VENUE IDEAS – memorial garden, marathon

Rangers intends to build a memorial garden for the interment of Rangers FC supporters. It has submitted plans to Glasgow City Council to build a memorial wall in an unused car park. The club also wants to have an Ibrox Disaster memorial within the garden.

A total of 66 lives were lost and more than 200 people were injured during the 1971 Ibrox disaster which was a crush among the crowd at an Old Firm game.

Non-matchday Marathon

Marathon and half-Marathon events are popping up all over. One stadium putting itself forward is St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton FC, which is a regular host of the local Marathon event. Runners enter the stadium and run alongside the pitch as part of the course.

Toby Steele, Managing Director of Southampton FC, said:

We are delighted to be able to welcome Southampton’s biggest running event through the gates at St Mary’s again. As one of the runners this year, I am really looking forward to taking part in what is always a great sporting event that helps to raise money for so many worthwhile causes in the local community.

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Molineux, Southport

Southport FC has put forward its vision for the medium term, which includes creating new high quality stadium facilities for the club and wider community. CEO Natalie Atkinson said:

The history books speak for themselves but today we start a new chapter at Haig Avenue, as we launched the vision for the coming years and I for one am delighted to be part of this exciting journey that we are on.

The overall and long term vision of Southport Football Club is to continue building a local football club that is both successful and sustainable on and of the football pitch.

We are aspiring to be back in the football league and achieve the status of being the focal football club of the town. From the achievement of this vision, we also aspire to build state of the art facilities whereby our teams, fans, supporters and community have an unforgettable experience and continue to support the football club. With this success we aim to attract more fans from the communities of Southport which will in turn boost the investment into the sustainability of the club.

Atkinson has identified a number of objectives:

• A new community foundation delivering a number of sustainable programmes for the target demographic in Southport, including adults and older people, children and young people in education, and targeted health activities.

• The implementation of the Southport College Academy for the 16-19 year old scholars. With the aim of delivering a high quality education NVQ football programme.

• Creating high quality stadium facilities not only for the Club but the wider community to access either on match days through corporate hospitality, businesses from Southport and beyond for networking opportunities and the delivery of many community initiatives – our aim to be come a community hub.

Molineux 50,000 capacity target

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi has revealed his dream for a 50,000 capacity stadium – and confirmed the club plans to stay at Molineux. He said:

Let’s try to get to 50,000 as soon as possible.

Everyone wants to have a big stadium. It’s a step by step process and only when we build a strong team and can compete comfortably in the Premier League is the time to expand the stadium.

Eventually, if we can achieve that, we’ll do it of course.

Laurie (Dalrymple, Wolves’ managing director) told me that the maximum capacity may be 50,000. I even asked him can we have a bigger one like Real Madrid’s! But it’s hard because the position of the stadium, the university is behind us.

JOBS: Silverstone retail, ticketing and logistics

Silverstone is recruiting casual labour for catering and steward jobs aread of the Grand Prix but it also has full-time vacancies for a Retail Duty Manager, Logistics Coordinator and Ticket Administrator.

RETAIL DUTY MANAGER

Please click on MORE INFO to download the Retail Duty Manager job description. To apply for this role, please email your CV, Cover Letter and salary expectation to recruitment@silverstone.co.uk.

MORE INFO

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

Please click on MORE INFO to download the Logistics Coordinator job description. To apply for this role, please email your CV, Cover Letter and salary expectation to recruitment@silverstone.co.uk.

MORE INFO

TICKET ADMINISTRATOR

Please click on MORE INFO to download the Ticket Administrator job description. To apply for this role, please email your CV, Cover Letter and salary expectation to recruitment@silverstone.co.uk.

MORE INFO

ALL POSITIONS SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL DBS CHECK.

BRICKS AND MORTAR: Culture change required in construction

Local Authority Building Control – the body that represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales – is calling for the construction industry to work together to change its culture.

The call came at a recent Fire Safety seminar, organised by RIBA by the not-for-profit organisation’s Commercial Director, Martin Taylor. Martin has been closely involved in the Hackitt Review sitting on two working groups – the design, construction and refurbishment group and the crucial ‘Golden Thread’ group. This group focussed on ways of preserving the original design intent throughout complex and high risk building projects and making sure any changes go through a formal review process.

Martin explained,

Dame Judith Hackitt has challenged the industry to change following the dreadful Grenfell Tower fire. Our view is all parts must come together to change the culture now and not wait for any changes to the regulations and guidance.

For too long there has been a race to the bottom where building clients have been looking for the least interference at the least cost. And we all know where that race ended up. A more cooperative outlook with competition over quality and competencies rather than just price will benefit the industry as a whole and lead to better, safer and more compliant building projects.

RUGBY STADIUM NEWS: Coventry Rugby goes for 12,000 capacity

Coventry Rugby has revealed plans to create a 12,000-capacity stadium by redeveloping Butts Park Arena with more commercial facilities and an artificial pitch – a model which has worked at Allianz Park, among other top-flight rugby grounds – and possibly a hotel.

