U's Chief Executive lays down the club's ambitions.
Chief Executive Jez George clarifies the finer details of the club’s exciting vision for the future and the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium, which would enable the U’s to strive for further progression.
This morning United unveiled comprehensive plans for the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium and the creation of a Trumpington-based Sporting Village, which would potentially allow the club to generate additional revenue and lay the foundations for the club’s ambition of becoming a sustainable Championship side.
The club is planning to increase the capacity of the ground to 11,000+ and build new corporate and conferencing facilities across three phases, as well as agreeing a new lease with Grosvenor, who have agreed to assist the club through the redevelopment process.
Chief Executive George explains why the enhancements to the ground are a necessity to the future of the club, he commented: “The vision we have outlined regarding the redevelopment of our stadium creates the opportunity for growth and to satisfy our ambitions of creating a successful, sustainable championship club.
“Ahead of the forthcoming season, turnover is estimated to increase to over £4,500,000, which will allow us a more competitive playing budget. It is important to stress that none of the receipts from either Manchester United tie will be used towards next season's playing budget.”
He continued: “With these outlined changes we would have a modern 11,000+ capacity stadium, which has the potential to become a real community hub, and provide us with conferencing facilities that would crucially generate revenue away from match days.
“It also gives us the opportunity to significantly improve our match day revenue through corporate hospitality and will significantly enhance the match day experience for our loyal supporters, giving them the modern, 21st century facilities they deserve. This is especially important as we continue to attract more families and youngsters to the stadium.
“This is a long term project to create a sustainable and successful future for our club, from the solid base that now exists, to create a football club that can be the pride of a city that is renowned worldwide.”
Holmes Miller Architects of Glasgow who have provided these images, have developed a substantial reputation for experience, expertise and flair in the design and delivery of stadia and multi-use buildings.
Many of their designs have become the architectural backdrop to famous sporting occasions from the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield to The Ashes at the Oval, with a client list including Manchester United FC, Celtic FC and Rangers FC.
Robert Kennedy, Director at Holmes Miller commented: “Holmes Miller are delighted to be part of the design team that will set out the club’s vision for their Abbey Stadium redevelopment.
“These ambitious proposals will redefine the offer that the club can make to their fans on a match day. The additional facilities will allow the stadium to operate seven days a week for both the local community and the wider Cambridge business community.
“Holmes Miller have been designing stadia in the UK for over 25 years and in that time completed the construction of some 600,000 seats. With a dedicated sports team, Holmes Miller bring experience of both large and small developments, each with their own unique brief requirements.
“This project’s specific approach to stadium design allows the brief to be built around the business plan and to the clients’ specific requirements.
“Modern stadia can be a catalyst for a club’s success and the proposals for Abbey Stadium will secure and enhance the clubs future revenues.”