Pompey chief executive Andy Cullen confirmed to The News on Wednesday that the next phase of refurbishment work at Fratton Park will see investment in the Blues’ stadium surpass the £15 million mark. As the new South Stand gantry nears completion, Cullen has detailed the next steps in reviving the big old girl.
‘We have a giant crane on the pitch right now, but the South Stand gantry is starting to look great.
We’re starting to see the truss work exposed at the top, which is fantastic. It will significantly improve the stadium’s appearance and feel, while also complementing the Archibald Leitch truss.
‘That should be completed in the next several weeks, after which we’ll go on to the pitch. Obviously, that’s a bit later than we’d normally do with a crane in the middle of the pitch, but when the crane comes off, we can get on with it.This year, there will be no home pre-season due to insufficient time for grass growth. However, the pitch will be ready for the opening game of the season.We have a new tiny gantry going into the Fratton End, which means we have at least six cameras covered. We’ve had four in League One this season, compared to the average of one. All Championship games will have six cameras.
Then we have
I’ve got the mezzanines in the North Stand.
“We updated the matchday experience working group last week during their meeting with the club.”That means there is now a mezzanine on the upper floor that extends from the Fratton End of the North Stand to the distant mezzanine by the Milton End.
‘Several more restrooms and toilets have been installed to meet the increased demand for food and drink at the stadium, which is excellent.’A new bar has been built in the mezzanine, and Piglet’s Pantry is bringing up their pergola to serve their cuisine there as well. That’s all really thrilling.
‘New toilets will also be installed in the Milton End’s house portion.
lessen some of the congestion that supporters suffered at the close of last season. ‘Then there’s the Victory Lounge, which is undergoing extensive renovations that will begin in the middle of July. We have a few weddings coming up; once those are completed, we’ll start working on that project, which will go until the middle of August.The Victory will be partially operational for the early home games in August, making it open to fans.
‘That work should be completed by the end of August, after which we will go outside and improve the fanzone during September.
‘It’s a large project over four to five months, obviously on the work that is going on at the training. ground, and it’s all quite thrilling.
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