define have developed the initial proposal based on a series of character profiles, which they believe will influence the way a spectator will watch the sport in the long-term. The character profiles have influenced the stadium’s redevelopment strategy and place-making guidelines by responding to their individual needs; these include the long-term football fans, local community/ families and also away supporters.

Fan Profiles

Gavin Watts, Founder of Define Architects said, “The way we watch the sport and the financial & economic pressures Football Clubs face, are constantly evolving. Our intention is to transform the stadium into a 365-day destination by ensuring the architectural design compliments the implementation of new business opportunities for the Football Club. Building upon the existing heritage and community ties the club have strived to develop over recent years, it is our aim to enhance the supporters experience, attract new demographics and provide additional amenities to the local community.”

Last season the Football Club wore a rainbow coloured kit in a competitive fixture in support of football’s fight against homophobia, in a move that was branded as a “small moment of football history.”

Gavin continued, “it is based on these forward-thinking initiatives that we were drawn towards the progressive nature of the Club and how they are looking to set a new precedent in the ethical and moral values in Football. We hope the architecture can contribute towards this and continue to help the Club lead by example.”

Artistic impression of the future street frontage to Moss Lane

Drawing on the local architectural vernacular within the region where the majority of buildings, past & present consist of two storeys and a pitched roof, the general massing and roof structure seeks to introduce a contemporary twist on this.

Altrincham Football Club are in full support of the scheme. Bill Waterson, Director at Altrincham FC said “Altrincham Football Club are on the way up. We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community, and we want our ground to represent the best of the town of Altrincham, designated by the Sunday Times as the “Best Place to Live” in the UK. Gavin and Define Architects took our brief and have come back with a design that takes or vision to new heights, and perfectly reflects the spirit and energy in the town. Delivering on this vision will give us a ground that will be embedded in the heart of this vibrant community for many years to come.”

Conceptual study of the new proposed roof form

The vision sets out the key objectives and visual identity, which the Football Club is aiming to achieve in parallel with their long-term strategies. In time, the evolving process with involve future discussions and conversation with local governing bodies and supporter groups to develop the proposals further.

Phase 1 works are due to start on site in July 2020, focusing on the refurbishment work to the Sponsors Lounge and also the creation of the first Supporter’s Fan Zones through a self-build initiative which will be led by Define Architects.

Altrincham Football Club – Building Information

Architect: Define Architects
Location: Moss Lane, Altrincham, south of Manchester, North west England, UK
Type of Project: Recreation
Client: Altrincham Football Club
Start on site: Summer 2020
Completion: Phase 1 (existing Sponsor’s Lounge) – 2020 / All other Phases – Ongoing

About Define Architects
Define Architects were founded in 2018 and is led by Gavin Watts. The practice focuses on the application of Scandinavian design and lifestyle principles in an attempt to create generous buildings, public spaces, landscapes and urban plans; not as singular iconic gestures but as a collective approach to create sustainable environments. Our aim is to create spaces that offers new value to users and surroundings through collaboration with our clients, consultants and key stakeholders.

Images: Define Architects & Charlotte Jepson Studio

Altrincham Football Club in Greater Manchester, UK images / information received 210420

Rival football club in this city – Man Utd football ground:

Manchester United Stadium

image courtesy of architects
Manchester United Stadium