AFC Bournemouth has submitted a request for permission to start preparatory work for the expansion of Vitality Stadium. The club stresses that the investment is crucial to achieving its goal of playing in European competitions by 2030.

Keeping pace with modern arenas

The expansion of Vitality Stadium will increase stadium capacity to over 20,000, with several thousand additional seats expected from next season. The project, designed by Savills on behalf of the club, aims to help Bournemouth remain competitive in the Premier League by boosting matchday revenue and creating a positive economic impact for the local community. According to the documentation: For AFC Bournemouth, a stadium that does not meet modern standards would limit the club’s ability to stay in the Premier League and develop sustainably. These requirements form the basis for the project and the location of the planned expansion.

Preparatory work is estimated at £3.5 million and includes building a new perimeter fence with entry gates, expanding the main stand, laying foundations for the new South Stand, and enlarging media and broadcast areas. Plans also cover a new coach park for visiting teams, relocation of the pedestrian-cycling path, and upgraded accessible parking.

© AFC Bournemouth

The new South Stand

The main stand expansion will enclose existing terraces next to the restaurant and Bubbles Lounge, creating extra space for VIP guests and additional facilities for TV broadcasters, as required by the Premier League. The stand façade will be refreshed in grey and black tones. New fencing will move the entrance gates so tickets can be checked before entering the stadium, reducing queues and meeting safety and counter-terrorism requirements.

The new South Stand will hold 7,000 spectators (up from 2,337) and will be constructed offsite, to be assembled next summer, ready for the 2026/27 season—if all goes according to plan.

© AFC Bournemouth

Bureaucracy in full swing

As part of plans approved by BCP Council, land near Kings Park will be transferred to the club. A report evaluating six options recommends Option C, which involves ending current lease agreements and granting two new ones—for the stadium plot and parking area. This option is considered the most practical to deliver the expansion while safeguarding the local community’s interests. The project will be executed in phases over 2–3 years to minimize disruption during football seasons.

The council will also approve confidential protocols and recommendations from the Cross-Party Asset Disposal Working Group, along with proposed contract terms, which will return to Cabinet and full Council for final approval. During public consultations, objections were raised—mainly regarding lack of detailed project information, traffic management, and impact on the local community. The report notes that these details will be addressed in upcoming planning applications and do not affect the principle of land transfer.