Coventry chairman Jon Sharp revealed phase one of the project would cost £1.5million when speaking on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s Rugby Show. He said:

We have to offer a first-class offering to all of our supporters, all of our fans and all those potential sponsors as well. We have to be a fully commercial operation.

Unfortunately I inherited a stand that holds 2,800 people and a ground that takes 4,500 but equipped with a bar that, at the most, will cope with 500.

We have to get into that side of things on how we will improve that. That will require some investment.

Butts Arena, home of Coventry Rugby, could be expanded to 12,000 capacity.

RUGBY STADIUM NEWS: Stadium for Bath in design concept phase, appoints engineer

The three week consultation period on the Stadium for Bath Development Brief has ended and responses will be published, and an updated final version of the Development Brief will be available via stadiumforbath.com. The consultation follows a 12-month pre-design consultation. The project is now in the concept design phase during which Grimshaw (who were appointed as lead architect in January) will develop design proposals for further consultation over coming months. It is intended that a planning application for redevelopment at the Rec will subsequently be submitted later in 2018.

The Development Brief document was prepared in conjunction with key stakeholders and Bath and North East Somerset Council (“BANES”). It sets out a comprehensive range of opportunities and constraints to be considered and provides the detailed framework which will enable the development of a permanent stadium. It is important both in meeting the requirements of the local planning policy as set out in BANES’ Placemaking Plan, and in setting clear guidance for the design process.

Arup for engineering

Meanwhile, Stadium for Bath has appointed engineering and design consultancy Arup to provide an extensive range of building engineering and specialist technical services.

The appointment follows a rigorous, multi-stage procurement process involving a series of workshops with the Stadium for Bath team. The workshops explored engineering challenges posed by the proposed site, which is positioned in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage city.

Arup will provide civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, electrical and public health engineering as well as ICT, audiovisual, acoustic and specialist lighting design for the new 18,000 seat, digitally-enabled stadium. Arup’s team will be led from Bristol and will work closely with the other firms appointed to design the stadium: Grimshaw Architects, Kay Elliot and Gross Max.

The unique considerations and technical challenges that come with working in Bath are well understood by Arup – its 350-strong Bristol office has delivered infrastructure and building engineering services for a series of significant projects across the city, including the Southgate shopping centre, the bus transport interchange and retail development at Bath Spa Station, and Thermae Bath Spa. Arup’s current project portfolio includes renewal of the former Herman Miller factory as a new home for Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art and Design.

Arup is recognised as a global leader in the design of sports stadia, with current and recent projects including new and upgraded stands at Lord’s in London as well as the design of Brentford Community Stadium (football and rugby), and a new home for Italian football club, ACF Fiorentina. Arup’s past stadia projects include Twickenham, Singapore Sports Hub and the ‘Bird’s Nest’ built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Commenting on the announcement Tarquin Mcdonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive said:

Arup has a strong track record in delivering projects for sporting stadiums throughout the country, and this combined with their experience in working in our unique World Heritage City of Bath puts the company in a strong position to help deliver a stadium that the entire city can be proud of.

Arup’s expertise will be invaluable, and as we strive to create not only a home for Bath Rugby but a stadium for the Bath community. We’re looking forward to their design input over the coming months as a vision for Stadium for Bath begins to take shape.

Mike Cribb, Associate director and Arup project manager for Stadium for Bath, said;

We’re excited to be part of this iconic project that will enhance the city of Bath; complimenting its UNESCO-designated architectural heritage. A particular area of focus for us will be exploring material options for the stadium’s roof that will suit the setting and enhance the stadium’s atmosphere.

JOBS: Steward vacancies, John Smith’s Stadium

Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd is looking to recruit the following matchday staff to work at The John Smith’s Stadium from July/August 2018 onwards: Safety Stewards, Car Park Stewards and Courtesy Stewards. Matchday staff are expected to work a minimum of 75% of all Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants games, along with any other events or matches held at the Stadium. ‘Matchdays’ can be any evening during the week or weekends throughout the year

The primary role of a Steward is to ensure the safety of the general public at all times during an event taking place at the Stadium. Ideal candidates will be those who enjoy interacting with people, have good communication skills and are willing to attend training to achieve an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Spectator Safety. Applicants must be aged 18 or over.

If you are interested in the position, please download the Job Description and an Application Form. Completed application forms should be sent to the HR Manager, KSDL, The John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG. All applications will be scored on their content and those achieving the required level will be invited to an Assessment Centre where they will be further assessed for their suitability for the role for which they have applied.

Download the application form here

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Everton’s waterside home visuals

New visuals for the £5 billion Liverpool Waters project, which will transform Liverpool’s Waterfront, have been released to show how the 60-hectare development will look once completed. The project includes a Meis-designed stadium for Everton on land leased by Everton Stadium Development Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Everton Football Club) at Bramley Moore Dock. The lease, which is conditional upon gaining planning consent for the proposed new stadium and securing funding for its construction, will run for a period of 200 years at a peppercorn rent.

