Saracens Clear To Develop Allianz Park
Saracens Rugby Club has been granted planning permission and secured funding in partnership with Barnet Council to renovate the West Stand at Allianz Park.
Targeted for completion in 2020, the new stand will be a 3,000-seater and will bring the ground capacity to 10,500.
The £23 million redevelopment will host a hospitality experience, bring improved training, medical and competition facilities, creation of a community garden designed by local school children and a new media facility.
Working with Middlesex University, the project will also include a centre of excellence for Middlesex University’s London Sport Institute and Health Faculty that includes a purpose-built simulation suite and a dedicated education centre operated Saracens Sport Foundation.
Welcoming the development, Saracens chief executive officer, Mitesh Velani said: “We have been working closely with Barnet Council and our community partners developing plans for the West Stand that we can all be proud of. I am delighted we have made positive strides forward.
“The West Stand redevelopment project demonstrates our continued commitment to providing the best environment for our teams to thrive, a modern home where our fans create memories together and extending community initiatives that improve the lives of people in North London.”
Gordon Banks, chief community officer at Saracens, added: “Allianz Park has become a thriving community hub with thousands of residents enjoying the high-quality facilities available at the stadium. The new West Stand will build on this success and through the Saracens Sport Foundation and our partnership with Middlesex University we can help improve the lives of even more local people.”
James Kennedy, Middlesex University’s chief financial officer, also commented: “Middlesex University has been working with Saracens on this project for several years. Together we have developed an exciting proposal for the West Stand and we are very pleased that London Borough of Barnet have been able to support us. The three organisations working together offer an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to Copthall and the Borough.”
The club aims to start the construction phase at the end of the current rugby season (summer of 2019) with completion anticipated in 2020. Matches will continue to be played at Allianz Park during this period.
