Portsmouth are set to end their 108-year stay at Fratton Park after unveiling plans for a new 36,000-seater stadium. The new ground, which the club want to build on a 13-acre site adjacent to the city's naval dockyards, will be part of a £600m project also involving the construction of approximately 1,500 apartments, as well as restaurants, cafes and other leisure amenities.
Under the joint venture with Sellar Property Group, the 20,000-capacity Fratton Park will be demolished, with around 750 homes being built on the site. Both the Waterfront Quarter project and the redevelopment of tumbledown Fratton Park are subject to planning permission. Applications for the proposed developments will be submitted in the autumn, following consultation with stakeholders.
If given the go-ahead, work could get under way by summer 2008, and construction of the new stadium the following year. The club anticipate Pompey will be playing in the new stadium by 2011. "This will be the most spectacular stadium, set against the backdrop of the harbour and the English Channel befitting the club's history," said chief executive Peter Storrie. "The club will be playing a big part in the regeneration of the city and our fans will have the very best in terms of facilities and amenities as well as an excellent viewing experience. Portsmouth is moving into a new dawn with the backing of owner Alexandre Gaydamak and these are very exciting times for the club both on and off the field."
Franco-Russian businessman Sacha Gaydamak bought out former owner Milan Mandaric's remaining shares earlier this year after paying around £16m for a half-stake in the club in January 2006. Mandaric has since taken over at Leicester City. Gaydamak, who is rarely seen around the club except at matches, already has plans for a new training ground at nearby Fareham to replace Pompey's current accommodation at Eastleigh - deep in the territory of local rivals Southampton.