MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND CAR PARKING AT THE BRITANNIA STADIUM
St. Modwen will shortly be commencing works to construct a new pedestrian “underpass” beneath Stanley Matthews Way leading to the Britannia Stadium. This underpass will significantly improve pedestrian access by providing a safe and traffic free route to the football ground from both the north and east connecting to the existing pathways to Blurton and Heron Cross.
As part of these works, all the dedicated car parking for the Britannia Stadium will be brought within the Stadium area by extending the car park on the west side and improving the remaining temporary car park on the south side to a full tarmac standard. The total number of Stadium parking spaces on site will be the same as existing. The works will commence in the first week of May and will be completed ready for the new football season.
The new “underpass” will connect from the north car park and go under Stanley Matthews Way close to the A50 to connect to the existing path on the east side. Although technically an underpass, because Stanley Matthews Way is a lot higher than the car park and path on either side, pedestrians will virtually walk through on the level. The safety of all users has been very carefully considered and the new walkway is designed to ensure its safe operation at all times.
The slip roads on and off the A50 from Stanley Matthews Way will be closed to allow the construction. Entrance and exit from / to the A50 from the Stadium and the whole Trentham Lakes site will be maintained via Gordon Banks Drive and the bridge over the A50 connecting directly to the A50 eastbound or via the Blurton Road or A500 / A50 roundabouts. Full diversion signs will be in place.
The works are part of St Modwen’s continuing commitment to the redevelopment of the Trentham Lakes site which is a development by Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration, the joint venture between St. Modwen and Stoke on Trent City Council. Over £1.5m is being invested and the reconfigured car parking will release a further five acres for more business development at the very successful Trentham Lakes site.
Trentham Lakes is the redevelopment of the former Hem Heath Colliery and is a prime example of the major regeneration that St Modwen has delivered in Stoke, transforming 400 acres of derelict colliery and waste tips into the premier industrial, distribution and mixed use site in the city. Over 1.8 sq ft has been constructed to date as well the Stadium, hotel, restaurants, car showrooms and 275 new homes. Trentham Lakes already has more than 3,500 people employed on site and once the final 70 acres are developed, more than 5,000 people will be employed, over double the number employed by the former colliery.
Mike Herbert, regional director, St. Modwen commented, “We are continually looking to improve and enhance our sites and this latest project will give a big improvement to the pedestrian access to the Stadium and improve safety by stopping pedestrians having to cross the main access road before and after matches. The improved car parking will also be much better than the temporary car parks in use since the Stadium was built.
