Stadia development as a catalyst for regeneration

Abstract

For many, the World Cup stadia in Japan and Korea set new standards in terms of stadium design and left people in England asking ‘Why can't our stadia be like that?’. Perhaps what is easily forgotten is that recent years have witnessed considerable investment in stadia in the UK in the light of legislative and other pressures. England now has some of the safest, most comfortable and atmospheric stadia anywhere. This paper explores some of the trends in stadia development over the last ten years and argues that issues surrounding stadia development and redevelopment form part of the wider debate concerning urban regeneration. Citing as examples the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, the Britannia Stadium, Stoke and Bolton's Reebok Stadium, it argues that the feasibility of stadia development is affected by matters concerning land, infrastructure and property development opportunities. It argues that there is an interaction between stadia development and other commercial development opportunities so that, in some cases, a location and development decision regarding a stadium can act as a catalyst for attracting new development in the locality. Drawing on examples in the USA, and more recent developments at Southampton and Leicester, the paper argues that, in future, stadia provision is likely to be driven by two key factors: financing of football and the regeneration and property development opportunities. In the light of this argument the future plans for Arsenal and Everton are analysed and conclusions drawn.