Rendering of Liverpool waterside with envisioned stadium design

Everton’s new stadium will be part of the Liverpool Waters community.

The new CGIs bring to life Liverpool Waters’ vision to completely restore the city’s northern docks, regenerating the 2 million sqm site to create a world-class, mixed-use waterfront quarter in Liverpool.

Samantha Campbell has been named as Liverpool council’s head of planning.

CRICKET VENUE NEWS: World Cup 2019 cricket grounds – no London Stadium

Established cricket venues have secured the fixtures of the 2019 World Cup. The Oval, which is planning to expand capacity, has seen off the threat of London Stadium getting involved as the ICC has chosen ‘iconic’ cricket grounds. Drop-in wicket tests at the London Stadium suggested it was considered but London cricket venues have been deemed to have the required capacity and infrastructure this time around. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said:

This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country. We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Managing Director Steve Elworthy concluded:

Today’s announcement of the schedule is another important moment in the build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – the moment that the tournament comes to life for teams and cricket lovers across the world. This is the flagship event in one day cricket.

There are some fantastic head to head fixtures – England v Australia at Lord’s and India v Pakistan at Old Trafford as well as England v India at Edgbaston spring to mind. As organisers we can promise the teams and fans we will work hard to provide the perfect stage for this event.

Because of the UK’s diverse population, every competing team will also be guaranteed a ‘home crowd’ every time they play at some of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019 SCHEDULE

CARDIFF WALES STADIUM, CARDIFF

1 June – New Zealand v Sri Lanka (d)

4 June – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka (d)

8 June – England v Bangladesh (d)

15 June – South Africa v Afghanistan (d/n)

COUNTY GROUND BRISTOL, BRISTOL

1 June – Afghanistan v Australia (d/n)

7 June – Pakistan v Sri Lanka (d)

11 June – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (d)

COUNTY GROUND, TAUNTON

8 June – Afghanistan v New Zealand (d/n)

12 June – Australia v Pakistan (d)

17 June – Windies v Bangladesh (d)

EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM

19 June – New Zealand v South Africa (d)

26 June – New Zealand v Pakistan (d)

30 June – England v India (d)

2 July – Bangladesh v India (d)

11 July – Second semi-final (2 v 3) (d)

12 July – Reserve day

HAMPSHIRE BOWL, SOUTHAMPTON

5 June – South Africa v India (d)

10 June – South Africa v Windies (d)

14 June – England v Windies (d)

22 June – India v Afghanistan (d)

24 June – Bangladesh v Afghanistan (d)

HEADINGLEY, LEEDS

21 June – England v Sri Lanka (d)

29 June – Pakistan v Afghanistan (d)

4 July – Afghanistan v Windies (d)

6 July – Sri Lanka v India (d)

LORD’S, LONDON

23 June – Pakistan v South Africa (d)

25 June – England v Australia (d)

29 June – New Zealand v Australia (d/n)

5 July – Pakistan v Bangladesh (d/n)

14 July – Final (d)

15 July – Reserve day

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER

16 June – India v Pakistan (d)

18 June – England v Afghanistan (d)

22 June – Windies v New Zealand (d/n)

27 June – Windies v India (d)

6 July – Australia v South Africa (d/n)

9 July – First semi-final (1 v 4) (d)

10 July – Reserve day

THE OVAL, LONDON

30 May – England v South Africa (d)

2 June –South Africa v Bangladesh (d)

5 June – Bangladesh v New Zealand (d/n)

9 June – India v Australia (d)

15 June – Sri Lanka v Australia (d)

THE RIVERSIDE, CHESTER-LE-STREET

28 June – Sri Lanka v South Africa (d)

1 July – Sri Lanka v Windies (d)

3 July – England v New Zealand (d)

TRENT BRIDGE, NOTTINGHAM

31 May – Windies v Pakistan (d)

3 June – England v Pakistan (d)

6 June – Australia v Windies (d)

13 June – India v New Zealand (d)

20 June – Australia v Bangladesh (d)

Drawing showing proposed expansion of general spectator capacity at the Oval

The Oval plans to expand to 40,000 capacity, which would make it the biggest cricket stadium in the UK.

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Woking looking long-term; Aberdeen full steam ahead

Woking FC Chairman Rosemary Johnson says that plans to redevelop the Kingfield Stadium will not change if Woking are relegated. The club announced in April its plan to ‘reconfigure’ the stadium and its surrounding area with the help of Woking Borough Council and housing developers GolDev. The club is waiting on local elections and its own research before revealing more.

Aberdeen’s new stadium approved

Aberdeen City Council’s planning department has now formally approved the development at Kingsford, near Westhill. The first phase of development could begin in June.

New stadium at Kingsford for Aberdeen FC

Hope for stalled Finn Harps stadium

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, has confirmed approval on granting more funding to develop the Finn Harps Stadium in Stranolar. He described the current state of the stadium as “like something from a nuclear holocaust film.”