Premier League club Leicester City has revealed its intention to renovate the King Power Stadium and the surrounding areas. This renovation is to meet the growing global image of the club and the requirement of the modern-day facilities.
The 2015-16 Premier League Champions, Leicester City has confirmed that an initial renovation plan for the stadium will be conveyed to the officials, media and fans next month. The development plans are expected to be revealed via a video presentation which will showcase in detail the work expected to go ahead in and around the stadium.
One of the significant developments would involve an increase in the capacity of the club’s home ground. The King Power Stadium set at a capacity of 32.000 at the moment, would hold 40,000 fans after expansion. This proposal comes after the club already set up a new training ground at the beginning of the year.
This communication came through an official media release from the club’s chairman AiyawattSrivarddhanprabha earlier this week. The statement read, “The unveiling of these plans represents a significant milestone in the long history of Leicester City Football Club, and one that we hope will continue to put our supporters and our community at the heart of its long-term future. While this vision is in its early stages, I know the prospect of additional capacity for more Leicester City supporters in King Power Stadium, has long been anticipated by us all, particularly after seven near sold-out Premier League seasons.”
The renovation plans will be subject to public consultation and approval in the following months after being made public. The expansion of stadium capacity will see 8000 new seats installed in the East Stand of the ground. However, this is not the only proposed idea of development. In addition, a new and bigger club retail megastore would be set up to attract more fans and meet the ever-growing demands of the club related accessories. A new multi-storey car parking will also be constructed to handle the increase in stadium capacity.
The list further includes the construction of a 220-room luxury hotel around the Leicester City Football Complex. Also, a new residential tower and commercial club office will be set up to allow for better facilities. The overall idea would be to make sure the club facilities can be utilized and serve as an arena that can be used for other entertainment purposes, including music concerts and other commercial events.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, also expressed his support towards the proposed plans of development and said, “These are ambitious plans that reflect the Club’s ongoing commitment to the city and constant desire to build on its incredible achievements. LCFC has always been at the heart of our city, but thanks to the vision of the greatly-missed Khun Vichai, and his son Khun Top, it is now an integral part of our community that contributes to city life in so many ways.”
He further added, “There is obviously a great deal of consultation to be done, including through the planning process, but these are really exciting proposals. The development would be very good news for the city as well as for the Club, creating new jobs and a sought-after destination for visitors, locals and tourists.”
Overall, the proposed development plan seems an extremely exciting prospect for the growth of the club and to meet the futuristic requirements of brand expansion. A well-run club like Leicester City will surely be able to enhance its already rich footballing and human values.