Rowley Park Stadium Upgrade Project
In the heart of Stafford, the Rowley Park Stadium underwent a transformative three-year project starting in early 2011. The goal? To elevate its facilities and create a more vibrant sporting hub for the community. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
1. Funding Sources
The project’s financial backing came from a mix of streams:
- Sale of On-Site Caretaker Bungalows: Two bungalows on the premises were sold and the stadium boundary re-aligned and fenced.
-
Football Foundation
:
A sports-focused charity that invests in grassroots facilities.
- Section 106 Contributions: These are developer contributions made as part of planning agreements.
- Council Funding: Stafford Borough Council capital and revenue funding.
The total funding package amounted to an impressive £1 million.
2. Project Management
As the principal project manager for the Council my responsibilities included:
- Design Specification: Crafting a detailed plan for the upgrades.
- Tender Process: Managing bids from contractors.
- Planning Permission: Navigating the bureaucratic maze to secure the necessary approvals.
-
Development Oversight: Ensuring smooth execution.
Community Consultation: Addressing concerns from nearby residents—a critical aspect of any large-scale project.
3. Phased Approach
To minimize disruption, the project was carefully planned and delivered in phases:
- Car Park Expansion: A 150-space car park was created on previously unused land. Drainage, tree work, and landscaping were part of this phase.
- Principal Entrance Revamp: Fencing, gates, road humps, and signage were upgraded to enhance accessibility and security.
- Pathway Illumination: New LED bollard lighting now guides visitors along the main walkway.
- 3G Football Pitch Installation : The grass athletic infield became a state-of-the-art 3G rubber crumb fill football pitch, complete with fencing and mast lighting.
- Infield Relocation: The former throwing area found a new home in an adjacent field.
- Tennis Court Resurfacing: The existing courts were given a fresh surface, and any necessary fencing repairs were carried out.
- Storage Yard Improvement: An old, defunct and semi derelict timber tennis pavilion being used as storage unit was replaced with a shipping container and new fencing.
- Entrance Lighting: LED street lights now illuminate all entrances and main pedestrian paths. All lighting was installed with a timer ensuring the site was not illuminated when closed.
- Reception Area Refurbishment: Welcoming visitors with a spruced-up reception.
- Point of Sale System: Modernizing transactions with an electronic system.
- Athletic Track Repair: The polymetric athletic track was resurfaced and lined.
4. Community Impact
- Throughout the project, the stadium remained operational, allowing sports enthusiasts to continue enjoying the grounds. The wider public also benefited from improved access.
