We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group

Client:
Newcastle United Football Club
Project team:
Architect:TTH
Main contractor: Ballast Wiltshier
Services Contractor: Balfour Kilpatrick
Project value:
£100M total investment
WSP services:
Structural engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Environmental engineering
Building services engineering
Football has been played at St James’s Park in Newcastle city centre
since 1880.The home of Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC),
the stadium is a focal point in the community and a landmark in
the region, with facilities the envy of virtually every football club
in Europe.
Redevelopment began at St James’s Park in 1990 to modernise the
stadium in line with NUFC’s requirement for a seven day a week,
year round operation which would include multi-storey city centre
car parking, facilities for corporate events, conferencing and
banqueting, exhibition space, bars, restaurants and retailing.The
capacity of the ground would be increased from 36 000 to 52 500
all seated spectator accommodation, with retail, corporate hospitality,
food and beverage concessions and private bars and boxes.
WSP has been responsible for all civil and structural engineering
relating to the progressive modernisation of the stadium over the last
15 years. Our most visible achievement is the stadium roof, which
extends up to the edge of the pitch to provide the crowd with an
uninterrupted view whilst protecting them from the weather.To allow
sunlight to reach the pitch so that the grass can grow, the final design
required the roof and the side walls for the stands to be made of
glass.This solution called for the design of the largest single span
glazed cantilever roof and suspended glass gables in Europe, with
self-cleaning glass for ease of maintenance.
The development programme required an additional tier of seating
to be added to half of the existing stadium during the football season.
By careful design and close working with the club,WSP was able to
ensure that there was no major loss of seating capacity during this
phase of construction.
The scheme was completed on time and without compromising the
operational flexibility of the stadium during construction work. Some
seating and corporate entertainment areas were handed over early
so that the club could maintain its revenues throughout the period
of redevelopment.
WSP’s understanding and ability to work within the urban constraints
of the ground have helped the club to fully maximise its potential.
Newcastle United now has the second highest stadium capacity in
the UK, and on match days generates the second highest revenue
in the UK (fifth in Europe). On non-match days, the club has the
capability, through its size and scale, to host other major football
matches, such as England Internationals, as well as conferences,
exhibitions, banquets, concerts and other sports events.
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