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AFL Architects Working with Chelsea FC on Barrier Seating Areas at Stamford Bridge

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AFL is providing design and technical guidance on the installation of barrier seating and independent barriers at Stamford Bridge. The proposals upgrade more than 12,000 seats, making the project the largest such scheme currently in the UK, and one of the largest in the world.

The project will be complete in time for the 2021-22 season.

The Matthew Harding Stand and Shed Stand will incorporate a combination of new purpose-designed seats incorporating barriers and independent barriers in front of existing seats.

The lower tier of Matthew Harding is historically where die-hard Chelsea fans celebrate. Together with the upper and lower Shed Stand, typically used by away fans, the inclusion of barrier seating will enhance the match day experience while ensuring fan safety. Safety will be further improved to the Shed Upper with the introduction of a continuous glass barrier at the front balcony edge.

Working closely with Chelsea FC, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBH&F) and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA), the scheme is intended to mitigate issues of persistent standing in these areas of Stamford Bridge.

AFL is providing advice to several clubs across the UK that are interested in a safer alternative to traditional seating.

The team previously designed the 7,500-seat scheme at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium in 2019, then the largest equivalent project in the UK.

The 12,000+ seat project at Stamford Bridge compares with 2,900 installed at Celtic, as well as proposals for around 5,500 at Manchester City and 1,500 at Manchester United.

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