AFC Bournemouth has taken an important step towards expanding Vitality Stadium. The submission of a full planning application marks the start of a key administrative phase for a project aimed at aligning the venue with the club’s Premier League ambitions and reshaping its role within the city.

Vitality Stadium as a cornerstone of AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League ambitions

AFC Bournemouth has officially submitted a full planning application for the expansion of Vitality Stadium. The documentation has been filed with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, marking the project’s entry into a critical administrative phase. The club emphasises that the stadium’s current capacity significantly limits its long-term growth. AFC Bournemouth has spent nine of the last eleven seasons in the Premier League, and sustained competitiveness at the top level requires higher matchday revenues and upgraded infrastructure.

Club executives have opted to redevelop and expand the existing stadium rather than pursue the construction of a new venue. This decision was made possible in part by the club’s reacquisition of Vitality Stadium in 2025. The redevelopment strategy aims to preserve the stadium’s identity while bringing it in line with modern Premier League standards.

Once all phases of the project are completed, the stadium’s capacity is expected to exceed 20,000 seats—almost double the current figure of approximately 11,300. This would move Bournemouth closer to the benchmarks set by leading clubs across Europe. A central element of the project is the demolition of the existing South Stand and its replacement with a substantially larger structure. The new stand is designed to accommodate nearly 6,800 spectators, including around 60 elevated wheelchair-accessible spaces, significantly improving accessibility.

© AFC Bournemouth | The capacity of Bournemouth Stadium is expected to exceed 20,000.

The plans also include extensions to the North and East Stands, as well as the infilling of the stadium’s corners. This will create a more enclosed and compact stadium bowl, enhancing acoustics for both football matches and non-sporting events. Beyond seating, the redevelopment will deliver new hospitality areas, upgraded sanitary facilities and improved internal circulation, with a strong focus on fan comfort and commercial potential.

Will the expanded Vitality Stadium become Bournemouth’s concert hub?

An integral part of the planning application is a detailed noise management strategy for large-scale concerts, which AFC Bournemouth intends to host occasionally at the stadium. Vitality Stadium has previously staged music events, including a concert by Elton John, but the club aims to attract more major performances following the redevelopment.

According to the submitted documents, sound levels during concerts will be monitored at multiple locations across the city, with organisers required to take corrective action if agreed thresholds are exceeded. Local residents will be notified well in advance of events, and a dedicated communication line will be established to address any concerns.

© AFC Bournemouth | AFC Bournemouth wants to organise concerts in addition to sporting events.

Transport and parking strategy around Vitality Stadium

The proposal also includes a comprehensive transport assessment designed to mitigate parking pressures on matchdays and concert days. The club plans to promote public transport use and off-site parking facilities, while restricting parking in the immediate vicinity of the stadium to permit holders only.

Construction timeline and completion target for the AFC Bournemouth project

Initial preparatory works have already received approval, with main construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. Subject to full planning consent, the completion of the Vitality Stadium redevelopment is targeted for the 2027/28 season—opening a new chapter in the history of AFC Bournemouth and its home ground.