Stockport fans are celebrating news that the club’s Edgeley Park stadium is set for a redevelopment which will see their capacity increase from 10,852 to 18,000.
Hatters supporter Luke Ashenden shared his thoughts on X :
“We were playing Conference North football just over 4 years ago. We now have this to look forward to. He’s some fellow is Mark Stott.”
Fellow fan, Lee Hughes added:
“It’s what we’ve waited so long for and it hasn’t disappointed, suitably sized given that we are averaging 9k at this level with restricted away ticket sales.
“Imagine how imposing that’ll look as you come down Greek St or from Shaw Heath. It’d be a massive boost for Edgeley too.”
The Club first kicked off the expansion plans back in 2022 when they invited feedback from the local community and fans. The feedback received during the consultation was instrumental in shaping the plans.
Some of the suggestions were to give it a ‘community feel’, make it more sustainable, provide more sheltered seating, and improve facilities for disabled people.
Lifelong Hatter Nat said:
“I have been waiting for this since I was 5 years old, I’m now 32. The stadium expansion with the Railway End getting a roof is finally happening.”
The initial phase would include expanding the Danny Bergara Stand (North Stand) to around 2,680 seats and the Railway End (East Stand) to around 4500 seats, up from its current 1366 capacity.
The Together Stand (South Stand) will also be redeveloped to increase its capacity to around 5,500, as well as having new food and beverage and hospitality facilities.
As part of the plans, the North Stand’s historic brick frontage along Hardcastle Road would be retained and repaired.
The expansion is also an opportunity for Stockport to take up a more sustainable approach, supporting Stockport and Greater Manchester’s carbon reduction targets.
Ken Knott, County’s Non-Executive Chairman said:
‘We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park to create a true community stadium. We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community; it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years.
Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition so it can continue to provide a first-rate home for the club and the local community for many years to come.”
The second round of consultation on the plans for Edgeley Park is now underway and will remain open until Wednesday 3 April 2024.