Wolves Announce USD64m Molineux Redevelopments

Soccer club Wolverhampton Wanderers of the English Premier League has announced a major multi-million redevelopment of the club’s 28,525 capacity Molineux Stadium.

The news will see the stadium enter multiple phases of construction, all of which will be overseen by main contractors, The Buckingham Group. According to an official statement on the club’s website the project has been scheduled in such a way in order to allow Wolves to ‘pause and reflect’ if required.

Club Chairman Steve Morgan revealed the news, stating: “We know there is a balance to be struck. This decision is about a statement of our commitment, belief and ambition and about the planned success for Wolves over the medium to long-term but we will also continue our policy of investing in our talented, young squad because there is no point in having a great stadium if we don’t have a great team to play in it.”

The first phase will begin with the demolition of the Stan Cullis Stand in May 2011 as part of a US$25.6m project to create an all new two-tier stand, the north east quadrant of which will act as a permanent base for away supporters. Due for completion in time for the start of the 2012/2013 soccer season, when complete the stadium’s overall capacity will rise to approximately 31,700.  

Phase one will also see redevelopment projects which will include a new Wolves megastore, museum, cafe, a family information centre, pitch facing hospitality facilities and a larger accessible lounger for disabled supporters.

Phase two of construction will raise the total cost of construction to roughly $64m and will consist of the rebuilding of the Steve Bull Stand over a two-season period and will aim to increase the stadium’s maximum capacity to 43,000, though Wolverhampton Wanderers officials have stressed that the final number is subject to change.

Phase three will see the club’s attention turn to adding a new top-tier on the Jack Harris Stand. Detailed financial plans have, as yet, not been costed.

Morgan added: “New facilities, better seats, much wider concourses and increased catering offerings will also give our fans a great match day – and non-match day – experience of visiting Molineux and supporting the team. This is a brave and decisive leap forward but one which will open up an exciting and historic new chapter for the benefit of everyone connected to this wonderful football club and City.”