Southampton stadium fan zone plans approved

There will be facilities behind three sides of the stadium, including the Chapel and Kingsland Stands

Plans for new fan zones and big screens outside Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium have been given the green light by the city council.

The Premier League club’s proposals feature a stage with large screens, food and drink stalls and a playing area on land around the ground.

Representatives for the club said the scheme aimed to improve the experience for fans on match days and could be used to broadcast other sporting events this summer, such as the Paris Olympics.

The changes will result in the loss of about half of the stadium's parking spaces, including disabled ones.

A marquee and food stalls will be placed outside the Northam Stand

Outside the Northam Stand there will be a large marquee, stage and large screens. Behind the Chapel Stand, a 4G playing area will be installed as well as another stage.

Finally, there will be food and drink stalls outside the Kingsland Stand, which will be the new home of away fans.

In total, there will be 15 food and drink stalls dotted around the stadium exterior.

Planning officers from Southampton City Council approved the proposals - which were submitted in April - under delegated powers.

A report by the case officer said: “The proposed use would enhance the offer at the football club which is a valuable asset to the city centre.

“The use itself is complementary to the club and subject to securing the appropriate mitigation, will not harm residential amenity.”

Work has already started on the scheme.

On-site car parking at the stadium will be reduced from 237 standard spaces and 57 disabled spaces to 106 and 30, respectively.

The application did include plans to reduce the number of cycle storage spaces from 157 to 66, but the council insisted on revisions to the plans to increase that number.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Southampton FC for comment on the plans.