AFC Bournemouth’s stadium redevelopment has moved forward after BCP Council approved lease arrangements transferring land at King’s Park to the club.
The decision enables the club to begin expanding the Vitality Stadium and increase capacity.
Councillors previously agreed to transfer two areas of land, one forming part of the stadium footprint and the other covering the surrounding car park.
The club intends to replace the South Stand with a larger structure, complete corner infills, renovate the East and West stands for better player and hospitality facilities, and increase the size of both the North and East stands.
These changes will ensure the ground meets UEFA and Premier League requirements.
In November the council’s cabinet unanimously recommended progressing the leases, and the full council backed the proposal on 9 December.
During the meeting Councillor Mike Cox said the new rental terms would bring a noticeable rise in income that would help the council’s finances.
Councillor Bobbie Dove expressed concerns about the effect on residents, while Councillor Cox responded that supporting the club required enabling its growth.
The proposal was approved with fifty four votes in favour and three abstentions, and council officers will now complete the legal work.
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