Stand and deliver

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 11 April 2014


Work on Oldham Athletic’s new North Stand has had the once-over from council leader Jim McMahon.

The stand’s steel framework is now in place on the former Broadway stand side of the ground, and the finished stand should be ready for the start of next season.

The Oldham Council leader said: “It’s always an inspiring sight when all the talking and planning stops and you start to see the first physical signs of a project like this taking shape.

The new atand will seat almost 2,500 fans and house a bar, a 500-seat conference centre, offices, a commercial suite, car park, health and fitness suite and a coffee shop.

Said Mr McMahon: “This is an absolutely vital regeneration scheme. It forms part of what I often refer to as the Oldham to-do list because the benefits aren’t just for the club and its supporters, but for the whole borough.

“Last season’s FA Cup run once again showed how Oldham Athletic can put this town on the national map in a way that nothing else quite can – and these new facilities will be a huge boost to the local community, visitors and the economy. It’s been a hard road to get to this point but a better stadium will give the club a facility it can be proud of.

Latics chief executive Neil Joy said: “The council’s support has been vital in getting us to where we are today and the sight of the first steelwork has created a real buzz of excitement among fans.