Photos emerge as AFC Bournemouth’s new stadium redevelopment plans gets set for approval

More photos emerge as AFC Bournemouth’s new stadium redevelopment plans gets set for approval later this week.

The Cherries, who have had quite the season, currently sitting 6th in the Premier League, have this week confirmed that the Vitality Stadium’s main planning application has been recommended for approval by the local planning authority with a planning committee date for final approval vote is set for this Friday (22nd May).

They have the smallest capacity in the top flight, 11,307, with an average attendance of 11,173. The second lowest is Brentford with 17,126 in a 17,250 capacity stadium.

Bournemouth have set out the new capacity to be around 20,200 once the the redevelopment is complete.

Bournemouth Echo have published more images of what the new development will look like, as have the club. You can also have a look at the fly-through video which was posted in July 2025…

𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 anything is possible pic.twitter.com/83xdEY2Gg2

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 15, 2025

A club statement published on Monday (18 May) read:

“AFC Bournemouth can confirm that plans for the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium have been recommended for approval by BCP Council, with a planning committee meeting date set for Friday 22nd May.

“The recommendation marks a significant milestone for the club, coming 14 months after first engaging with the BCP Planning Department regarding its proposals to enhance and modernise AFC Bournemouth’s home.

“Throughout the process, the club and its professional advisors have worked closely and constructively with officers from the BCP Planning Department to address all matters raised during consultation and assessment.

“The club has also been greatly encouraged by the backing shown by local residents, organisations, businesses and charities throughout the consultation process.

“The feedback and support has reinforced the importance of the stadium redevelopment not only for AFC Bournemouth, but for the wider community across the BCP area.

“In recommending the application for approval, the Council has recognised the substantial economic, social and environmental benefits the redevelopment will bring to the local area.

“The proposals are designed to secure the long-term future of top-flight football in Bournemouth while also delivering meaningful community and infrastructure improvements.

“As part of the application, AFC Bournemouth has agreed what represents the club’s biggest ever commitment to local infrastructure investment. The planning obligation package, worth in excess of £1,000,000, includes measures aimed at addressing parking pressures in surrounding residential streets, improving sustainable travel infrastructure and uptake, and improving Kings Park for the benefit of local communities and supporters alike.

“The proposed redevelopment comes at a pivotal moment, with the club enjoying its best ever season on the pitch and the exciting prospect of what can be achieved.

“Consequently, the opportunity to increase capacity and improve facilities is seen as crucial to supporting the continued growth and ambitions of AFC Bournemouth.”

Jim Frevola, President of Business Operations at AFC Bournemouth, commented: “Reaching this stage in the process is a hugely significant achievement for everyone connected with AFC Bournemouth.

“Over the past 14 months there has been an enormous amount of hard work, collaboration and positive engagement between the club, our advisors and BCP Council officers. We’re grateful for the cooperation and commitment shown throughout.

“This proposal represents a major investment not only in the future of AFC Bournemouth, but also in local infrastructure and the wider area around the stadium.

“We would like to thank BCP Council for their constructive approach in helping us reach this important milestone, and we now look forward to the upcoming planning committee meeting.”

FAQs have been posted on the club website:

Q: What improvements are planned for the West Stand?

A: Internal refurbishments will enhance player facilities, hospitality areas, concourses, etc. In addition, we plan to enclose both open-air patios on the second floor.

Q: What is planned for the North and East Stands?

A: These will be extended to add approximately 1,200 seats in the North and 1,700 in the East.

Q: What are the enabling works?

A: We will be installing a new perimeter fence line with relocated turnstiles to allow for easier ingress and egress. In addition, a new ticket office will be added to the exterior of the new perimeter fence line.

Q: Will you add any additional Fan Zones?

A: The plan is to add a new Fan Zone to be located on the SW corner of the stadium grounds, offering food and beverage outlets.

Q. Is the stadium going to host non-football events?

A: As is currently the case, hospitality spaces within the stadium would be used for non-football activities (i.e. conferences, meetings, business events, proms etc.) across the calendar year. During the off season the stadium may also host other events such as concerts or other sporting events. However, they would be infrequent.

Q: Will matches continue during construction?

A: Yes, construction is planned to minimise disruption and allow the stadium to remain operational during the football season.

Once the 2025/26 season has come to an end, subject to the relevant permissions, the current South Stand is to be demolished.

Work will also see the new 3,000-seater lower tier of the South Stand under construction, the South-East and North-West corners filled in.

AFC Bournemouth also said back in February the following:

– Turnstiles for all stands will be relocated to the new perimeter, creating a larger outer concourse.

– A newly built and relocated ticket office will become operational at the new perimeter.

– Internal refurbishment of both the East and West Stands will be completed, including the introduction of three new hospitality spaces.

– Overall stadium capacity will increase by over 1,500 seats.

– Updated media seating and enhanced broadcast facilities will be incorporated within the West Stand.

– Supporters will continue to see construction of the South Stand upper tier throughout the 2026/27 season.

– The remaining corner infills, and extensions to the North and East stand will begin during the close season in 2027, resulting in a capacity of approximately 20,200.

But the club add that all works are subject to planning and construction phasing.

The council planning officer makes a recommendation to the committee based on the law/planning regulations – usually the committee will follow the recommendations but sometimes they won’t – although I’d be pretty confident they will with this one.

— Alexander Smith (@AlexSmithEcho) May 14, 2026

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