The FDC Arena redevelopment progress
The FDC Arena redevelopment progress
The redevelopments of The FDC Arena are ongoing - here's an update on progress so far.
The redevelopments of the 11-a-side pitch at The FDC sees the conversion of the site's grass pitch to a state-of-the-art 3G AGP (Artificial Grass Pitch) complete with new hospitality suite. Thanks to a grant from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, and funding from the Football Foundation, the latest part of the project will see a £1.05m investment in the construction of the new stadia pitch.
Works started in November last year and are on time to finish in mid-late spring. Initially the contactors had to prepare the site for the redevelopments to begin; this included the removal of storage containers, fencing and floodlights.
The first major job that was completed was the removal of 6000 tonnes of topsoil in preparation for drainage works and the subbase for the new pitch to be installed. While this was taking place, the breaking and removal of the pitch-perimeter pathway was carried out. This will allow for new spectator hardstanding to be placed around three sides of the pitch, future proofing the ground for Step 5 National League System football.
By the first week of December, the contractors were finalising the base works of the pitch that included new drainage installation. The upgraded drainage system will also reduce the risk of the existing small sided 3G pitches from flooding. Before the site closed for Christmas preparation on the ground for spectator hard standing that surrounds the main grandstand took place.
The first week of the new year has seen the player entrance area opened up, pitch curbs installed and groundwork for the new hospitality suite completed. The coming weeks will see some of the fencing posts starting to go up, and the main spectator hard standing area will start to develop, new floodlight columns will be installed, and new stadia infrastructure will arrive.
Norfolk FA's Head of Facilities & Development, Ian Grange, said: “We are delighted with the progress so far with the redevelopments on the 3G pitch. Seeing the works taking place and knowing the positive impact it will have for local grassroots and the local community is really exciting.
“We are on track to finish by late spring meaning we will be able to host multiple County Cup finals, as well as various League Cup finals and the return of The FDC Cups.”
The redevelopment is still on course to be completed by mid-late spring with County Cup finals due to take place on the new 3G pitch in May. To read more about the redevelopments at The FDC, please click here.
