Oldham Athletic’s stadium regeneration is taking shape with the first steelwork now firmly in place on the Oldham Council-backed scheme.
The League One club is entering an exciting phase of construction work at Boundary Park with the first steel girders of its new 'North Stand' now towering over the site of the former Broadway Stand.
The new facility, being delivered by Oldham-based contractor Holroy Developments, will boast spectator seating for just under 2,500 fans, a new supporters bar, a 500-seat conference facility, plus offices and commercial suite, car park, health and fitness suite and a coffee shop.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, visited Boundary Park today to see the progress of construction work for himself with Neil Joy, Latics' Chief Executive.
Councillor McMahon 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."
"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 and one that can start generating vital new off-the-field revenue that currently it simply cannot hope to attract.
"I know that Simon Corney, along with his directors and staff, have had to work through some incredibly tough times to make this happen but this feels like a very important point in the club’s history – and one that points to a much brighter future."
Neil Joy said: "We were delighted to show Jim around today and update him on the latest plans and progress."
"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 amongst the fans.
"Everyone is excited about what this development can do for the future of the club."
In 2011 Oldham Council struck a package deal designed to keep the Latics in the borough. This included the purchase of the Lancaster Club site at Failsworth from the club, plus plans to regenerate that site and also stimulate the redevelopment of Boundary Park.
A planning application for the new North Stand development was submitted and approved last year.