Sports stadiums, halls and venues have gone through a transformation in recent years. A combination of age, new legislation and changing fashions and trends has led to the redevelopment or even rebuilding of many venues across the country which in turn has open up a world of possibilities to people and areas that wouldn't have had such opportunities before. The latest project is the series of venues that are being developed at Strattford City in London for the 2012 Olympic Games.
They will undoubtedly play a major part in the way the games are perceived and the success of the project will have a bearing on the success of the game but they are also bringing much needed investment to the area and rejuvenating the community. It is hoped that after the games this will continue to be the case with the facilities being used by local people. It's an idea that has become fundamental to the building of new venues and sporting facilities of this size and has already benefitted several areas in the UK.
The City of Manchester Stadium - As part of Manchester's bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics plans were unveiled by the council to build a new 80,000 capacity stadium. Although the bid failed the plan was altered and led to the successful bid for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. In terms of new venues the City of Manchester Stadium boasted a wealth of facilities as it had to accommodate so many people attending so many different events.
The Eastlands area where it was built was in need of investment at the time of the proposals and has subsequently benefitted from having the stadium and all the business it attracted and continues to attract. The whole project is estimated to have cost over one hundred million pounds making it one of the most expensive venues in the country.
Today the stadium is home to Manchester City Football Club and after some renovation and additional funds it has become not just one of the finest venues in the north of England but one of the finest venues in the UK. It is now a popular conference venue and regularly stages concerts, most notably a recent 'homecoming' gig by rock group Oasis.
The Ricoh Arena - Highfield Road football ground, home to Coventry City Football Club, was typical of many football venues in the UK during the last century. It was built at a time when building regulations, safety standards and visitor expectations were significantly different and looked like a relic from another era. It was also situated in the middle of a built up residential area with limited transport links and visitor facilities.
No amount of rebuilding or renovation could hide the fact that it wasn't capable of functioning in the 21st century and plans for a new stadium were drawn up. Like all new venues the Ricoh Arena was sited outside the city, almost on the limits which meant that a whole new infrastructure could be build around it. The project completely transformed the run down area and included a casino, health club, shopping centre and parking.
Today the stadium regularly plays host to sporting events other than just football and also concerts by people like Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams. There are also plans to build a train station nea women's jackets rby to further improve accessibility.
Emirates Stadium - Arsenal's Highbury Stadium was another of those venues that a new coat of paint and double glazing couldn't fix. Like Highfield Road its location restricted its use and expansion so the new Emirates Stadium was built in Holloway and relocation soon followed.
The new stadium is a shining example of what venues need to be in the 21st century. As well as all the sporting facilities you'd expect it has conference facilities, bars, cafes and leisure facilities. It too has rejuvenated the part of Islington where it now stands.
No comments:
Post a Comment